Deluxe maui whale watching cruises kaanapali, lahaina. Setting out from kihei, cruise to an area off the southern end of maui with one of hawaiis highest whale populations. Molokai the island of molokai remains true to its island roots. Unofficially, whale watching season runs from december 1 april 30. From charter boats to passenger rafts, a stroll past the whale watching kiosks lining lahaina harbor reveals a variety of whale watching options. Lahaina whale watching tours pacific whale foundation. Choose from catamarans, zodiacs, jetboats and even kayak and outrigger canoe tours that depart from centralized locations including lahaina and kaanapali on maui, waikiki on oahu, and kailuakona on. This high speed catamaran leaves from maalaea harbor and can get you to the whales quickly. If youre fortunate enough to be on maui during the winter, you simply cannot miss the majestic humpback whales that visit hawaii every year. In the prewhaling days, the pods were estimated in numbers upwards of 45,000 individuals. Pride of maui is the most stable and spacious boat on maui with incomparable amenities including two restrooms, glass bottom, water slide, submerged boarding ladders, warm showers, a large hardwood bar and over 2500 feet of open deck. Oct 30, 20 hawaii ocean rafting tours whale watching from maui. See them up close from a tour boat, glassbottom boat or zodiac raft and enjoy whale watching while learning all about their lifestyle and habitat from a naturalist guide.
There is a mandatory 14day selfquarantine for all visitors and residents of the state of hawaii. Pacific whale foundation helping protect our oceans. Maui quaint towns, farms and beautiful beaches await on the valley isle. Sail trilogy whale watching tours depart from several locations on maui including maalaea, lahaina, and kaanapali beach. Other good islands to go whale watching are maui and kauai. Our favorite whale watch its fast which means you spend more time watching whales and less time looking for them. Maui whale watching is most thrilling aboard the malolo. During these winter months thousands of pacific humpback whales migrate from their summer feedings grounds in the waters off alaska to the warm hawaiian waters to mate and nurse their. Maui whale watch tours hawaii humpback whale watching. These tours run from december through march and provide you with a spectacular.
Maui is the prime spot in hawaii for viewing hundreds of humpback whales from november through may as thousands congregate in the warm waters off the coast to eat, mate, and raise their young. Boats, by law, cannot approach a humpback whale any closer than 100 yards, but oftentimes the curious whales will swim up and mug the boat. The humpback whale season in maui lasts from november to may of every year. All beverages and snorkel gear are included, making this afternoon whale watch and snorkel tour a great value. If you prefer a larger, more sturdy boat, look at hawaii ocean project. The whale trust is a good organization that i highly respect but not the only one located in hawaii or maui that does real research. During the winter months, the maui coast plays host to the majestic humpback whales who visit the area to mate and give birth. Hop aboard one of the trilogy catamarans in support of the whale sanctuary, as the company was the first official sponsor, donating a portion of all proceeds towards hawaii whale research. If seeing whales is a priority, book your tour early in your vacation so that you can go on another trip in the unlikely event you dont see whales note. Well, we may be a teeny bit biased, but the best place to see the whales is from one of our whale tour boats.
These tours run from december through march and provide you with a spectacular vantage point from the safety. Maui county is world famous as the destination for the pacific northwest humpback whales. For more information or to order your whale watch tickets over the phone, call toll free at 18664829775 or 8088922082 local. The newest of the kaanapali fleet, blue maui offers snorkeling and seasonal whale watching aboard our 30 navatek sea blade. The explorer is a hardshelled boat with an inflatable edge like a large zodiac which gives a fast, smooth ride and a front row seat for every passenger. Youll get 10plus hours of live commentary and a handy app that can be used offline to guide you through maui s. The humpback whales that migrate to the hawaiian waters each year seen on all maui whale watching tours spend their summers in alaska.
Join us annually from december through march, on our whale watching maui tour. Worldstar hawaii is your top choice when it comes to quality tours in maui, oahu, big island or kauai. The island of maui is the best hawaiian island to watch these majestic mammals. These cruises are offered on the four main hawaiian islands of oahu, maui, kauai and the big island. Between december and april every year, the endangered pacific humpback whales travel from alaska to birth and nurture their newborn calves in the warm hawaii waters. Whale watching in maui maui hawaii snorkeling, maui. Hawaii tours packages and activities on oahu, maui. Rafts i would look at captain steves, ultimate whale watch, hawaii ocean rafting or maui adventure cruises. The only whale watching in maui adventure that will stay out a bit longer, if the whales start really putting on a show. Boats, by law, cannot approach a humpback whale any closer than 100 yards, but oftentimes the. Discounted prices, no booking fees, and easy booking with travelshack. Island of hawaii the youngest island is the largest and full of adventure. Head to molokini crater and turtle town for what is said to be the best snorkeling in maui. You can listen to the whales under water, spot them from.
Maui whale watch tours marine naturalist cruises pacwhale. All of the footage was taken in 1 single whale watch trip aboard blue water rafting from kihei boat ramp in south maui, hawaii in february 17th, 2010. But you dont have to go on a whale watching tour to spot whales. Witness these magnificent creatures in their natural environment with an educational and fun boat cruise from mauis whale watching experts. Find the best hawaii whale watching cruises at discounted rates by selecting your island above. Maui activities whale watching maui whale watching tours. Whale watching experiences on maui mauis best whale watching tours. We always insuring quality and current information.
The shallow and protected interisland waterways surrounding maui entice these massive creatures for months of playing, mating, birthing and raising their young. Whale watching experiences on maui maui s best whale watching tours. If whale watching is on your bucket list, look no further than maui, hawaii. The waters surrounding maui are the stage for some of the best whale watching in the world. See why pacific whale foundation has the best whale cruises on maui renowned marine experts, ecofriendly, and a unique way to experience the magnificent humpbacks. Our fast and safe rafting vessels are low to the water and perfect for close whale watching encounters and small groups making every seat a front row seat. To truly go whale watching on maui, however, and experience the wintertime magic, you need to book a whale watching tour to see the humpbacks up close. We do not use loudspeakers to talk with our guests, creating an intimate conversational setting with the crew and a small group. Maui whale watching tours makai adventures maui fishing. Voted hawaiis most popular whale watching cruise several years in a row, the star of honolulu is a fantastic viewing for whales. Its one of natures most mesmerizing shows, and to ensure your maui whale watching trip is an experience youll never forget, here are some tips you can use on your next winter trip to the island. What you need to know about the maui whale season the. Here are a few key reasons we thing you will love hawaii ocean rafting.
And we are proud to recommend the absolute best maui whale watching tour pride of maui. At 25 to 40 tons, pacific humpback whales are the fifth largest whale species in the world. The humpback is still on the endangered species list, but efforts to protect these gentle giants have increased their overall population. Hawaiis whale watching season runs from december through may. Hawaii ocean rafting offers private whale watching from maui exclusive maui rafting tours for you, your family and friends.
Every ticket supports active marine research and the whale entanglement response team. Apr 30, 2020 the waters around the main hawaiian islands of kauai, oahu, hawaii, maui, molokai, lanai and kahoolawe constitute one of the worlds most important north pacific humpback whale habitats and the only. The best time to see whales on maui is november through may when thousands of north pacific humpback whales grace hawaiian waters during their annual winter migration. Pacific whale foundation this is the largest and bestknown whale watch company on maui. In fact, there are plenty of areas on maui where humpbacks can frequently be seen from the shore during whale season. The waters off of maui offer one of the best places in all of hawaii to see this displaywhale sightings are guaranteed on this tour.
Maui whale watching guide humpback whales in hawaii. Our big, spacious boat and can follow the whales in comfort, no matter where they roam, throughout the humpback whale sanctuary. These twohour maui whale watching tours include onboard naturalists dedicated to educating. Hawaii ocean rafting tours whale watching from maui. But as a result of commercial whaling, those numbers were down to just 1,400 humpbacks in 1966. Pride of maui is the most stable and spacious boat on maui with incomparable amenities including two restrooms, glass bottom, water slide, submerged boarding ladders, warm showers, a large hardwood bar and over 2500 feet of. Youll enjoy a full two hour whale watch combined with snorkeling a beautiful coral reef. There are so many different options out there, and they can fill up pretty fast. Hawaiian islands humpback whale national marine sanctuary.
Best maui whale watch 2 hours with stardust hawaii. This is due to the 60foot high observation deck and 4 walkaround decks, which allow you to see very far out on all sides of the ship. Without a doubt, one of the most amazing marine wildlife adventures youll ever have the opportunity to partake in is a chance to witness the majesty of the north pacific humpback whales in their natural environment year, after year, these magical. Whale watching is available for visitors to enjoy between december and may. If you want a regular catamarantrilogy is another whale trust supporter. Includes interisland flight, 10 meals and 7 premium tours. The explorer is a hardshelled boat with an inflatable edge like a large zodiac which gives a fast, smooth ride and a. We are governed by a volunteer board of directors and our work is funded through fundraising activities, memberships and donations from supporters worldwide.
Humpback whales come to hawaii between november and april whale season, and the big island is our favorite of the hawaiian islands to go see the whales. Seeing as we operate seven boats that offer whale watching tours in maui, this is a question were asked a lot and at all different times of the year officially, whale season in maui runs from december 15thmay 15th, although its still possible to see whales outside of the officialwhale season dates. Hawaii whale watching tours hawaiian island travel network. There are many variations on the whale watching cruise in hawaii. Our lead boat, maui princess, is the largest, most uncrowded whale watching boat on maui. Humpback whales unlocking their mystery in maui, hawaii. The best place to take a whale watching tour is from historic lahaina harbor across the channel on maui. Pacific whale foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit organization founded in 1980 to protect the ocean through science and advocacy, and to inspire environmental stewardship. The raftlike boat was smaller than the big catamarans and the fewer amount of passengers 15 on my trip and the very personable and funloving crew of 3 made for a more. Oahu the heart of hawaii is home to honolulu and much more.
Hawaii whale watching hawaii whale watching tours are the big winter event. Youll travel in a large, sturdy raft that provides a speedy ride so you can maximize your viewing time. Dec 15, 2015 a whale watch on pride of maui begins at maalaea harbor and includes a barbecue lunch, mai tais, beer and two and a half hours at sea. Makai adventures provides ocean day trips and tours in lahaina, maui. Spotting humpback whales are one of the best winter activities in hawaii. This is the safest and most comfortable way to experience upclose whale. Best maui whale watch 2 hours includes expert narration by researchers that are currently studying the humpback whales. The humpback whales return to hawaii for a few months every year to mate and give birth, so malolo takes you out to see them from december 8 th april 15 th. Pacific whale foundation supports research and education about the humpback whales. Get away from the large groups and embark on a maui snorkeling cruise that keeps things small and intimate so you can have an amazing molokini snorkel tour. Maximize your hawaii vacation by whale watching on the four winds ii. Pacific whale foundation is a 501 c 3 nonprofit organization founded in 1980 to protect the ocean through science and advocacy, and to inspire environmental stewardship. The boat is decked out with brand new gear, the guys are super relaxed, really catering the trip for the group on board and we were one of the only boats out on the water that could glide through the wind with n. Our maui whale watching tour is truly an exceptional vacation value.
These are all companies that support the whale trust and the real research going on off maui. The whale trust is a good organization that i highly respect but not the only one located in hawaii or. Gives me the rest of the day to do whatever most tours but not all are very good when it comes to respecting our whales. We offer each guest plenty of room to roam around, for the very best view of mauis humpback whales. The whales are drawn to the areas shallow waters, especially the auau channel between maui, molokai and lanai, making maui. The 45footlong 14meter pacific humpback whales congregate in large numbers in the shallow auau channel between maui, molokai, and lanaimaking maui whale watching tours some of the best in hawaii.
There are a variety of whale watching tours to choose from, all of which offering a great time on the water and an opportuinity to get close to the whales. Limiting passengers to 3540 per boat means that everyone enjoys a front row seat to the unique and unforgettable whale watching experience. But on occasion, we will have our first whale sighting as early as october or even late september. Whale watch boats details and differences to help you decide. Highly rated whale watch photography workshop on luxury catamaran in lahaina. Set off on an exciting whale watch adventure off the lahaina coastline. Theyre here to mingle, mate and give birthand it all takes place just a couple miles off mauis leeward coast. Each winter december through may, thousands of kohola humpback whales travel to hawaii from colder waters to breed, calve and nurse their young. Welcome to blue maui blue maui is wholly owned by award winning sail maui, proudly serving maui for over 20 years. Experience the humpback whales in maui and view them in their natural habitat. Their migration crosses 3,100 miles of ocean each season. Due to state regulations during the growing health concerns of covid19, our tours are temporarily unavailable.
Hawaiian ocean project lahaina whale watching cruise from. But the whales came early this year and were already running whale watch tours. We are proud to offer whale watching tours from maui, kauai, oahu, and big island. Whale watching tours in hawaii maui sights and treasures. Lanai luxury and rugged nature blend on this enticing island. Honeymooners will experience 7 nights at 4star resorts on oahu and maui and enjoy the best of both islands.
We offer each guest plenty of room to roam around, for the very best view of maui s humpback whales. The hawaii whale watching season is the most anticipated time of year regarding activities in the islands. Your guide to whale watching on maui hawaii magazine. A whale watch on pride of maui begins at maalaea harbor and includes a barbecue lunch, mai tais, beer and two and a half hours at sea. Enjoy a prime opportunity to see humpback whales as they migrate through hawaiian waters from alaska between december and may. This maui whale watch cruise includes expert narration about the whales behavior, an underwater whalecam and a hydrophone. In fact maui is the indisputable epicenter for whale watching tours in hawaii. Enter to book your whale watching tour 808 8004881. Jul 06, 2014 you can whale watch from every island, but the calm, clear waters of the auau channel between maui, molokai and lanai may be one of the best places in the world to see hawaiis humpbacks.
One of the most popular and fun things to do during this time is to go on a whale watching cruise. Whale watchers typically see spouting and almost always catch breaching bellyflops, tail smacks, and finflapping behaviors. Whale watching boats often give a guarantee for sightingsif there are no whale sightings, then you get a free trip. The humpback whale infographic above was built to show some of the annual migration routes across the globe, the most common surface behaviors and the least common in our experience, names of anatomical parts of a humpback whale, length and weight of a typical humpback whale, tips on whale watching, and some mysteries that have yet to be solved. Tours last roughly 24 hours long and some even offer early bird specials. Whale watching cruises are some of the most popular things to do in hawaiis whale season, which runs from december through april. Whale watching season in maui is novembermay with peak season typically running between midjanuary and march. Come explore the magnificent hawaiian waters with blue maui. Experience mauis humpback whales as they come to hawaii to calve, mate, and rear their young. At pacific whale foundation, our whale watching season officially kicks off in early november with our welcome home the whales cruise. Check out our popular tours and activities in hawaii. We are sure, you heard about whale watching tours on maui happening during winter months decembermay.