Whale Watch Up Close
G et up close and personal with Maui's majestic whales on our low-to-water eco-rafts. Our small groups of 16 or less ensure an intimate, family-style tour. Our whale watching experience is more than just a tour, however!
We want to introduce you to our island's culture and deepen your connection with it. By the end of the trip, we hope you'll feel like a part of our Maui ohana, and be motivated to care for our island, even as a visitor. Come experience an adventure that will leave you feeling more in tune with nature and filled with aloha from our ohana.
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$74 USD
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3 yrs+
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1.5-hour
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Lahaina, Maui
Discount Afternoon Maui Whale Watch Features
Fun for the Whole Family
Embark on an incredible adventure from Lahaina Harbor to catch sight of the magnificent whales along Maui's coast and towards Lanai. Witness the Northern Pacific Humpback Whales as they display their unique mating and calf-rearing behaviors. Hear the melodic songs of these majestic creatures through our onboard hydrophone. Plus, you'll gain insights into the rich history and culture of Maui, humpback whales, and Hawaii from our knowledgeable Marine Naturalist Guide. Get ready for an unforgettable voyage into the world of whales!
Naturalist Onboard
The migration of whales to and around the Hawaiian Islands is an annual winter event that has been familiar to Native Hawaiians over the centuries. It is estimated that over 50% of the North Pacific humpback whale population comes to Hawaii in the winter! On your Whale Watch tour, our naturalist will answer questions like: What do humpback whales eat? Why were whales sacred to Hawaiians? How can scientists tell whales apart? Since this is a small group, please don’t hesitate to ask any questions. We’re happy to help educate you about these amazing animals!
Learn About Culture and Tradition
Did you know that whales played a special role in Hawaiian mythology? The Kumulipo, a 2,000-line creation chant, introduces them in the 16th verse as creatures of both darkness and light. According to the chant, the whale helped usher in the era of man. In Hawaiian culture, these majestic creatures were revered for their divine and physical qualities, making them an important symbol of the interconnectedness of Earth and spirit. So, while you’re out on your whale watching adventure, remember the significant role they played in Hawaiian history and culture. We would love to teach you more about these amazing creatures and their connection to local culture and history.
Discount Afternoon Maui Whale Watch Details
Highlights
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Great for Families
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Small Groups
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Guaranteed Whale Sightings
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Marine Naturalist Onboard
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Up-close experience
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Explore Local Culture
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Sunscreen Included
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Listen to the Whale Songs
Description
Avoid the crowds and enjoy comfortable seating for only 20 passengers or less with spectacular views of Hawaii’s humpback whales! The Humpback Whale returns to the warm Hawaiian waters every year during the winter months of December through April for their mating and calving season. Although whales are protected in Hawaii and we do not approach them closer than federal regulations, they often approach our small boat for those up-close and eye-level whale encounters. Your tour includes a full narration of interesting whale and Maui facts by our marine naturalist, listening to whale songs on a hydrophone, water onboard, and lots of photo ops!
Our 27-foot inflatable rafts are modeled after coast-guard rescue vessels, designed to give you a thrilling ride and up-close views of the amazing Pacific Humpback Whales as they migrate to Maui for breeding and calving. We even have a hydrophone onboard so you can listen to the whale songs as they pass by.
Nothing beats the excitement of watching a whale breach for the first time, and our small group tours provide the perfect setting to share the moment with new friends. Hear stories, laugh together, and make unforgettable memories. The goal of our whale watching tours is to educate visitors on the protection of humpback whales and how to better be eco-minded in our daily lives to better aid the recovery of our oceans as a whole.
Price & Availability
1.5-Hour Afternoon Rafting Whale Watch From Lahaina Harbor
AdultsAges 13 yrs+ | $74.00 |
ChildrenAges 3-12 yrs | $67.00 |
Included
- Small group family-style tour (25 guests or less)
- Smooth-ride ocean monohull powerboat vessel
- Marine Naturalist onboard aboard sharing whale and island facts
- Hydrophone for listening to whale songs
- Water included
Itinerary
- 1:55 PM Departure Mala Ramp In Lahaina
- 3:25 PM Return To Shore
Instructions
- Due to safety concerns, no pregnant women or people with back or neck injuries or children under the age of 3.
- Due to the temporary boarding location, guests will need to have mobility to walk on their own in order to safely board the boat.
- Please bring a hat, sunglasses, light jacket and reef-safe sunscreen.
- Low-to-water vessels can have ocean spray, bring a waterproof bag for personal items.
- Tour is subject to cancellation or reschedule due to weather or capacity.
Parking: Please do not park at Mala Ramp. For your convenience, we recommend parking near the Lahaina Cannery Mall or Longs Drugs. After parking, check in at DIVE Maui Shop, 1223 Front St., Lahaina, HI. It's a short walk from there – just head left on Front Street, over the bridge, next to Snorkel Bobs. Remember, parking incorrectly may cause delays to your trip.
Cancellation
Any request for a refund 72 hours or more prior to the start of the tour or activity is honored with a full refund.
No refunds are issued for any cancellations inside the 72-hour period, prior to the start of your tour. There is no refund for no-shows. There is no charge for date change or tour change based on tour availability outside of the 72-hour cancellation period.