Maui Whale-Watching Season: When and Where to See Humpbacks
From roughly December through April, thousands of North Pacific humpback whales migrate some 3,000 miles from Alaska to the warm, shallow waters around Maui to breed and give birth. The island sits at the heart of a national marine sanctuary created for them.
When to come
The season runs December to April, with the peak in January, February and March. In those months it is genuinely hard not to see whales — breaches, tail slaps and spouts are visible from shore, let alone from a boat.
Where to watch
- From a boat: the calm 'Au'au Channel between Maui, Lanai and Molokai is prime habitat. Tours leave from Lahaina and Ma'alaea, many with onboard naturalists.
- From land: the scenic pullouts along Honoapi'ilani Highway on the west side, the Wailea coastal path, and McGregor Point lookout all deliver free, frequent sightings.
Keep your distance
Federal law requires boats and people to stay at least 100 yards from humpback whales. Reputable operators cut their engines and let curious whales approach on their own terms — which is often exactly what happens.
What to bring
Binoculars, a windbreaker, and patience. Early-morning trips tend to have calmer seas. If you are out at the right time, a mother and calf surfacing beside the boat is a memory that outlasts the photos.
Photo: Richard N Horne / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Planning a Maui stay?
This article lives on RentMauiNow.com — a demonstration vacation-rental website that is itself for sale. See the 10 best places to stay in Maui, or learn how to own a site like this.