What month can you see whales in Maui?

When Is Maui Whale Watching Season? Whale watching season in Maui is November-May with peak season typically running between mid-January and March. At Pacific Whale Foundation, our whale watching season officially kicks off in early November with our Welcome Home the Whales cruise.



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if you're planning a trip to Maui and want to experience whale watching, the best month to visit is January, followed by February and March. However, if you can't make it in those months, you may still be able to see some whales in December and April.

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Officially, whale season in Maui runs from December 15th-May 15th, although it's still possible to see whales outside of the official“whale season” dates. While the first Maui whale sighting differs every year, it's usually sometime in late September that the first whales are spotted off Maui.

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“One of the best places that I have found whales … is in Lahaina Harbor,” Sullivan said. Not so coincidentally, many of the boat tours depart from Lahaina, the West Maui town between the resorts of Kaanapali Beach and Wailea. “The whales will come all the way up to the boats that are moored,” he said.

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The best time for whale watching in Hawaii is between December and March. Though you can begin to see whales off the coast in the beginning of October (or even September) and as late as May, between December and March is when the population of humpback whales in Hawaii is the largest.

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They do not have specific periods of time for rest or play, rather whales have intervals of activity throughout the day! This means you can whale watch in Maui sunrise to sunset! Early-bird whale watching typically checks in around 6:15 am and includes whale watching while enjoying the sunrise!

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The best place to see whales in Maui is the Maui Nui Basin. It's estimated that more than half of the humpback whale population migrates to the Maui Nui Basin for breeding every winter. The Maui Nui Basin refers to the waters between Maui, Lanai, and Kaho'olawe and is a protected sanctuary for the whales.

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Whale-watching tours depart from Lahaina Harbor, Kaanapali, Kihei, and Wailea and typically last two to five hours. Most whale-watching cruises depart in the morning when the ocean is calmest and conditions make it easier to spot whales.

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While Maui is the best location for humpback whale spotting, the other islands also see many whales in season. There are fabulous whale-watching tours on Kauai, the island of Oahu, and off the shores of the Big Island.

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The best times to visit Maui are April through May and September through November. The spring and fall shoulder seasons provide the pleasant weather Hawaii vacationers seek without the high rates and heavy crowds that accompany the summer and winter.

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Staying Warm Even though Maui is known for its warm weather, it can still get chilly on whale watches— even in the sun! The wind coming off the water can be cold, so pack a light jacket or hoodie to bring on board. Layers are key on whale watches.

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Stop if you're too close: Stop immediately if you are within 100 yards of a humpback whale. Leave engines running and out of gear (in neutral) until the whale moves away. Go around whales from behind: If you encounter whales in your path, go around them from behind while maintaining more than 100 yards distance.

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Although not required, a gratuity for your guide is a great way to show your appreciation for their outstanding service. Guiding is a hospitality industry comparable to that of a server at a restaurant. 10% – 20% gratuity is a good general rule, depending on how amazing your guide was.

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The reality, however, is that they do exist in Hawaii, but they aren't a part of a resident population that is regularly spotted in the islands. There have been a handful of orca sightings off the Big Island of Hawaii as well as Maui and Lana'i, and a dead orca once washed ashore along the southern coastline of Lana'i.

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Whales are generally most active in the morning and late afternoon, making these the best times to spot them. During the morning, whales tend to be more active as they start their day and may feed. As the day progresses and the sun sets, whales become more active as they prepare to rest for the night.

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