When can you see whales from Kaanapali?

Whale sightings in Maui typically occur between November and May. The best months to see whales is usually between mid-January and March as this is considered peak whalewatching season. On occasion, we will have our first whale sighting as early as October or late September.



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When Is Maui Whale Watching Season? Whale watching season in Maui is November-May with peak season typically running between mid-January and March.

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The best time to view whales is between dawn and dusk when they are most active. Whale-watching tours typically last 3-4 hours, but you may want to check with your tour operator about the specific times that their vessel will be sailing.

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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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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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This stretch of heavenly white sand is everything you could ask for if you're interested in suntanning, swimming, and snorkeling. Pretty much all of Kaanapali Beach, Maui lies in front of the resort hotels of West Maui.

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While your view of whales from the shore won't be the best, you may be able to catch some spouts (when they expel air from their blowhole, causing surface water to shoot up) or some tail-slapping, even at a distance. Some of the best places to watch from shore are: Ka'anapali Beachwalk (Lahaina) Olowalu Beach (Lahaina)

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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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November marks the traditional start of the 2022-2023 whale season at the sanctuary. Humpback whales are generally seen in Hawai'i from November into May each year, with the peak season running from January through March, according to the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary.

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