8 Whale Watching in Maui Worth Booking

1.From Maalaea: Whale Watching Tour Aboard the Quicksilver

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,461 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $49Our pick

Cruise from Maalaea Harbor aboard the double-deck Quicksilver catamaran during Maui’s December to April whale season. You’ll spend about two hours watching humpback whales, listening to underwater songs through hydrophones, and hearing an informative account of whale behavior. Juice and soda are included.

“Kind and friendly staff. Good experience for the price. Would have liked to have explored more outside the harbor.”

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2.Ultimate Whale Watch from Lahaina

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,162 reviews · 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours 10 minutes (approx.) · from $77Top rated

From Lahaina Harbor, you’ll spend about two hours on a low, fast rafting vessel with a small group, looking for humpback whales and dolphins. Captains and naturalists such as Jill, Lacey, Kasey, and Jeremiah explain whale behavior, while an onboard hydrophone lets you hear whale songs underwater.

“Amazing experience with wonderful guides! Would 100% recommend this excursion and this company to others.”

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3.WHALES GUARANTEED Maui Whale Watching Makai Adventures

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,081 reviews · 2 hours 15 minutes (approx.) · from $97

Join Makai Adventures at Mala Boat Ramp for a 2-hour-15-minute whale watch aboard a fast, cushioned-seat boat with shade, an onboard bathroom, and open viewing. Captains and crew such as Allison, Travis, Dani, Levi, and Noah share whale facts while guiding you toward active humpbacks.

“WONDERFUL! Saw so many Whales, and an EXCELLENT CREW who kept us informed of where to look! They are very knowledgeable and give detailed facts about the whales the entire time of the tour.”

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4.Ma’alaea Harbor: Whale Watching Tour Aboard Power Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 979 reviews · 2 hours · from $49

Cruise Maui’s Ma'alaea Bay aboard Quicksilver’s double-deck power catamaran during whale season. Captain and crew explain humpback behavior, while underwater hydrophones let you hear whale songs. Choose shaded or open-air seating, with drinks, restrooms, and wide viewing areas on board.

“We took our daughter on a whale-watching excursion for her ninth birthday. She was thrilled to observe the whales jumping. She counted nearly 20 of them. The tour guide was extremely knowledgeable and provided us with a wealth of information about the whales and their migration. Sandy Palmer”

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5.Whale Watching Cruise with Open Bar from Ka’anapali Beach

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 802 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $115

Sail two hours from Ka'anapali Beach with Sea Maui, scanning for humpback whales while naturalists explain migration and behavior. Captain James, Nick, Charlie, Nico, and Bob have all been praised for sharp spotting and friendly service. Expect snacks, unlimited drinks, open-net seating, and a beach launch.

“Crew was very knowledgeable and friendly. We saw so many whales it was one of the best excursions we have ever had.”

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6.Whale Watching Maui: 2-Hour Small Group Raft Tour from Lahaina

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 661 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $80

From Lahaina, you’ll spend two hours in Maui Nui’s humpback whale sanctuary aboard a small inflatable raft with a captain and marine naturalist such as Will, Renee, Brian, or Joe. Expect 360-degree views, bottled water, reef-safe sunscreen, and a hydrophone for listening to whale songs.

“Awesome beautiful out tour driver Ed was great! Saw beaches, a cave and had fruit off the trees and he gave us options to choose our day.”

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7.Whale Watching from Ma’alaea Harbor

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 537 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $82

Spend about two hours off Maui with Pacific Whale Foundation, watching humpback whales from Ma'alaea Harbor. Marine naturalists explain whale behavior and play underwater songs through hydrophones. The trip is capped at 70 people, and children age 4 and under ride free when included on the manifest.

“We saw so many whales! There was a lot of information shared, and the crew was great. There were quite a few people on board which can limit your view. They have binoculars for rent onboard for use.”

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8.Maui Premium Sunset Dinner Cruise & Whale Watch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 504 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $189

Set out from Maalaea Harbor for an evening of humpback watching, sunset views, and a four-course dinner with alcoholic drinks included. Naturalists such as Stevie and Ash explain whale behavior, while the boat looks toward Lana‘i, Moloka‘i, and McGregor Point Lighthouse. Whale sightings vary, so bring patience and motion-sickness medicine if needed.

“This tour was far the highlight of our trip. Being the end of the whaling season we didn’t expect much, maybe a couple of fins pop up in the distant, no we were treated to about 10 whales circling our boat for about an hour putting on a show for us that was so amazing. The crew were also amazed, best tour me and my wife have ever taken.”

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