Maalaea Harbor Whale Watch
Maalaea Harbor Whale Watch
$99.05
Head to Maʻalaea Harbor for an unforgettable Maui whale-watching adventure with PacWhale Eco-Adventures. During whale season, typically November through May, humpback whales gather in the warm waters surrounding Maui, Molokaʻi, and Lānaʻi, creating incredible opportunities to observe breaching, tail slapping, spyhopping, and other natural behaviors. A Certified Marine Naturalist accompanies the excursion, sharing insights from Pacific Whale Foundation’s decades of marine research and conservation work.
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THE BOAT
PacWhale Eco-Adventures operates a diverse fleet of vessels designed for different whale-watching experiences, from larger, easy-access catamarans to smaller vessels and specialty excursions. Your vessel depends on the whale-watching experience and date you select.
THE TOUR
Departing from Maʻalaea Harbor, PacWhale whale watches take guests into the waters surrounding Maui Nui in search of North Pacific humpback whales. A Certified Marine Naturalist provides educational narration throughout the excursion, drawing on Pacific Whale Foundation’s extensive marine research and conservation work. Whale activity can include breaching, tail slapping, spy hopping, and other surface behaviors.
WHAT TO KNOW
Onboard purchases are cashless, so pack your credit or debit card if you plan on purchasing snacks or drinks. And speaking of drinks, this vessel boasts a well-stocked bar for those who wish to imbibe. Binoculars and cameras are also available for rent. We recommend guests wear flat or low-soled shoes and bring a light jacket, as it can get chilly on the water. Have a great time on one of the best Maui whale watches of your life!
Are you closer to Lahaina, or do you want to go out on a more private tour? Check out small group rafting tours out of Kihei.
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Nearby Areas:
Maalaea • Kihei • Wailuku
Epic Maalaea Whale Watching Photo
This photo was shot by Natalie Brown on this exact whale watch cruise out of Maʻalaea harbor. With the right camera, a steady hand, and a little luck, you can get this kind of photo too!
Important Information about this activity
| Duration and Departure: | The 2-hour tour departs multiple times daily from Ma'alaea Harbor, a convenient location for several areas on Maui. |
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| Included Features: | Led by certified Marine Naturalists, the tour includes underwater hydrophones to hear whale songs, an onboard Jr. Naturalist Program for kids, and free marine wildlife postcards. |
| Whale Sighting Guarantee: | PacWhale offers a whale-sighting guarantee on eligible whale-watch experiences; see the current booking terms for details. |
What recent guests are saying
PacWhale is run by a nonprofit focused on marine research and conservation, and reviewers often say that's why they chose it. Guests across its tours praise crews who are friendly, knowledgeable and attentive, and whale watchers in past seasons highlight naturalists who explain what they're seeing.
Whale watching runs in winter, roughly December through April, so sightings depend on the season.
Our summary of PacWhale Eco-Adventures's public Google and Yelp reviews, updated October 17, 2026.