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Each year, more than 4,000 migrating humpback whales journey from chilly Alaska to frolic, mate, and give birth in the shallow, warm waters off Hawaii. Here's what you need to know to see the breaching beasts on whale-watching tours in Maui.
When to Go
Whale-watching season in the Hawaiian islands runs from early November until May, but your best chance of spotting whales is during the peak months of January to March. Each February, the Pacific Whale Foundation hosts the week-long Maui Whale Festival with a run/walk, film festival, parades, whale counts, and more celebrating the islands' most popular annual visitors.
What You'll See
The 45-foot-long (14-meter) Pacific humpback whales congregate in large numbers in the shallow Auau Channel between Maui, Molokai, and Lanai—making Maui whale-watching tours some of the best in Hawaii. Whale watchers typically see spouting and almost always catch breaching belly-flops, tail smacks, and fin-flapping behaviors. If you're lucky, you could also spot new mothers with their calves or get "mugged" by a whale that chooses to come in close for a cameo.
How to Go
While sightings are possible from land during whale season, many whale-watching tours feature marine naturalists well-versed in Hawaii's marine life (and often, traditional Hawaiian lore surrounding the whales) and captains able to maneuver for up-close experiences. 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.
47 results | All Maui Tours

From Lahaina Harbor: Whale Watching Tours Aboard the Quicksilver
Observe humpback whales in their natural habitat during their return migration to Maui’s waters December–April. This whale watching adventure by high-speed catamaran provides a front row seat to fin slaps, flukes, and breaches. Underwater hydrophones help you hear whale songs, while the captain and crew provide the commentary. Juices and sodas are available on board to keep passengers hydrated.
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From
$39.95
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$39.95

Eye-Level Whale Watching 2 Hour Eco-Raft Tour from Lahaina, Maui
This tour departs from the historic Lahaina Harbor to find the majestic humpback whales that frequent the waters surrounding Maui in the winter months. Traveling in a small raft creates an intimate whale watching experience not found on the larger vessels commonly used on whale watching tours. Plus, the raft travels quickly, letting you spend more time whale watching and less time in transit.
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$69.66
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$69.66

From Lahaina Harbor: Lanai Snorkeling & Dolphin Encounter Aboard Quicksilver
Sail to one of Hawaii's less-frequented islands on this snorkeling tour form Lahaina to Lanai, or the Pineapple Island. Snorkel beneath 300-foot tall cliffs near Shark Fin and Manele Bay, and look out for sightings of Lanai's resident pod of Spinner dolphins. This tour also includes breakfast and lunch to fuel a full day of fun.
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$139.95
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$139.95

Adventure Sail from Lahaina Harbor
Enjoy stunning coastal views only available from the water during this sailing tour down Hawaii's Au'au Channel. Relax onboard a comfortable, well-equipped sailing yacht with a full captain and crew, enjoying complimentary beverages such as wine, local beer, or soft drinks.
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$84.66
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$84.66

Ultimate 4 Hour Snorkel from Lahaina Harbor
Skip the overcrowded boat tours and enjoy a more intimate experience of Hawaii. Travel to the island of Lanai in the company of no more than 22 passengers. Make snorkeling stops off the island to see tropical fish, turtles, octopus, manta rays, and dolphins. This tour includes breakfast and snacks and your ticket supports active marine research and the work of Maui’s whale entanglement response team.
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$175.00
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$175.00

2-Hour Whale Watching Experience! (Lahaina Harbor, Maui)
Catch an exciting peek at the underwater world on this whale-watching cruise in Maui. Your excursion includes narration from your captain and crew, as you learn more about these majestic creatures. Enjoy stunning views and photo opportunities while traveling along Maui’s exquisite coastline. Your family-friendly cruise comes with a guarantee that you spot a whale during your adventure.
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$73.38
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$73.38

Maui Snorkeling To Molokini Tour - All-Inclusive 5-Hour - Morning
The offshore crater of Molokini has some of the best snorkeling spots in Maui—if you can reach them. Thankfully, this half-day snorkeling tour heads straight for Molokini and Turtle Town nearby on a 53-foot (16 meters) Lani Kai II boat with a 20-foot (6 meters) waterslide. Visit two snorkeling and Snuba locations, get the chance to spot blue whales, and enjoy onboard breakfast and lunch.
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From
$191.00
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$191.00

Romantic Sunset Dinner & Dance Cruise! (Lahaina Harbor, Maui)
On this romantic Maui dinner cruise, cast the bowlines off the dock and cruise the Maui shoreline, enjoying views of the West Maui Mountains and a fiery Maui sunset. Tableside wait staff serves food and drinks while a musician provides the ambience, and finish the evening beneath a blanket of stars as you slowly cruise back towards shore.
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$153.76
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$153.76

From Ma'alaea Harbor, Maui: Molokini Snorkeling Adventure Aboard Calypso
Over 200 different species of fish inhabit Molokini Crater, and you have the chance to search for them all aboard this Maui snorkeling tour. Inside this ancient volcanic caldera that rises up out of the sea, you might also find manta rays, sea urchins, eels, or even a harmless shark. This tour also stops at a spot called Turtle Town along the Maui coastline, where you have the chance to swim alongside enormous Hawaiian Green sea turtles. Enjoy amenities like a glass-bottom viewing room and snorkeling equipment as well as a buffet lunch on the triple-decker catamaran.
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From
$199.95
From
$199.95

Molokini and Turtle Town Snorkeling Adventure Aboard the Malolo
Imagine swimming in a sunken volcano that teems with thousands of fish, while splashing in crystal clear water. On this Molokini snorkeling tour, cruise out to the crater, before jumping in the crystalline waters and scouring the colorful reef. Make a second stop dependent upon conditions, and search for turtles at Turtle Town or a spot named Coral Gardens. This family-friendly Maui activity is one of the island's most popular, and an unforgettable day of exploring the underwater world.
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From
$149.95
From
$149.95

Small Group 2 hour Whale Watch from Raft (Mala, Lahaina)
Head out to sea for the chance to see migrating whales with this two-hour excursion from Lahaina. Your group will sail off to the waters of the Maui Nui whale sanctuary, a mating and birthing destination for humpback whales. Best of all, you're guaranteed to see the gargantuan sea mammals or you'll get to go on another trip for free.
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From
$73.00
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$73.00

Maui's Best Lanai Snorkel & Dolphin Raft Adventure
Skip crowded boat tours for this small-group snorkeling excursion with a good chance to encounter dolphins. Cruise out from Lahaina Harbor across the Au’au channel to the Island of Lana’i. Snorkel among tropical fish, sea turtles, manta rays, and possibly dolphins—it’s estimated that dolphins are encountered near the island’s clear and calm waters around 85 percent of the time. Lunch is served onboard at one of the snorkel sites.
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From
$184.90
From
$184.90

Whale Watching Cruise with Open Bar from Ka'anapali Beach
Set sail into one of the world’s most active winter whale playgrounds on a whale-watching tour from Maui’s Ka’anapali Beach. Head offshore directly from the beach and, with the help of a naturalist guide, look for pods of humpback whales making their winter home in Maui’s warm waters. Get comfortable aboard a spacious catamaran with plenty of seating—including bean bags on open nets that get you close to the action—and enjoy unlimited drinks from an open bar as you cruise alongside spectacular marine mammals.
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From
$85.73
From
$85.73

Whale Watching from Lahaina Harbor
Don’t miss one of the most popular whale-watching tours in Maui! This 2-hour catamaran cruise takes you from the historic Lahaina Harbor out to waters home to humpback whales. Using underwater hydrophones, listen to them sing, and watch males compete for mates or mother whales calving — you never know you might see on this adventure that guarantees whale sightings. Enjoy the views from the open upper deck or the shaded cabins below, and hear informative commentary from naturalist-guides on board. This family-friendly outing includes a Naturalist Program for kids.
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From
$82.65
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$82.65

Whale Watching from Ma'alaea Harbor
Experience the magic of whale watching off the coast of Maui with this incredible tour from Ma'alaea Harbor. Spend two-hours cruising the waters with a team of certified marine naturalists and listen in as they unlock the secretes of humpback whales. You'll have the chance to hear whale songs through underwater hydrophones and learn about interactions between these giant marine mammals. Travelers are guaranteed to see whales on this is a once-in-a-lifetime tour or the next trip is free.
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From
$82.65
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$82.65

Four Winds II Molokini Snorkeling Tour from Maalaea Harbor
Snorkeling in Molokini Crater is undeniably one of the best parts about visiting Maui. Here in this crescent, submerged volcano off Maui’s southern coastline, over 250 species of fish inhabit a world-class reef. Experience water so exceptionally clear you can see down 75 feet, and swim with schools of tropical fish while cruising the vibrant reef. You can also just sit and suntan on the deck, with sweeping views of Haleakala set just off the back of the boat.
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From
$178.47
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$178.47

Kayak and Turtle Reef Snorkel at Olowalu
Paddle out from the Maui beaches for a guided, 3.5-hour, small-group kayak and snorkeling adventure. Travel the calm, clear waters along the beautiful Olowalu coastline and enjoy spectacular views of the majestic West Maui Mountains. Then hop into the water and snorkel with endangered green sea turtles and colorful tropical fish. Basic swimming skills are required. All snorkeling gear plus refreshments and snacks are included.
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From
$89.10
$9.90 savings
From
$89.10
$9.90 savings

Morning Snorkel Sail from Lahaina Harbor
Start your day off with an exciting adventure aboard this snorkel tour from Lahaina. Join a small group and set out onto the seas for a sail along Maui's west coast. Your captain chooses a location for the day, depending on weather conditions, for the chance to see green sea turtles and other aquatic species that hang around the coral reefs.
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From
$143.60
From
$143.60

Maui Snorkeling Molokini Crater Uncrowded, Unhurried.
This snorkeling tour of Molokini Crater offers more time on the water and fewer crowds. Depart in the morning and spend roughly half a day on the water with about two dozen fellow passengers maximum—the spacious 50-foot yacht (15 meters) travels at only 60 percent of the allowed capacity. What’s more, the tour features breakfast, lunch, an open bar, and snorkeling in more than one location.
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From
$237.44
From
$237.44

Semi-Private 4 Hour Eco-Raft Maui Snorkel Tour & Lanai Dolphins
Venture out to sea and discover the underwater world around Maui and Lanai on a half-day excursion. Join a small group on an ocean raft and sail along the coast, keeping an eye out for playful dolphins. Stop at a couple of snorkel spots and don your gear to get face-to-face with several aquatic species like fish and sea turtles.
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From
$148.96
From
$148.96

Private Charter, Morning Snorkel Sail from Lahaina
Private Charters.
No other passengers.
4-hours on the water, sailing with time to swim and snorkel.
Personal Service is our trademark and tradition.
Let our experienced captains and crew do all the work.
Come Sail Away.
Scotch Mist is a 50-foot Santa Cruz sailing yacht carrying up to 22 passengers.
Tropical treat breakfast, local fruits and breads.
Turkey (or veggie) wrap, local fruit, chips and cookies for lunch.
Your choice of sodas, juices and bottled water available throughout the trip.
Champagne, local beer and white wine available after swimming.
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From
$2,250.51
per group
From
$2,250.51
per group

Maui Whale Watching & Snorkeling Tour from Ma'alaea Harbor aboard Pride of Maui
Enjoy a day on the water and combine two great Maui ocean experiences in one. This tour is an opportunity to snorkel at Molokini or another nearby coral reef before embarking on a whale watching cruise in search of humpbacks. As you sail, you can enjoy beverages from the open bar, as well as a delicious lunch.
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From
$130.75
From
$130.75

From Ma'alaea Harbor: Whale Watching Tours Aboard the Malolo
Enjoy this 2-hour guided adventure in a high-speed catamaran to watch the whales in their natural habitat. Depending on the whales’ behavior during your whale watching trip, you may see the whales slapping the surface with pectoral fins (their very long side fins), flukes (the tail), the peduncle (the strong muscles attaching the tail to the rest of the body) and the breach, this is when the whale rises completely out of the water and crashes down again. Juices and sodas are available on board.
***If you are a Groupon customer, please note that the meeting point is***
Meet at:
Boss Frog's Snorkel, Surf, and Cycle
Ma'alaea Harbor, 300 Ma'alaea Rd, Wailuku, HI 96793
US +1 808-661-9937
*Please DO NOT visit 181 Lahainaluna Rd # B, Lahaina, HI 96761 that your Groupon map may show.
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From
$39.95
From
$39.95

Kayak and Snorkel - South Shore Turtle
Discover Maui’s South Shore on a 2.5- or 4.5-hour snorkel and kayak tour. Led by a local guide, you’ll paddle through the scenic Makena Bay on your choice of single or tandem kayaks. Then, take a dip in the water and explore the underwater world on a snorkel tour. Keep your eyes peeled for green sea turtles and other bright marine life. This family-friendly excursion is suitable for all skill levels, and your guide will provide paddling instructions as needed. Lunch is also included on the 4.5-hour option.
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From
$106.46
From
$106.46
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