Does your bucket list include seeing humpback whales? The majestic creatures are a spectacular and unforgettable sight.
If you’re heading to Maui in the winter or early summer, you may be able to cross humpback whales off your bucket list. Every year, hundreds of humpback whales migrate to the waters around Maui.
Whether you catch a glimpse of the whales as part of a tour or on a solo expedition, some locations can give you a better view than others. If you’re looking for Maui whale watching destinations, we’ve got you covered.
The Best Time to See Whales in Maui:
When the waters around Alaska get too cold, the humpback whales head to Maui. Not only are the whales here to have some fun in the warm waters, it’s also their birthing grounds. Don’t be surprised if you get to see the calves playing on your whale-watching tour.
So, when is the best time to see Maui’s humpback whales? The season typically starts in mid-December but this doesn’t mean a few whales won’t make an early appearance. Surprisingly, it’s not too uncommon to see a humpback whale or two around Maui in September.
By January, you’re pretty much guaranteed to see whales breaching the waters. You can even sit on the beach and watch the gentle giants without dipping a toe in the water. The whales typically hang around Maui until mid-March when they start migrating back to Alaskan waters. By late April, the humpback whales are usually gone.
Don’t forget that humpback whales are protected animals, and this means making sure that you keep a respectful distance.
Solo Adventure or Whale-Watching Tour:
Not everyone enjoys hopping on a boat, whether it’s a sailboat, yacht, or catamaran with a few other strangers. If hanging out with others isn’t your thing, don’t worry, you’ll still be able to see the humpback whales.
Some whale-watching tours offer a little more privacy than a shared boat. You can hop into a kayak, raft, or even an outrigger canoe. Just make sure you’re familiar with the boat before paddling out into the water. You don’t want to steer too close to a breaching whale. There’s a good chance you’re going to capsize.
Before ruling out a whale-watching tour, you may want to consider the potential benefits. Since someone else is piloting the boat, you can concentrate solely on the area’s humpback whales. Your tour guide is also a wealth of information. You can learn some fascinating facts about humpback whales and the other species living in Maui’s waters. Some whale-watching tours even offer refreshments.
Not everyone is comfortable being in the water, and this is okay. If you’re worried you’re going to miss out on whale-watching, there’s a good chance you can still cross the item off your bucket list. Timing is key if you want to watch the humpback whales from the beach or even your hotel room window.
Try to plan your Maui visit anytime between mid-January and late March, which is usually when the whales are most active, including the calves. The whale population is also typically at its height. Sometimes, you can even see the whales breaching from your car window. Just imagine watching the whales on your drive from the Kahului Airport to your hotel.
Best Places On Maui For Whale Watching:
Even though you can often watch the humpback whales from your car window or hotel room, you may want to get a closer view.
If you’re taking a whale-watching tour, you’re going to head towards the Maui Nui Basin. The basin is located between Lanai, Maui, and Kaho’olawe. Did you know that over half of the world’s humpback whales migrate annually to the basin during breeding season?
If you prefer going solo or staying on the beach, there are a couple of places you may want to check out. Each has something else to offer, along with sightings of humpback whales.
Hookipa Beach Park:
Only nine miles from Maui’s airport and on the island’s north shore, you’ll find Hookipa Beach Park. The beach is a popular surfing destination, so the waters can get a little crowded. However, you can easily escape the crowds by heading to the northeast side of the beach.
Grab your binoculars and look out over the water. You should see both humpback whales and their calves playing offshore. If you’re worried about showing up at the wrong time to see the whales, strike up a conversation with the locals. They typically know the best times to see the humpback whales, along with the best places to sit and enjoy the show.
La Perouse Bay:
Getting to La Perouse Bay can make you feel like you’re traveling back in time. The bay is in south Maui and is located at the end of the road. In other words, keep driving down the road until you reach the bay.
The rocky outcrop around the bay was formed by a volcanic eruption in the late 1700s. Native islanders used the outcrop to build shrines and monuments. While part of the area is an archeological site, you still have plenty of room to spread out and start looking for humpback whales.
The warm shallow waters also attract spinner dolphins who are always curious and ready to play. The area is also ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving.
Secret Beach and Makena Cove:
Head over to south Maui to find Secret Beach and Makena Cove. The waters are incredibly clear and calm in the morning but can get a little choppy in the afternoon. The winds tend to pick up on Maui’s south side in the late morning and afternoon.
While it’s good news for surfers, it can make snorkeling a little challenging. The wind can also make it difficult to steer a kayak. Along with humpback whales, the waters are home to a variety of colorful tropical fish.
Have an Unforgettable Whale-Watching Experience in Maui:
Are you ready to go whale-watching in Maui? You’re about to embark on an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime adventure. To maximize your chances of seeing whales up close, make sure that you plan your visit during their season.
Take your time choosing the right tour—some offer small group experiences, while others provide onboard naturalists who can deepen your understanding of the whales’ behavior. No matter which option you go with, this is sure to be an unforgettable journey filled with awe-inspiring moments.
Disclaimer:
CBD:
Qrius does not provide medical advice.
The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (NDPS Act) outlaws the recreational use of cannabis products in India. CBD oil, manufactured under a license issued by the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, can be legally used in India for medicinal purposes only with a prescription, subject to specific conditions. Kindly refer to the legalities here.
The information on this website is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
Gambling:
As per the Public Gambling Act of 1867, all Indian states, except Goa, Daman, and Sikkim, prohibit gambling. Land-based casinos are legalized in Goa and Daman under the Goa, Daman and Diu Public Gambling Act 1976. In Sikkim, land-based casinos, online gambling, and e-gaming (games of chance) are legalized under the Sikkim Online Gaming (Regulation) Rules 2009. Only some Indian states have legalized online/regular lotteries, subject to state laws. Refer to the legalities here. Horse racing and betting on horse racing, including online betting, is permitted only in licensed premises in select states. Refer to the 1996 Supreme Court judgment for more information.
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