By Danielle Allaire
Winter in Hawai‘i hits different. The days are still sun-kissed and 80-something and Mele Kalikimaka (Merry Christmas) is just as likely to be sung with sand between your toes. But the real holiday magic arrives offshore: the annual return of humpback whales.
Each year, these ocean titans, known scientifically as megaptera novaeangliae, leave the icy waters of Alaska for Hawai‘i’s warm, shallow seas—a National Geographic–worthy babymoon where mothers give birth, calves learn the ropes and anyone with a good vantage point gets front-row seats to their other-wordly beauty. Locals and visitors alike marvel at this great migration, whether they catch a misty spout, the curve of a back, a showy fluke or that gasp-worthy, full-body breach.
According to NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association), “[s]cientists estimate that up to 12,000 whales—more than half of the North Pacific humpback population—return to Hawaiian waters from November through May to breed, calve and nurse their young. No one knows exactly how long humpback whales have been mating and reproducing in the islands’ warm, shallow waters, but narrative reports from whalers document seeing them as early as the 1840s.”
The official whale watching season runs from December 15 to April 15. From hotels with the best balconies to catamaran tours, we’ve rounded up the best ways to spot these seasonal superstars on the Valley Isle.
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Most boat tours load from the beach, so be sure to wear easily removable footwear.
Don’t forget to bring your ID if you’d like to sip on an icy beverage that contains alcohol.
Bring cash for stocking up on merch and tipping your boat crew.
It can get windy on the boats, so bringing a light jacket and a hat is a good idea.
Bring along some binoculars for an even closer view. (Bonus points if you can count how many barnacles you see!)
Most tours last two hours but be sure to get to the designated loading area about 30 minutes before departure.
Hotel room view from Lahaina Resort and Bungalows. Photo courtesy of Lahaina Resort and Bungalows.
Whether you’re on your oceanfront hotel room’s lānai or feasting on sushi at Hyatt’s in-house restaurant Japengo you’ll be sure to have an ideal view for mama whales teaching their keiki how to breach. Japengo faces the ‘Au‘au channel between the islands that make up Maui county.
With the majestic Pu‘u Keka‘a (also known as “Black Rock”), where the soul jumps from this realm to the next, jutting out from the hotel’s edge, situating yourself in this mini-bay is an ideal perch to see spouts and possibly more.
Just outside the hotel grounds, on the Westin’s private lawn in the middle of bustling Whaler’s Village, is a spot ripe for spotting spouts and other whale activity. Snag a table at ‘Ulu Kitchen right on the boardwalk for some leisurely dining paired with prime whale watching views.
Sea Maui is Kā‘anpali’s go-to activity hub, from surf lessons to snorkel cruises and private charters. Sea Maui offers two-hour excursions off the coast of West Maui to peer into the secret lives of humpbacks. Naturalists are on board to explain facts about the whales and dive into the behind-the-scenes of their migration.
If you’re not here for the science, fear not. Sea Maui’s catamarans boast comfy bean bags, gorgeous views and an open bar (think Mai Tais and Maui Mules alongside beer and wine) as their friendly and knowledgeable crew tracks down the most active pods for your viewing pleasure.
Pricing:
$97.49 – Adults ages 21+
$86.03 – Teens ages 13-20
$74.55 – Children ages 3-12
Free – Children 2 and under
Whale Watch Times:
8 a.m.-10 a.m.
11 a.m.-1 p.m.
2 p.m.-4 p.m.
Celebrating 30 years roving the Kā‘anapali shoreline, Gemini Sailing Charters offers morning and afternoon whale watching experiences from December 15 to April 15. Feast your eyes on pods of humpbacks, including a hydrophone to hear the whale’s signature songs from below the surface, and feast yourself with Gemini’s buffet dining.
If you’re hitting the morning trip, gorge yourself with a continental breakfast full of cinnamon rolls, tropical fruit and freshly brewed Maui coffee, while the evening cruise offers teriyaki chicken, fried rice and homemade chocolate chip cookies. Parched from all the spontaneous pointing and all-you-can-eat vibes? Enjoy a complimentary beverage, such as a Gemini Mai Tai, Maui Hard Seltzer or a beer from Maui Brew Co. to name a few.
Pricing:
$85 – Adults ages 18+
$73 – Teens 13-17
$63 – Children ages 3-12
Free – Children 2 and under
Whale Watch Times:
8 a.m.-10 a.m.
4 p.m.-6 p.m.
Join the sailing Coon family for an unforgettable whale watching experience. This family-owned and operated company has been in the business since 1971 and was voted the Sustainable Ecotour Operator of the Year (2017) by the Hawaii Ecotourism Association. They offer multiple times and locations for these tours, including a deluxe sunset tour leaving from Mā‘alaea harbor. Catch a hopeful breach backed by neon skies as you snack on Kula cherry tomato and mozzarella skewers, hummus with vegetables, BBQ chicken satay and Kalua pulled pork sliders. A premium bar featuring house cocktails, such as a Lāna‘i Tai and 808 Margarita are also available.
Whether you’re leaving from Kā‘anapali or Mā‘alaea for the daytime tours, you’ll be treated with ultimate ho‘okipa (hospitality) from their captain and crew. The early morning tours feature Mama Coon’s cinnamon rolls, while the mid-morning and afternoon tours offer deli sliders and fresh fruit, as well as two complimentary adult beverages as you sail back to port. On board, you’ll be sailing with expert naturalists manned with a hydrophone so you can hear the humpback’s song as they swim below the surface.
Pricing:
Kā‘anapali & Mā‘alaea:
$95 – Adults ages 18+
$75 – Teens 13-17
$55 – Children ages 3-12
Free – Children 2 and under
Deluxe Mā‘alaea Sunset Whale Watch:
$122 – Adults ages 18+
$122 – Teens 13-17
$82 – Children ages 3-12
Free – Children 2 and under
Whale Watch Times:
Kā‘anapali:
8 a.m.-10 a.m.
10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
1 p.m.-3 p.m.
Mā‘alaea:
1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.
Deluxe Mā‘alaea Sunset Watch:
December 15-January 30 | 4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.
February 1-March 31 | 4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.
April 1-April 15 | 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
As the whale-watching tour with the most departures on Maui, these certified naturalists have over 45 years’ experience with humpback research and conservation. With 12 different types of whale watches, there will surely be a perfect fit for you and your family. From the classic 2-hour cruise to a 3-hour sunset dinner and whale watch and their hybrid snorkel and whale watch cruise, these myriad options give you all the control.
They’re also offering a 15% off Winter Special on all tours, so book now while you can still score the deal. They boast a 97% success rate with whale sightings. If for some reason these gentle giants are shy, you can go again for free on another whale watch of equal or lesser value within one year.
Pricing:
Classic Whale Watch (Pre-discount):
$99.05 – Adults ages 13+
$55.55 – Children ages 5-12
Free – Children 4 and under
Whale Watch Times:
Classic Whale Watch:
10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.
2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
This double-deck catamaran adventure is a fun, informative and budget-friendly way to whale watch. With four different times throughout the day, Quicksilver boasts some of the best views from its two-story boat, along with naturalists offering an extensive narration of whale history and their behaviors. Learn fun facts, like “the lungs of a full-grown, adult humpback are as big as a VW Bug!”
Sate yourself while you cruise with their unlimited juice, soda and water. Need something stronger? Alcoholic beverages and Dramamine (just in case) are available for purchase.
Pricing:
$59.95 – Adults ages 13+
$49.95 – Children ages 7-12
Free – Children 6 and under (with adjoining adult)
Whale Watch Times:
8 a.m.-10 a.m.
10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.
3:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m.
For a posh whale-watching experience, Kai Kanani is your answer. They’ve been in the business for over 30 years, and this is the only catamaran that leaves out of the south side. So, if you’re staying in Kihei, Wailea or Makena, this is the most convenient tour. Backed by a hyper-attentive crew and extremely knowledgeable naturalists, you’ll get an Ivy League education on these majestic creatures, all while sailing in the lap of luxury.
This tour features cuisine prepped by Wailea’s farm-to-table eatery, Spoon & Key Market, and their bar is stocked with organic spirits provided by Maui’s Ocean Vodka, Fy Organic Gin and wines from Maui Wine. They also offer a Mercedes shuttle service from select Wailea Resorts to and from their launching point at Maluaka Beach.
Worried you won’t get a maritime show? Don’t be. They guarantee you’ll see whales. If not, your next whale watching tour is on them.
Pricing:
$139 – Adults ages 13+
$100 – Children 2-12
Free – Children 1 and under
Whale Watch Times:
1:45 p.m.-3:45 p.m.
Kāʻanapali Beach. Photo by Richie Chan (Shutterstock).
Kā‘anapali Beach (Kā‘anapali)
With Moloka‘i and Lāna‘i as a picturesque backdrop, Kā‘anapali Beach is the perfect place for a casual whale sighting while having a fish taco at Leilani’s on the Beach, a lobster potsticker at Hula Grill or splashing in the shore break by Pu‘u Keka‘a (“Black Rock”). With convenient parking in their beach access lot, or at the adjoining Whaler’s Village shopping center, you’re steps away from shouting “whale ho!”
Don’t distract yourself by craning your neck to spot whale sightings on the winding Pali drive to Kahului. Instead, pull off at the Scenic Lookout nearby MacGregor Point. About three minutes after going through the tunnel heading north on Honoapi‘ilani Highway, there’s a turn-off replete with a small parking lot, which is a sure bet for whale watching from the 1,000 foot elevation.
Though it’s primarily a surf spot known as 1,000 Peaks, this beach right before entering the Pali is another excellent spot for whale watching. Grab a sandwich (or a pie) from Leoda’s Kitchen & Pie Shop in Olowalu town, then park it at 1,000 Peaks for some on-the-fly humpback whale action. Be sure to park responsibly and use the parking lot, otherwise you might get stuck in the sand.
Adjacent to the stunning Fairmont Kea Lani resort, Polo Beach is an ideal, sandy expanse for catching a glimpse of humpback whales on the south side. With public access, a parking lot and restrooms, this family-friendly spot makes it easy to combine a beach day with these baleen-laden beasts.
Honolua Bay is perhaps the most iconic surf spot on the island and is also an excellent outpost for whale watching. Just past the Kapalua Plantation House Restaurant, there is a lookout and parking lot overlooking the bay. Enjoy surfers taking off on the perfect right as they enter the barrel while you wait for the spouts to appear.
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