By Tadeo Andi
Maui is one of the best places in the world to whale watch because it’s a designated sanctuary for humpback whales. Thousands of them arrive here each winter to breed and spend time in the warm Hawaiian waters.
If you’re looking to spot these massive animals, plan your visit during the peak humpback season, which is January through March.
January
Whales migrate to Maui each winter (December to May) from colder waters to mate, give birth, and raise their young.
These whales love Maui’s warm, hospitable waters, specifically the shallow Auau Channel between West Maui and Lanai.
They can be spotted from the water year-round, but boat-based viewing is the best way to see them up close! Watching humpback whales breach and tail slap is an incredible experience that’s hard to find anywhere else.
February
Thousands of whales flock to the Maui Nui Basin each winter, making February one of the best for whale watching in maui. While humpback whales are the most common, dolphins also appear around this time of year.
You can see them breaching or nursing their young in South Maui coastal areas like Kihei and Wailea or off North Shore beaches like Ho’okipa Beach Park. But the best way to see them is on a boat tour.
March
Maui is one of the world’s top whale-watching spots. Thousands of humpback whales migrate to the warm waters of Maui every year to mate, give birth, and raise their young.
You can see these incredible creatures in their natural habitat during this time. These tours are run by some of the best whale-watching companies in Hawaii.
April
Humpback whales have an annual migration from Alaska to the Hawaiian Islands, where they mate, give birth and raise their calves.
Maui is a great place to spot them because it offers warm water, underwater visibility, and a lack of natural predators.
You can often spot them from the shore in South Maui coastal areas like Kihei and Wailea or off North Shore beaches like Paia Bay and Ho’okipa Beach Park. You can also book a whale-watching tour and enjoy the experience while on the island.
May
During May and December, Maui is one of the best places in the world to view humpback whales as they migrate south.
Book a whale-watching tour to see these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. The tours are safe and fun, with knowledgeable marine naturalists who will help you spot these gentle giants in the ocean.
June
Humpback whales come to Maui to mate, give birth and enjoy the warm waters. They are curious and fun to be around!
You can expect to see humpback whales anywhere from November through early May. This is called whale season when you are most likely to see them in Hawaii.
July
The best month for whale watching in Maui is July. This is when you’ll see the most humpback whales and dolphins.
You’ll also see other marine life, such as pilots and sperm whales. It’s a great time to be out on the water, so book your tour in advance!
August
Thousands of humpback whales migrate to Hawaii in winter to mate and give birth. They love the warm waters, underwater visibility, and the islands’ low number of natural predators.
During this time, you can find plenty of tours around Maui that let you catch a glimpse of these majestic creatures. Some even come up to your boat or RIB (rigid inflatable boat).
September
Every winter (December through May), thousands of humpback whales migrate to Maui from colder waters to breed, calve and nurse their young.
The first whales usually arrive in late September and early October. These early arrivals are generally males that have just swam 3,000 miles from Alaska to Maui.
October
Humpback whales, or kohola in Hawaiian, make the annual 3000-mile journey to the Hawaiian Islands from Alaska every winter. This makes Maui an ideal spot to observe these incredible creatures.
You’ll find various ways to see humpback whales up close and personal during this time. Snorkeling and paddling are great options, as is a whale-watching boat tour.
