Maui Whale Season Is Coming: Book Your Trilogy Whale Watch Now
It's official-- the first humpback whale of the season has officially been spotted!
Whale season is on its way, and we couldn’t be more excited! For our Trilogy ʻOhana, that first sighting is something we look forward to every year. Now, we’re counting down to December 15, when our whale-focused tours officially begin.
Planning to join us this winter? Reservations are already open, with departures from Māʻalaea Harbor, Lahaina Harbor, and Kā‘anapali Beach. Head out for a morning or midday whale watch, or join us near sunset to make it part of your evening plans.
Not sure which one to book? Below, we’ll walk you through the differences so you can find the whale watch that fits your visit.
Can You See Whales Before December 15?
Yes! Our whale-focused tours officially begin December 15th, but the whales are already starting to arrive. With our first sighting of the season behind us, there’s now a chance to spot a humpback on any of our regular tours.
Heading out for a snorkel trip or joining us for a sunset sail? Keep an eye on the water along the way! Sightings are less predictable this early in the season, so think of a whale encounter as a possible bonus to the experience you’ve already planned.
Which Trilogy Whale Watch Should You Choose?
Ready to plan your whale watch? Let’s find the right one for you!
Start with where you’d like to depart. We offer whale watches from Māʻalaea Harbor and Lahaina Harbor, along with departures directly from Kā‘anapali Beach. If you’d prefer to board at a dock instead of through the surf, choose a harbor departure.
Next, think about how whale watching fits into your day. A morning or midday outing leaves your evening open, while our sunset whale watches from Māʻalaea and Kā‘anapali pair looking for humpbacks with plated appetizers as the sun goes down.
Here’s a closer look at each experience.
Māʻalaea Whale Watch: A Daytime Outing from the Harbor
Want to spend a couple of hours looking for humpbacks and still have the rest of the day to explore? Our Māʻalaea Whale Watch is a great place to start!
This two-hour outing departs from Māʻalaea Harbor, with onboard naturalists sharing insight into the whales and the behaviors you might see. When conditions allow, we’ll also lower a hydrophone into the water for a chance to hear their songs.
Staying in Kīhei, Wailea, or elsewhere on South Maui? Māʻalaea Harbor is the closest of our departure locations, making it a convenient choice for your whale watch.
It’s a good choice if you prefer boarding at a harbor and want a daytime outing focused on whale watching.
View Māʻalaea Whale Watch availability →
Kā‘anapali Whale Watch: Depart Directly from the Beach
Staying near Kā‘anapali Beach? You can start your whale watch right from the sand!
Our morning departure includes Mom Coon’s cinnamon rolls and fresh fruit, while later outings include a light lunch. Along the way, our onboard naturalists help you learn more about the humpbacks you’re looking for.
Keep in mind that you’ll board through the surf, so expect to get your feet wet! Beach loading requires balance and mobility. If you’d prefer dock boarding, consider one of our harbor departures.
View Kā‘anapali Whale Watch availability →
Lahaina Whale Watch: Morning or Midday from Lahaina Harbor
Want to head out from West Maui without boarding through the surf? Our Lahaina Whale Watch departs from Lahaina Harbor, with morning and midday options for a two-hour outing.
Join us early to start your day looking for humpbacks, or enjoy a slower morning before heading aboard. Our naturalists share insight along the way, with hydrophones offering a chance to hear whale songs when conditions allow.
View Lahaina Whale Watch availability →
Māʻalaea Sunset Whale Watch: Whales and Sunset with Harbor Boarding
Whale watching followed by a Maui sunset? That’s an evening worth planning for!
Our two-hour Māʻalaea Sunset Whale Watch combines looking for humpbacks with plated appetizers and seasonal dessert. Enjoy island-inspired cocktails if you’re 21 or older with valid ID, with nonalcoholic options available too.
Choose this outing if you want sunset to be part of your whale watch and prefer boarding at a harbor.
Reserve a Māʻalaea Sunset Whale Watch →
Kā‘anapali Sunset Whale Watch: From the Sand to Sunset
Spending the day near Kā‘anapali? Keep your morning open and join us for a sunset whale watch right from the beach!
This two-hour outing pairs looking for humpbacks with plated appetizers and seasonal dessert as the day winds down. Island-inspired cocktails are included for guests 21 and older with valid ID, along with nonalcoholic beverages.
You’ll board through the surf, so expect to get wet. If beach boarding sounds like a good fit, this is a convenient way to combine whale watching with sunset on the water. Prefer a dock departure? Choose our Māʻalaea Sunset Whale Watch instead.
Reserve a Kā‘anapali Sunset Whale Watch →
Sharing the Water with Humpbacks
We’re excited to welcome the whales back, and giving them space is part of that welcome. Our captains and crew follow responsible viewing guidelines, including the federal requirement to stay at least 100 yards away when approaching humpback whales in Hawaiian waters.
Every whale watch is different, and the whales decide what we get to see. We’re there to enjoy the experience while respecting their space.
Let’s Get You Out on the Water!
The first sighting is behind us, and we can’t wait to see what the season brings!
Our dedicated whale watches begin December 15, and reservations are open now. Pick the departure that works for you, and we’ll look forward to welcoming you aboard.
Visiting before then? Join us on one of our regular tours—you might spot an early arrival along the way!