Whale Watching in Hawaii Maui - Cruises from Lahaina

Location: Departs from Lahaina Harbor
Duration: 2 hours (Late Bird 90 minutes)
Time: Check-in at 7:00am, 9:15am, 11:30am & 2:15pm
Schedule: Daily, December through May

Smooth Whale Watch Cruises on Maui’s Biggest Boats No, you don't HAVE to go on a boat to see whales if you happen to be lucky enough to be on Maui at the right time of year. It is common to see people standing on a hillside overlooking the ocean and watching for the promise of signs of distant whale activity through binoculars. If you know what to look for, you can sometimes see whales from shore; but you can't truly EXPERIENCE them from that distance. There is a tremendous difference between watching a whale splashing in the water two (or even more) miles away and experiencing the thrill of looking over the edge of the boat and seeing one of these gentle giants swim near enough that you can almost count their barnacles.

Humpback Whales … Maui’s Leviathans of the Deep
Every year from mid-December through mid-May the Humpback Whales make their home in Hawaii, especially in the waters surrounding the island of Maui. The Humpback Whales migrate close to 3,500 miles from their Alaskan summer feeding waters, to the warm waters of Hawaii where they mate and have their calves. While all the Hawaiian Islands enjoy their annual return, Maui County seems to be their favorite destination. Maui's unique topography is the primary reason why the humpback whales spend their winters here. Maui County is made up of a four island group; Maui, Lanai, Molokai, and Kahoolawe.

The islands shelter and protect the waters and are in such close proximity, they form a shallow basin at the bottom as compared to the deep surrounding Pacific Ocean waters at 1 to 3 miles depths. The average depth in the area off Lahaina is only about 300 feet. For humans, 300 feet is considered well beyond our safe diving range, but for a 45 foot humpback whale, 300 feet is just right. Humpbacks seem to prefer shallower, more protected waters and spend the majority of their lives in waters that are 300 feet or less. Our warm waters and lack of predators also combine to make Maui the best place to see Humpback Whales in their natural breeding areas while in Hawaii.

Maui Whale Watching with a Family Friendly Crew
At Lahaina Cruise Company, your comfort and satisfaction is our goal. All boats feature Whale Cam™, the newest in whale watching technology, offering live underwater video equipment (attached to the vessel), with on-board monitors for incredible viewing opportunities.

Be sure to have your own camera and plenty of film ready to capture your own unique Maui keepsake of these mighty mammals!

At Lahaina Cruise Company, we are a family friendly crew. Children 12 and under are free with a paid adult. Please make a note in the “Comments” section of your check out form so we may confirm their seats.

The Maui sun can be intense, especially on the water. Sunglasses, hats, And PLENTY of sunscreen are always highly recommended.

On-board gift shop and snack bar are available. Various offerings includes Maui Style potato chips, freshly baked cookies, granola bars, fresh fruits, juices, sodas, and bottled water ranging from $1 to $5

Japanese translation is available. Please make a note in the “Comments” section of the check out form to request this service.

If you are here during peak season, do yourself a favor and experience the thrill of whale watching off Maui’s Lahaina Shores on one of our 2-hour whale watch cruises. There is nothing else quite like it. This educational and informative adventure is great fun for the entire family and offers spectacular sightseeing with an abundance of photo opportunities. Join us for a Humpback Whale Watch cruise early in your trip. Letting our experienced crew and Marine Naturalists teach you what to look for will add a whole new dimension to your Hawaiian vacation experience, especially from the one-time Whaling Destination of historic Lahaina Maui! We GUARANTEE whale sightings on every cruise; if you don’t see Humpback Whales, you go again FREE!

At Lahaina Cruise Company, we offer Humpback whale watch cruises four times a day from historic Lahaina Harbor where the wind and the seas are calm. Our fleet takes you out to the whales fast, as we own and operate the largest, most stable boats Maui has to offer. Our boats feature enclosed main cabins and upper observation decks to ensure excellent visibility while you stay dry and to allow guests to enjoy the sun or the shade while watching for whales and experiencing the scenic beauty Maui of from the crystal clear Pacific waters. Our professional captains and crew are aboard to answer questions and explain witnessed whale behavior while expert narration by Hawaii Certified Guides and Marine Naturalists provides the latest scientific information about humpback Whales. This is the perfect family outing and promises something for everyone!

Here's What MyHawaii Customers Say About This Activitiy "Amazing! By far the best experience on our vacation! Crew was extremely polite, helpful, friendly, and knowledgable. Our friends are honeymooning there this week and we advised them that this is a MUST SEE (before 5/15)!!!"
- Michelle S., Peoria, AZ

AT A GLANCE - BOOKING SECTION