Peak Whale Watching Season - Winter
By Shanon Searls
Every year, like clockwork, majestic humpback whales visit the warm Hawaiian waters from November to May. With so much to do and see in Hawaii, this is an event sure to amaze even the most well-traveled visitor. The peak watching season is from January to March, and trust us, you don't want to miss out!
It is estimated that about two-thirds of the humpback whale population (in the North Pacific) visit Hawaii each winter. These whales travel over 4,500 miles to Hawaii to breed, give birth, and nurse their young, seeking refuge from sub-freezing temperatures.
This results in elevated surface activity, and whether you watch from your rental or hotel lanai or, as we recommend, book a whale-watching boat trip, we guarantee you will be amazed at the sight of these magnificent mammals
For an AMAZING view of a triple breach, visit our YouTube page.
Tourists in their own right, whales bask in the delightfully warm Hawaiian waters, hopping island to island, putting on a show (and even boosting the economy) before packing up and returning home.
Whale-watching excursions pretty much guarantee good sightings with the guidance of onboard experts and a little help from modern technology. Many tour operators also have microphones that they drop into the water, allowing you to hear the beautiful melodies of the whales in the area. Most of these excursions now leave from Ma'alaea Harbor, though some operators are starting to depart from Lahaina Harbor once again.
Preserving the Humpback Whale
Protecting these endangered creatures is vital. In 1996, after mass commercial whaling, the Humpbacks also went extinct. Now there are around 30,000-40,000 humpbacks worldwide, and although federal law helps protect them, there are also things you can do to help preserve these beautiful animals for future generations.
Out of respect for the safety of both you and the whales, federal law requires all ocean vessels to maintain a distance of at least 100 yards from the whales. This is actually the perfect distance to capture an amazing view as they breach and show off. There is also no rule that keeps whales from approaching people, so it’s safe not to get too close.
Locals' Tips:
- Help keep beaches and waters clean and free of debris
- Support efforts that help put an end to illegal whaling
- Participate in responsible whale watching activities.
To help you choose the best whale-watching experience, we've put together a guide to humpback whales on Maui. Whether you watch the whales from the shore or dive into the water to hear their songs, this is an experience you won't soon forget.
Whale-Watching Boat Trips
For those looking for the "up-close-and-personal" experience, a whale-watching boat trip is the way to go! This is the best way to view the humpbacks and is sure to deliver an unforgettable experience with this endangered species.
Locals' Tips:
- Smaller Boats Are More Fun! Look for smaller boats, such as sailboats or catamarans, for a more intimate experience! Sailboats also offer a pristine experience on the ocean; feel the tranquil breeze and soak in the Hawaiian sun, all without the loud hum of large engines.
- Start Early! We know not everyone is excited at the thought of rising early while on vacation. However, early morning trips (as opposed to afternoon trips) ensure the least wind and smoothest ride for your excursion. Don't forget that we do reside in the latest US time zone – so while 7:30 or 8:00 a.m. may sound early, your body will most likely feel as though it's much later!
- Prone to seasickness? Plan! Don't forget the Dramamine, seasickness patches, and ginger in any form. Equally, if not more important than those, it's advised to stand at the rail's edge and keep your eyes on the horizon! This will help your equilibrium immensely. Be sure not to lock yourself inside (say, a bathroom!), as this will amplify the effects of your seasickness. Lastly, if you do get sick, aim for over the back railing (on the lower level if you're on a two-tier boat!), and don't fret or be embarrassed; the crews are all quite accustomed to it.
Exotic Estates Guests – ask the Exotic Estates Hawaii-based Concierge to connect you to the perfect sightseeing tour.
Whale Watching from Cliffs or Lookout Points
Not a fan of being on a boat? Each island has many vantage points to view whale activity from land. These popular locations are often cliffside, offering expansive ocean views. Get ready for the water show of a lifetime!
Locals' Tips:
- Don't forget your binoculars. While you can watch whales breaching and surfacing with the naked eye, you'll wish you had a pair of specs handy to take in details that are usually only seen up close.
- Don't block roads. Most lookout points in Hawaii are located right off main travel roads. When parking, be sure not to block other cars, and be extremely careful not to walk in roadways while exiting and entering your vehicle.
- Stick to the road most traveled. Most known lookout points have clear markers, but those without paved parking lots will have obvious beaten paths with flatter areas that are better for parking. Skip the urge to drive or venture into blocked or undesignated areas off cliff-side roads! These areas are often rocky, unstable, unsecured, and pose a safety risk.
- Stay Away from Cliff Edges. Along the same line, be cautious while standing and walking cliffside. Stay within markers and away from the cliff's edge while whale watching and taking photos. While our Hawaiian lava rocks may look very stable, they can easily crumble and break away without notice.
- VOG (volcanic emissions of sulfur dioxide) can appear when our trade winds die down (it looks like smog to those unfamiliar) and can greatly reduce visibility during whale watching. If the weather appears "voggy," save your land-based whale watching for a clearer day. Keep an eye on the palms; when they start swaying again, that VOG will blow right on out!
Whale Watching from Beach
Ready to get those toes in the warm Hawaiian sand? You can still soak up the views from the comfort of your beach chair!
Maui is home to some of the best whale watching in the world. The ocean channel between West and South Maui is protected by Haleakala and the West Maui Mountains, setting the stage for endless visibility and shallow waters ideal for humpback whales.
Besides a whale-watching excursion on the water, below are some of Maui's best-known sites on land to take in the spectacle.
1. McGregor Point (Honoapiilani Hwy, near Ma'alaea)
This point is home to the McGregor Point lighthouse and sweeping ocean views!
Directions: Between Mile Markers #7 and #8, off the Honoapiilani "Pali" Highway, there is an unpaved rocky road that leads to the point overlook.
2. Papawai Scenic Lookout (Honoapiilani Hwy, near Ma'alaea)
This is the easiest lookout on the island to access and almost impossible to miss!
Directions: While traveling Lahaina-bound on the Honoapiilani "Pali" Highway, near Mile Marker #8, a turning lane leads to the lookout parking lot.
3. Beaches and Roadside (South of Lahaina)
This entire area of shallow water just along the towering West Maui Mountains is wonderful for viewing whale activity on a clear day.
Whether you pull the car over, stop beachside for a dip, or join a kayak whale-watch excursion in these waters – you're likely in for quite the show!
Locals' Tips:
- Just as before, remember those binoculars for that perfect visual!
- Aim to avoid busier beaches for more ambiance and less shoreline activity that can detract from watching the horizon for pods of whales.
- Feeling adventurous? Paddleboarding is a great opportunity to enjoy one of our most popular ocean activities while getting a great ocean view, often with whale activity (it can occur much closer to the shoreline than you may expect!). But never get close, watch from a distance.
- Seeing whale activity right offshore while driving is not uncommon here (especially in the Olowalu and Honoapiilani Highway areas)! We know it's irresistible, but please be cognizant while driving. We like to call whale season "fender-bender" season, as distracted driving is the cause of many preventable accidents. Don't waste your previous vacation day in the aftereffects of a vehicle collision – when in doubt, pull over to enjoy the view!
Viewing from a Maui Vacation Villa - Best Seat in the House?
Exotic Estates offers plenty of Maui villas that have excellent whale-watching potential, sometimes right from your bed!
Book one of our exquisite Maui Villas and savor breathtaking views of the gorgeous Pacific Ocean, including awe-inspiring scenes of Humpback whales breaching and frolicking on the ocean's surface during the winter months.
Check out our amazing luxury Maui vacation rentals.
