Maui is one of the most important habitats worldwide for the magnificent humpback whale. If you are ready to check out the north pacific humpback whales in hawaii, know that there are a variety of ways to experience it, and the best place to do it is on the island of maui. During the winter months of december april, the leeward waters of maui county house the worlds densest humpback whale population. My husband and i will visit hawaii for the first time ever, in late april. This high speed catamaran leaves from maalaea harbor and can get you to the whales quickly. Even so, excellent opportunities abound to view whales in this cusp period of their island visit and youll experience smaller crowds and shoulder season savings. Whale watching aboard our flagship pride of maui is even better. Join us on this incredible adventure which offers you the amazing opportunity to see humpback whales during their annual migration to hawaii, truly an experience you will remember forever. In fact, the last two days have been incredible for whale watching. Pacific whale foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit organization founded in 1980 to protect the ocean through science and advocacy, and to inspire environmental stewardship. December 15th is the official start of the humpback whale season in hawaii, but guests on our private whale watching tour could spot whales as early as november, and since the feeling of watching a humpback from a kayak is one of the islands best adventures, we figured it was time to discuss some basics about humpback whales in maui. Mark understood and let me know that it would be alright to reschedule us for a different time. Whale season is one of the best times of the year to visit maui.
Seeing as we operate seven boats that offer whale watching tours in maui, this is a question were asked a lot and at all different times of the year officially, whale season in maui runs from december 15thmay 15th, although its still possible to see whales outside of the officialwhale season dates. Download the app to stay uptodate on the latest sightings. The map below tracks all dolphin and whale sightings in maui logged by our official whale. The whales are drawn to the areas shallow waters, especially the auau channel between maui, molokai and lanai, making maui. Sep 05, 2018 seeing as we operate seven boats that offer whale watching tours in maui, this is a question were asked a lot and at all different times of the year officially, whale season in maui runs from december 15thmay 15th, although its still possible to see whales outside of the officialwhale season dates. Some swam right under our kayaks, about 25 feet below us. During the winter months on maui, whale watching is the most popular activity as everyone wants to see these majestic creatures up close. Things to do on maui in spring march aprilmay may day may 1 is lei day in hawaii, just one of many reasons to visit maui in spring. But im going to maui on my honeymoon in september the 4th12th and was wondering if there was any possibility i would see any whales lol silly question but i figured im going to be there id love to see a whale if. Mar 29, 2016 i booked this knowing that whale watching is a great thing to do on maui. Maui whale watching is most thrilling aboard the malolo. Explorer super rafts with the cadillac ride are the largest in the state of hawaii uscg certified to carry 42 passengers but we limit our trips to. The hawaiian humpback whale marine sanctuary is located in kihei and was created by congress in 1992 as a way to protect these magnificent creatures in hawaiian waters. In april, humpback whales begin their migration north to feast on rich krill in alaska.
You are unlikely to see as many whales as you would on a tour specifically devoted to maui whale watching, but if youre looking to save some money by combining activities, this is a great way to do it. Multiple whale pods can be observed both near and far stretching for miles. Apr 21, 2011 i know that the best time to go whale watching in maui hawaii is the winter months december april but im going to maui on my honeymoon in september the 4th12th and was wondering if there was any possibility i would see any whales lol silly question but i figured im going to be there id love to see a whale if anyone had any spots or suggestions that may work in september. Every winter, pods of pacific humpback whales make the 3,000mile swim from the chilly waters of alaska to bask in mauis summery shallows, fluking, spy hopping, spouting, and having an allaround swell time. Whale watching in maui is commonly considered some of the best in the world. During their annual migration to mauis coastal waters, they come to calve, mate, and rear their young. A hydrophone will allow you to listen to the amazing songs the humpback whales sing.
Since 1980, maui whale festival has offered a series of inspiring events held during mauis peak humpback whale season. Experience the pride of mauis spacious and stable vessel with many amenities and comforts including their large deck space. By michael tsai photo courtesy of hawaii tourism authority hta tor johnson. Its the perfect time for some maui whale watching by kayak. Humpback whale megaptera novaeangliae breaching, maui, hawaii notice must accompany publication. Observing whales and sea animals in their natural habitat is a popular recreation activity, though whale watching can also serve scientific or educational purposes. The whales are drawn to the areas shallow waters, especially the auau channel between maui, molokai. During your whale watch cruise, these amazing animals will often display themselves in full glory, giving you the ultimate whale watching on maui experience. This whale watch excursion is led by certified marine naturalists who will share fascinating whale facts and interpret the humpback whales behaviors and characteristics. The maui whale festival is held in kihei at kalama park in south maui, hawaii.
See the migratory pacific humpbacks as they search the warm waters of the hawaiian islands for the perfect place to breed and birth their calves. These huge mammals travel between 3 and 9 mph at over 1,000 miles per month. May 03, 2016 humpback whale megaptera novaeangliae breaching, maui, hawaii notice must accompany publication. The best months to see whales is usually between midjanuary and march as this is considered peak whale watching season. The humpback whales return to hawaii for a few months every year to mate and give birth, so malolo takes you out to see them from december 8 th april 15 th. Well be in maui from april 4th to the th and im afraid this will be a little late in the season to see whales. During peak whale season whale activity is visible all day long from the easy to find papawai scenic lookout along the road to lahaina. Maui whale watch and snorkel combo tour dedicates a special amount of time to finding the whales and observing them in the wild in maui. My family will be on maui late march 2009 into the first week of april. No crowds, no feet getting stepped on for a better view, no heads in the way, no engine noises or diesel fumes its just you, your family, and friends and the. Dear all, we will be in hawaii in apri next year with the 1st week of april on kauai, 2nd week on big island and 3rd week on maui we would love to see whales especially humpback whales. Maui county is world famous as the destination for the pacific northwest humpback whales.
The sprawling upper deck provides 360 degree sweeping views so you can photograph all of the beautiful whales. Whale sightings in maui typically occur between november and may. In fact, there are plenty of areas on maui where humpbacks can frequently be seen from the shore during whale season. See the humpback whales up close and visit mauis top rated snorkel destination coral gardens. Whale watching on maui if youre visiting maui any time in winter, theres a decent chance you could spot a whale before even reaching the island. Visiting maui in november, december, january or february. There are also whale watch tours put on by different organizations that generally handle dozens of people in large crowds, drinking mai tais and getting sea sick, which might be good for some, but maybe this is not what you had in mind. The humpback whale season in maui lasts from november to may of every year.
We explained our situation and that we were going to be late. My first trip to maui was in late april, on my first day we saw three whales in the distance from shore, my first whales ever and the only ones on that trip as we did not do a whale watch. Each winter december through may, thousands of kohola humpback whales travel to hawaii from colder waters to breed, calve and nurse their young. Lahaina tourism lahaina hotels lahaina bed and breakfast lahaina vacation rentals lahaina packages flights to lahaina lahaina restaurants lahaina attractions. Our lead boat, maui princess, is the largest, most uncrowded whale watching boat on maui. There are also whale watch tours put on by different organizations that generally handle dozens of people in large crowds, drinking mai tais and getting sea sick, which might be good for some, but maybe this is not what you had in mind when admiring mother nature. The humpback whales are visiting our warm waters, the weather is better than anywhere else in the united states and there are plenty of things to do. Whale watching in april hawaii message board tripadvisor. Maui whale watching tours are truly an exceptional experience. Festivities are carried out all week, but most of the event is held on 2 days during the weekend. Feb 21, 2018 this feature is not available right now.
My girlfriend and i ran into car trouble and so had to call mark. Every year, in late february or early march, the pacific whale foundation hosts the maui whale festival. Each occasion is designed to celebrate and inspire environmental stewardship alongside a strong community of maui residents and. The island of maui is the best hawaiian island to watch these majestic mammals. Maui, molokai and lanai is one of the best whalewatching destinations in the. West maui is the site of maui whale watching of the humpbacks as they feed, mate, and take care of their young in the warm waters of the hawaiian islands. Maui whale watching tours hawaii cruise excursions. This is the safest and most comfortable way to experience upclose whale. West maui is the site of maui whale watching of the humpbacks as they feed, mate, and take care of their young in. On the island of maui, the peak months for whalewatching are january, february and march. We will be in maui late april and want to whale watch if possible.
Twohour 360 view of whale watching off the coast of lahaina with humpback naturalists aboard up to 22% off. Everything you need to know about whale watching on maui. The waters surrounding maui are the stage for some of the best whale watching in the world. Whalewatching in maui in the beginning of april usa today. On the island of maui, the peak months for whale watching are january, february and march. Every year, over 10,000 humpbacks annually migrate to the warm, shallow waters of maui, and create thunderous splashes and aerial performances not seen in other species of whales. Best time to visit maui updated for 2020 hawaii travel guide. Guests on a maui kayak adventures ecotour got more excitement than expected when a humpback whale came right up to their kayak to check them out. Unlike boat tour agencies that are big and impersonal. The peak season for whale watching on maui is january, february, and march, though whale season in maui officially runs from december 15may 15. Makai adventures provides ocean day trips and tours in lahaina, maui.
Our big, spacious boat and can follow the whales in comfort, no matter where they roam, throughout the humpback whale sanctuary. The photos were taken just outside of makena on jan. This is also believed to draw in the adult male humpback whales that are in the area for possible. We offer each guest plenty of room to roam around, for the very best view of mauis humpback whales. Maui whale watching best guide to humpback whales on maui duration. Maui whale watch tours hawaii humpback whale watching. There is a slim chance you might catch a few from shore but the best way to see whales late in the season is by being on the water. You will see whales in early april, ive seen them around maui as late as may.
Seasonal december april maui whale watching from the alii nui. Lahaina whale watching deals in lahaina, hi groupon. Because the channels surrounding maui house so many humpback whales, it isnt uncommon to spot a whale from out your airplane window. Hawaiis whale watching season runs from december through may. Typically, operators begin guaranteeing whale sightings from december 15th to april 15th. Also, best bike outfit for biking haleakala and catamaranboat trip with whale. Maui whale watching best maui whale watches maui tickets. The mission of maui kayak adventures is to explore the beauty of maui, connect with a spirit of adventure, and inspire a lasting respect for the ocean and its inhabitants. Early in the season, the first sightings are usually of males who have made the swim from alaska, awaiting the females who usually show up between thanksgiving and christmas.
Whale watching at papawai scenic lookout in maalaea, maui. One of the most popular and fun things to do during this time is to go on a whale watching cruise. Are there companies that do whale watch tours in late april. Come aboard the ocean spirit, a modern catamaran, and enjoy a whale watch sail along the scenic lahaina coastline. The beginning of november marks the start of whale watching season in maui. We offer each guest plenty of room to roam around, for the very best view of maui s humpback whales. Whale watching tours on maui depart from four different locations on every type of charter boat. Experience the humpback whales and view them in their natural habitat. I booked this knowing that whale watching is a great thing to do on maui.
But out of all those pictures, only a hundred or so are what he would consider blowup worthy. A marine naturalist is always on board with facts about these gentle giants. Their migration crosses 3,100 miles of ocean each season. Hawaiian ocean project lahaina whale watching cruise from.
Yes, maui whale season is here the humpback whales are the worlds largest nautical mammals that migrate from the cold waters of alaska to the warm shallow waters of hawaii. We did take a trip to lanai and also no whales but then again we were not looking for them like a whale watch would and it was early may on that day. Pacific whale foundation is a 501 c 3 nonprofit organization founded in 1980 to protect the ocean through science and advocacy, and to inspire environmental stewardship. Other options for whale watching in maui include watching for whales while on a snorkel trip, or combining a maui whale watch with a sunset cruise. In any given year, hell shoot some 10,000 frames during his research trips around the pacific. Every winter, pods of pacific humpback whales make the 3,000mile swim from the chilly waters of alaska to bask in maui s summery shallows, fluking, spy hopping, spouting, and having an allaround swell time. Maui whale watching tours and snorkeling closest encounters in.
We we be able to see the whales without taking a whale watching trip. Looking for some advise from folks who know this place well. Our small groups get close with mauis whales and dolphins. Maui whale watches start early december and continue until early april. Peak whale watching in maui begins in december and ends in march which happens to coincide not by accident with the peak visitor time. One year of whale watching in just one infographic. If the main purpose of the trip is to see whales you might consider late january to get away from the throngs who travel to hawaii during the holidays, february, and early march before spring breaks begin, again, avoiding crowds. Mauis best whale watching lookout point gives an elevated panoramic 180degree view of the ocean. Each year, tens of thousands of whales travel thousands of miles from their summer feeding grounds to winter breeding grounds. The waters off of maui offer one of the best places in all of hawaii to see this displaywhale sightings are guaranteed on this tour. You can watch the whales from many of mauis beaches, or even from an overcrowded whale watch boat, but imagine experiencing these gentle giants aboard a kayak from ocean level. On both our early morning and late morning west maui kayaking tour we saw at least seven different pods of whales.
Maui whale watching guide humpback whales in hawaii. Greg kaufman of the pacific whale foundation knows a thing or two about capturing whales on film. Experience the pride of maui s spacious and stable vessel with many amenities and comforts including their large deck space. Look out your window just not while youre driving please. Nov 18, 20 i booked this knowing that whale watching is a great thing to do on maui. Maui makai adventures maui whale watching tours maui. I read somewhere that the whale watching season is from october to april.
Pacific whale foundation has presented the maui whale festival since 1980 as part of its mission to protect the oceans and marine wildlife through. Do you have any advise for us, on which island we should go for a whale watching cruise thank you all for your help. Maui whale festival help save the whales maui whale. Humpback whales in maui whales visit december to april. Humpback whale watching in maui options, tips, whale info. I know that the best time to go whale watching in maui hawaii is the winter months decemberapril. Scientists estimate that twothirds of the entire north pacific humpback whale. The whaleplanner april a whale watching infographic whaletrips. Pacific whale foundation helping protect our oceans. Although the humpbacks migrate to other areas of globe, 50% of the migrating whales are seen here, between the islands of maui, lanai and molokai. Starting in october and extending to as late as may, whale watching is one of the most popular things to do in the hawaiian islands. Explorer super rafts with the cadillac ride are the largest in the state of. The winter crowds are gone, the spring weather is lovely, and prices are generally lower than during the busy winter and summer seasons.
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