Only with a professional captain and an expert crew, guests will learn more information about the north pacific humpback whale. We have timeshare so need to put in a request but not sure which island we need to be on for whale watching maui big island some body. You can hear what it sounds like by visiting the whalesong project website where they stream live whale sounds from maui over the internet. Now, if you wanna for sure see humpback, then come bout dec to march, ok. Youll be floating amid the whales less than 15 minutes after leaving on just about any of the whalewatch boat tours out of lahaina harbor. Humpback whale watching in maui options, tips, whale info.
Feb 20, 2010 whales come close to capsizing the boat with breach after breach. You can use the species and date filters to see changes throughout the year. There are a variety of ways in which you can catch a glimpse of hawaiis humpback whales. Pacific whale foundation whale watching tour our sunrise cruise was cold and windy, but the captain and staff did a fantastic job in making the trip as comfortable as possible. View them in their environment on board the maui magic snorkel adventure, watch them as they perform amazing acrobatics, and hear them in the water while you snorkel. Whale watching tours are the perfect attraction for your entire family to enjoy. Humpback whales slow to arrive in hawaii in this jan. Now, lotta otha whale hea year round, just not big number, cause humpback come hea with bout 7000 of they friend and relative, so hard to miss them during time they hea, ok. 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. At the very least youll witness some other exciting surface activity. You may also spot kohola from the southern shores of oahu, especially at makapuu lighthouse and along the seaside overlooks near leahi diamond head. Have a whale of a time visit maui for whale season.
Our 2hour ocean rafting whale watch cruises depart 4 times daily. We endeavor to create the ultimate whale watching experience for our guests. Lahaina harbor is best to go for a whale watching tour if you re staying in west maui. We love trilogys gorgeous catamarans, and their staff is very knowledgeable about humpback whales and the ocean life in this wonderful place. Users can record their vessel gps track and sightings of marine wildlife. The gestation period of a humpback whale is 1112 months, so in theory, a calf can be conceived in, then birthed in hawaiian waters. Facts about whale watching in maui maverick helicopter.
Lahaina cruise company experience the excitement of whale watching with lahaina cruise companys twohour hawaii ocean project cruise. You can help pacific whale foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting our oceans and marine wildlife through research, education and conservation. A diving whale s fluke and a second whale s exhalation. Humpback whale mothers are extremely affectionate, playful, and protective of their calves. The most frequently seen of mauis yearround whale residents are shortfinned pilot whales, which average 12 to 16 feet long and weigh 1. While you are on island you will hear the buzz about best sighting spots but i can tell you that in march they were all over the place and nowhere in south maui was missing them, unless they were too busy.
Most maui resorts and hotels can be found in west maui and south maui in kapalua, kaanapali, lahaina and wailea. Some companies have maximum weight limits of 300 pounds. Mauis humpback whales join us during whale season and combine snorkeling along with humpback whale watching. See the most comprehensive whale watching visual guide all about humpback. First whales of the season spotted off maui hawaii magazine. Tour operators have minimum age limits which vary from company to company.
You wont see the hundreds that are there earlier though. We are proud to offer whale watching tours from maui, kauai, oahu, and big. Baby whales, known as calves, are usually born sometime after late january if you want to see those, then plan your trip accordingly. It is believed that approximately 1,500 to 2,000 humpback whales visit the waters around maui each year between december 15th and may 15th. But if youd rather watch from the shore, a great spot is from the maui ocean center. Maui is a great place for whale watching, and a guided boat is the perfect way to make sure you re in. Theres no best time of day for whalewatching, but the whales seem to appear when the sea is glassy and the wind calm. On average, the first whale sighting from a trilogy boat is usually in midoctober, and by thanksgiving its almost a guarantee that youll see a whale during a snorkeling tour in maui. This coupon secures our special 2for1 online rates at any of our 3 physical maui locations. Slow down and pull off the road, so you can enjoy the whale activity without obstructing drivers behind you or endangering yourself.
When is the best time to see humpback whales in hawaii and. Sep 05, 2018 on average, the first whale sighting from a trilogy boat is usually in midoctober, and by thanksgiving its almost a guarantee that youll see a whale during a snorkeling tour in maui. If you venture out on the water for your whale watching tour, be sure to have your camera ready and a healthy sense of adventure, since a timestopping breach and a thunderous splash could happen at any moment. If you are swimming or snorkeling in maui s waters during whale watching season, you may be able to hear them singing below the water.
When we planned our cabo trip this past february we did not know about the whales just wanted sun. Whales at the end of october maui forum tripadvisor. Officially, whale season in maui runs from december 15thmay 15th, although its still possible to see whales outside of the officialwhale season dates. Many of mauis boats and residents join in on whale population counts throughout the winter months. Maui whale watching is one of the most popular activities to do in hawaii. North pacific humpback whales travel over 3,500 miles from alaska to hawaii every year to mate and give birth.
Can any of you folks in kihei see whales from the shore or from your lanais. While the first maui whale sighting differs every year, its lately been as early as september that humpbacks are. Maui whale watching humpback whales at maalaea, kihei. Eileen johnson is an avid landscape and nature photographer from northern californiaand kevins mom. This year i plan to work with other musicians to combine the sounds of the whales from my recordings with their beautiful music. I went kayaking out of olowalu, maui on a kayak and jumped off as a whale swam toward me. Not only can you often see spouts on the horizon, you can learn about humpback whales through interactive exhibits and incredible models and imagery. Insider tips for whale watching season in maui fodors. If you want to go maui whale watching, then plan your maui, hi vacation for sometime between december and early may. All of the footage was taken in 1 single whale watch trip aboard blue water rafting from kihei boat ramp in south maui, hawaii in february 17th, 2010. How quickly you will get to molokini will depend on the type of boat youve chosen, and from which harbor it departs. What you need to know about the maui whale season the old. Come see humpback whales that have traveled over 3000 miles from alaska to give birth and mate in a the protected maui nui sanctuary off lahaina where the waters are known for being warm and calm.
Humpback whale watching in maui four winds maui snorkeling. You can help by following these guidelines and support their cause of keeping these waters safe for mothers and calves. Maui whale watching tips all about maui travel tips. Hi i am from new zealand can you please tell me when is the best timemonths to visit hawaii for whale watching. 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. View them in their environment on board the maui magic snorkel adventure, watch them as they perform amazing acrobatics, and hear them in the water while you. A newborn whale calf averages 16 feet in length and weigh 2,000 pounds. The area off of south and west maui is a hotspot for humpbacks due to the calm water that is protected from the northern winds and waves. The waters off of mauis southern and western shores are relatively shallow and are surrounded by other islands, the west maui mountains and haleakala, creating calm and clear waters and optimal visibility. You ll be floating amid the whales less than 15 minutes after leaving on just about any of the whale. If you are visiting during one of the months of low to medium humpback whale activity or from one of the islands that have less activity, taking a boat tour can help increase your chances of seeing whales. Peak whale watching in maui begins in december and ends in march which happens to coincide not by accident with the peak visitor time. Most whale watching tours run from middecember through march to midapril. Peak months are january, february and march the very best time for maui whale watching.
On occasion, we will have our first whale sighting as early as october or late september. Boats are not allowed within 100 yards of any humpback whales. Trackless, that is, until whale hunters came along. Every ticket supports active marine research and the whale entanglement response team. Nov, 2017 they seek to provide you with the best maui whale watching and to educate their guests about ways to help protect these giant hawaiian visitors. Humpback whale mothers are extremely affectionate, playful, and. Everything you need to know about whale watching on maui. All of the footage was taken in 1 single whale watch trip aboard blue water rafting from kihei. And consider taking antimotionsickness medication too its usually very effective. You ll notice these laws in effect when on whale watching tours in maui. Pride of mauis tours also comply with the latest marine conservation practices, so you can feel good about your adventure. Jan 28, 2018 on colder months, you could visit maui and witness one of natures incredible activities, the annual migration of humpback whales from cool alaskan waters to the warm hawaiian sea. The peak season for whale watching on maui is january, february, and march, though whale season in maui officially runs from december 15may 15.
Nov 24, 2015 maui is arguably home to some of the best humpback whale watching in hawaii. We have gone out whale watching with trilogy every time we have come to maui for over a decade now. Its striped in white, black and yellow and only lives here. You ll enjoy a full two hour whale watch combined with snorkeling a beautiful coral reef. Humpback whales in maui four winds maui snorkeling. Now more than ever, the worlds whales, dolphins, sea turtles, coral reefs, and other marine organisms need your help to thrive in their natural ocean habitat. After allsince whale watches dont start until december 15th, your best bet for seeing an earlyseason whale is to get out on the water for snorkeling or sailing. They are easily recognized by their rather large and bulbous heads and their strongly curved, broadbased dorsal fins.
The best months to see whales is usually between midjanuary and march as this is considered peak whale watching season. If you re prone to seasickness, book a tour for early morning, when the seas are calmer. Maui whale watching guide humpback whales in hawaii. Without further ado, here are 3 of the best options for whale watching tours in maui. The iconic signaturefish of hawaii, by the way, is called humuhumunukunukuapuaa. Boat tours and whale watching cruises have become increasingly popular. While you will likely see them from a distance on the lanai at your hotel, be sure to join at least one whale watching tour. Apr 08, 20 now, lotta otha whale hea year round, just not big number, cause humpback come hea with bout 7000 of they friend and relative, so hard to miss them during time they hea, ok. We hope you will join us in celebrating his life, his work, and his inspiring vision that continues to guide pacific whale. During the winter months of decemberapril, the leeward waters of maui county house the worlds densest humpback whale population. Pride of maui is the most stable and spacious boat on maui with incomparable amenities including two restrooms, glass bottom, water slide, submerged boarding ladders, warm showers, a large hardwood bar and over 2500 feet of open deck. When whale watching on maui, you can expect to be on the very best ocean vessel for optimum whale watching and safety. In addition to scenic ocean views expert guides and naturalists take you to the best spots to observe whales and explain some of the behaviours you will observe like breaching, pec slapping, spy hopping, tail slapping.
This video doesnt even begin to capture these few moments. Got all kina tour and whale watch boat that go out and see them, ok. Some require riders to be at least 9yearsold, while others require them to be at least 11. Whale season car accidents are all too numerous on maui. Whaletrips hawaii the best tips for whale watching in hawaii. Ive been listening to and recording the songs of the humpback whales from my kayak for years.
After allsince whale watches dont start until december 15th, your best bet for seeing an earlyseason whale is to get out on the water for. Now is the time to enjoy watching the real humpback whales on maui. On tuesday, october 10, the pacific whale foundation reported spotting a pair of humpbacks about a mile off the coast of kapalua in west maui each winter, an estimated 12,000 humpback whales migrate to hawaiian waters to mate, give birth and care for their newborn calves. The only exception is if the boats engine is turned off, and the whale. If you are a scuba diver, snorkeler, or ocean swimmer, you can actually hear the whales while underwater. As of 2016, the north pacific humpback is no longer deemed an endangered species, but they are still protected by both state and federal law. If you are lucky, you can even meet dolphins and humpback whales while snorkeling. Although humpback whales can be seen from all of the hawaiian islands, the shallow auau channel between maui, molokai and lanai is one of the best whale watching destinations in the world. If you like your whales by sunset with a cocktail in hand, there are companies that will oblige. Were excited that members of the public can use whale and. We spotted a few whales and right before we headed in, there was a mother and her calf about 50 yards off the side of the boat.
Inexplicably drawn to the ocean, moana voice of auli. 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. Nov 28, 2016 download stream the moana soundtrack here. Our maui whale watching tour is truly an exceptional vacation value. Pride of maui is the most stable and spacious boat on maui with incomparable amenities including two restrooms, glass bottom, water slide, submerged boarding ladders, warm showers, a large hardwood bar and over 2500 feet of. The best way to see these whales on a maui whale watching tour is with redline rafting. You will see whales in early april, ive seen them around maui as late as may. Whale watching boat tours can offer a closer view of humpbacks. Only some males sing, and they do it between 50 and 60 feet below the surface. We are staying at napili kai and counting the days 75.
Whale sightings in maui typically occur between november and may. A pod of four killer whales, orca whales, was found by cascadia research collective on friday 111 off the coast of kona hawaii. Jun 19, 2012 insider tips for whale watching season in maui. Best maui whale watching tours things to do in maui. Boats, by law, cannot approach a humpback whale any closer than 100 yards, but oftentimes the curious whales will swim up and mug the boat.
Every year the pacific whale foundations holds mauis great whale count. This is only the groups third encounter with the killer whales even though they have been monitoring the hawaiian waters for 14 years. If you are at makena beach resort in feb you wont be able to miss them just sit back and relax, enjoy the show. 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. If you plan on going on a whale watch tour in maui, you most likely will see a breaching whale. If youve been on a whale watch trip, and you didnt find it lifechanging, you didnt go whale watching in maui during season. May 09, 2018 a female whale can bear offspring once every 23 years and average duration of gestations for the calf is 12 months. While the first maui whale sighting differs every year, its lately been as early as september that humpbacks are spotted in maui. The songs can last upward of 40 minutes and help attract females while deterring competition from other males. Maui whale watch tours hawaii humpback whale watching. From middecember to midmarch, every year our waters are filled with humpback whales returning home from alaska to mate and give birth. Sightings are guaranteed, or you get a free ticket for a regular pacific whale foundation whale watch. Feb 05, 2014 the most amazing thing i have ever done. Experience the pride of maui s spacious and stable vessel with many amenities and comforts including their large deck space.
If you prepay online for 2 or more snorkel sets youll receive an additional boogie board or beach chair rental free for the same time period. From december through march, you can join us on our daily maui snorkeling tours to see the spectacular humpback whales. Mcgregor point on the way to lahaina, theres a scenic lookout at mile marker 9 just before you get to the lahaina tunnel. Humpback whales in maui whales visit december to april. Nov 19, 2017 if you are swimming or snorkeling in mauis waters during whalewatching season, you may be able to hear them singing below the water. Once you see one, keep watching in the same vicinity. The sprawling upper deck provides 360 degree sweeping views so you can photograph all of the beautiful whales.
To truly go whale watching on maui, however, and experience the wintertime magic, you need to book a whale watching tour to see the humpbacks up close. We will also do the road to hana so looking for tips on this day trip to make the most of it since it will be one day. An adult humpback can grow to more than 40 feet in length and. Most whale watching boat excursions stop operating in april, as the number of whales declines. Download the app to stay uptodate on the latest sightings. In the mid1800s, yankee ships carrying whale hunters came and went from harbors like lahaina. Between middecember and april, you can just look out to sea. Hop aboard for snorkeling at some of mauis most popular locations, including molokini crater, or choose from a sunset cruise along mauis shoreline or whale watching from december to april.
Today, tourists fill the oceangoing vessels and whales are fair game only to observe. Again, you can inquire when booking your reservations. Humpback whale songs are extremely complex, last between 6 and 18 minutes and can be repeated over and over again. You can spot humpback whales from dry land with the naked eye at various lookout points or even while driving along maui s west shore just pull. Maui whale watching is most thrilling aboard the malolo. There was a time when maui was known as the center of the pacific whaling industry.
On maui, you can buy a relatively inexpensive ticket on almost any tour boat ride out of lahaina, maalaea harbor or kaanapali and expect to see whales in the wild. Nov 17, 2014 sightings are guaranteed, or you get a free ticket for a regular pacific whale foundation whale watch. Pwf launches whale and dolphin tracker app maui now hawaii. Our fast and safe rafting vessels are low to the water and perfect for close whale watching encounters and small groups making every seat a front row seat. Also, best bike outfit for biking haleakala and catamaranboat trip with whale. When you get to their site, just go to the left side of the screen under maui, then choose whale watching tours on maui from the dropdown menu for their. This is only the groups third encounter with the killer whales even though they have been monitoring the hawaiian waters for 14 years killer whales are one of 18 marine mammals found in the hawaiian waters however many of. If youre looking for more familyfriendly ways to experience the island, download. While there are many, high quality whale watching tours that will take you out in a boat to get up close to the whales, you can. If you re interested in going whale watching in maui, you can get more information on available tours, rates, and bookings on the barefoot tours site. This high speed catamaran leaves from maalaea harbor and can get you to the whales quickly. Our 2hour ocean rafting whale watch cruises depart 4. Even if not carrying a calf, some females will still make the trip from the cold alaska waters annually to maui.