Eco-cruises depart Maʻalaea and Lahaina Harbors during Maui’s winter whale season.
Whale Watching in Maui with Pacific Whale Foundation
Experience humpback whale season with an expert-led team at the center of Maui’s winter migration.
Each winter, thousands of humpback whales return to the warm, shallow waters of Maui Nui after migrating more than 3,000 miles from Alaska and British Columbia, Canada. From Maʻalaea Harbor and Lahaina Harbor, Pacific Whale Foundation operates a fleet of whale watch eco-cruises that combine responsible wildlife viewing with active marine research.
Departures: Maʻalaea Harbor | Lahaina Harbor
Tour Length: Approximately 2-3 hours
Reservations: 808-867-3174
Book Your Whale Watch Now: pacwhale.com
Support Marine Research: pacificwhale.org
Why Choose a PacWhale Eco-Adventures Whale Watch
Pacific Whale Foundation has studied humpback whales in Hawaiʻi for decades, building one of the longest-running marine mammal research programs in the region. Whale watch eco-cruises are guided by trained naturalists who interpret whale behaviors in real time, connecting each encounter with the latest scientific research.
Your participation directly supports:
- Long-term humpback whale research
- Endangered false killer whale monitoring
- Marine debris removal efforts
- Youth ocean education programs
- Every tour contributes to conservation efforts that continue long after whale season ends.
What to Expect on a Whale Watching Tour
- Up-close views of humpback whales in their winter breeding grounds
- Educational interpretation from marine naturalists
- Hydrophone listening opportunities when conditions allow
- Responsible viewing practices that follow federal guidelines
- Whale season typically runs from December through April, with peak activity between January and March.
Reserve Your Seats: pacwhale.com | 808-249-8811
Conservation in Action
Beyond whale watching, Pacific Whale Foundation leads marine research and conservation initiatives in Maui Nui. Their work includes endangered species monitoring, marine debris removal and community-based education programs.
Choosing a PacWhale Eco-Adventures cruise helps fund marine research, conservation and education programs.
Learn More About Conservation Efforts: pacificwhale.org
FAQ
Where do whale watching tours depart from?
PacWhale Eco-Adventure whale watch cruises depart from Maʻalaea Harbor and Lahaina Harbor.
How long is a whale watching tour in Maui?
Most eco-cruises range from approximately two to three hours, depending on ocean conditions.
Do whale watching tours support research?
Yes. Revenue from PacWhale Eco-Adventure cruises funds marine mammal research, education and conservation initiatives.
Are tours safe for whales?
Pacific Whale Foundation follows federal guidelines that limit approach distances and reduce disturbance, prioritizing whale well-being.
Pacific Whale Foundation
pacwhale.com | pacificwhale.org
Reservations: 808-249-8811