On the island of maui, the peak months for whale watching are january, february and march. This high speed catamaran leaves from maalaea harbor and can get you to the whales quickly. At pacific whale foundation, our whale watching season officially kicks off in early november with our welcome home the whales cruise. Experience the humpback whales in their natural habitat during their annual migration to mauis coastal waters. Maui whale watching humpback whales at maalaea, kihei. Listen to whale songs through underwater hydrophones, watch mothers and calves interact and see males compete for females. The best and worst time of year to whale watch in maui. 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. 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. Pride of maui nothing beats a sunset over the water when whale watching.
Insider tips for whale watching season in maui fodors. Maui whale watching is most thrilling aboard the malolo. Without a doubt, one of the most amazing marine wildlife adventures youll ever have the opportunity to partake in is a chance to witness the majesty of the north pacific humpback whales in their natural environment year, after year, these magical mammals grace hawaiian. Whale watching season generally runs from december through april, when the tropical waters off mauis south coast are teeming with north pacific humpback whales. The first humpback whale sighting this year in hawaii was on september 29th near the small island of niihau. Whalewatching in maui in the beginning of april usa today. 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 whalewatching destinations in the world. The earliest humpback whale sightings are usually in november, sometimes october. Well if you are visiting maui after december 20th through march you. Look out your window just not while youre driving please.
The first month of whale season there are fewer whales, but the whales that migrate first tend to be juvenile humpback whales, which means they are curious and we often have close encounters with them as they approach our vessels to learn about us. The best months for whale watching in maui are the winter months, from december through april. We are governed by a volunteer board of directors and our work is funded through fundraising activities, memberships and donations from supporters worldwide. The best time to see whales on maui is november through may when thousands of north pacific humpback whales grace hawaiian waters during their annual winter migration. Its the perfect time for some maui whale watching by kayak. You can do whale watching in december but this is only a fraction of what you will see a few months later. These huge mammals travel between 3 and 9 mph at over 1,000 miles per month.
Hawaiian islands humpback whale explore whale watching. Early in the season, the first sightings are usually of males who have made the swim from alaska, awaiting the females. 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. Humpback whales in maui whales visit december to april. 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. March daily maui whale watching and snorkeling tours. Early season whale watch tours are happening nowsightings are guaranteed. While it is not whale watch season, would it be worth trying for a tour if there are tours during this period. Four seasons resort maui offers guests more ways than ever to. During your whale watch cruise, these amazing animals will often display themselves in full glory, giving you the ultimate whale watching on maui experience. Heres a rundown of everything you need to know for a great tripincluding the best places for low season deals. For more information on this special combo, see our lanai dolphin page.
If you book a whale watching tour from maui, experience the thrill of spotting a spout about 300 yards off the bow, and then motoring close for a. Download a special information sheet about whales and the sanctuary. While that may seem far, remember that a humpback whale can grow to a length of 52 feet and weigh about 80,000 pounds. We are officially at the peak of the whale season, where activity is super high. The humpback whales return to hawaii for a few months every year to mate and give birth, so malolo takes. This is a question we get a lot when is whale season. Go here from your mobile device and click your account to create a user login. 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. Pacific whale foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit organization founded in 1980 to protect the ocean through science and advocacy, and to inspire environmental stewardship. One of the most popular and fun things to do during this time is to go on a whale watching cruise. 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. Hi i am from new zealand can you please tell me when is the best timemonths to visit hawaii for whale watching. We have timeshare so need to put in a request but not sure which island we need to be on for whale watching mauibig island some body please help much appreciated.
While maui is the best location for humpback whale spotting, the other islands also see many whales in season. Most whalewatching tours will depart from lahaina and maalaea harbors and cruise through the auau channel, between maui and lanai. However, our tours start at the beginning of january, guaranteeing whale sightings. Whale watching in maui is commonly considered some of the best in the world. Everything you need to know about whale watching on maui. Mauis best whale watching and snorkeling aboard the four winds ii. If you are serious about seeing humpback whales in their hawaiian mating and calving grounds, the last couple weeks in february and the whole month of march are the best times to be here.
First whales of the season spotted off maui hawaii magazine. Oct 17, 2017 whale season in hawaii has officially begun. Humpback whale watching in maui options, tips, whale info. 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. As whale season approaches, four seasons resort maui at wailea has created a variety of.
Hawaiian islands humpback whale education humpback whale. Jun 19, 2012 heres a rundown of everything you need to know for a great tripincluding the best places for low season deals. Pacific whale foundations ocean spirit spotted its first whale of the season this morning, oct. From middecember to midmarch, every year our waters are filled with humpback whales returning home from alaska to mate and give birth. Hyatt regency maui resort and spa invites guests to celebrate whale season with a variety of special offerings, including the resorts popular.
Whale watching aboard our flagship pride of maui is even better. Nov 17, 2014 experience the combined thrill of whale watching and ocean rafting, on a brand new ecotour offered by pacific whale foundation. Experience the humpback whales in maui and view them in their natural habitat. What you need to know about the maui whale season the old. It is just about impossible for us to go out on the boat during this time and not see their abovewater displays and hear their songs. 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. Whale watching season runs from approximately middecember to late april.
The humpback whale season in maui lasts from november to may of every year. Whale season on maui encompasses more than just the holiday season, but for many maui residents and visitors, whalewatching is a big part of their maui holiday. 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. Experience the combined thrill of whale watching and ocean rafting, on a brand new ecotour offered by pacific whale foundation. Cruise from lahaina harbor on pacific whale foundations hightech. My future wife and i will be in maui from 20 to 25 november on our honeymoon and i want to take her whale watching. It depends on the change of seasons, water temp and storms up in alaska, but as soon as the water gets too cold the humpback whales make their annual visit to maui. By the peak of the season from januarymarch, thousands of humpbacks have gathered in hawaii from hilo to hanalei, with the largest concentration of whales residing between maui, molokai, and lanai. At 25 to 40 tons, pacific humpback whales are the fifth largest whale species in the world. 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. What you need to know about the maui whale season the. You will see them in ways like never before, making for a personal experience that you will never forget. Hawaiis whale watching season runs from december through may. Awesome stops off of lanai island, all of them full of marine life.
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. Maui whale season if you are serious about seeing humpback whales in their hawaiian mating and calving grounds, the last couple weeks in february and the whole month of march are the best times to be here. This seasons first humpback whale has been spotted. Begin your adventure at the old wailuku inn at ulupono. There is nothing like seeing a humpback whale up close and will be something that you remember forever. The island of maui is the best hawaiian island to watch these majestic mammals. Insider tips for whale watching season in maui fodors travel guide go.
In hawaii, maui is a top whale watching spot for boatbased viewing. Officially, whale season in maui runs from december 15thmay 15th, although its still possible to see whales outside of the officialwhale season dates. Maui whale watch tours hawaii humpback whale watching. I highly recommend ultimate snorkel as the best snorkel trip on maui. We recommend heading out on whale watching tour to get the best views possible, and to experience the beauty of the ocean. Your crew members will explain and interpret the social behavior of humpback whales. During the winter months on maui, whale watching is the most popular activity as everyone wants to see these majestic creatures up close. We offer a whale season pass 10 trips for those of you who love to whale. Few things compare to seeing these magical mammals in real life. The scenic mcgregor point lookout west of maalaea and the beaches of kaanapali, kihei and wailea are also great spots to see whales. We are taking reservations for tours on or after 612020. When youre ready to start planning your trip to hawaii, book a stay at the old wailuku inn. You may also spot kohola from the southern shores of oahu, especially at makapuu lighthouse and along the seaside overlooks near leahi diamond head.
These early sightings are rare and usually just include a few early arriving juvenile male whales. Whale watching season in hawaii is always a special time, and will be a great part of your trip. On the island of maui, the peak months for whalewatching are january, february and march. Whalewatching in season whalewatching in season 808 8563008. The humpback is the star of the annual whalewatching season, which usually begins in. Each winter, an estimated 12,000 humpback whales migrate to hawaiian waters to mate, give birth and care for their newborn calves. Maui whale watching guide humpback whales in hawaii. Hi, my fiance and i will be going to hawaii on sept 19 for 2 weeks. But on occasion, we will have our first whale sighting as early as october or even late september. But you dont have to go on a whale watching tour to spot whales.
The beauty of whale watching in maui is you can always expect the unexpected. 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. I checked for previous questions but couldnt find the answer. 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. Join us annually from december through march, on our whale watching maui tour. During their annual migration to mauis coastal waters, they come to calve, mate, and rear their young. Every ticket supports active marine research and the whale entanglement response team. 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. Experience the humpback whales and view them in their natural habitat. Enjoy ample room, and more time on the water with pride of maui out of maalaea harbor, a convenient location between wailea and lahaina. This is a truly amazing experience as you watch the different behaviors of the whales when they are here in their birthplace, hawaii.
Maui county is world famous as the destination for the pacific northwest humpback whales. Pacific whale foundation helping protect our oceans. 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. Humpback whales are just another aspect of what makes maui such an incredible place. Maximize your hawaii vacation by whale watching on the four winds ii. The humpback is the star of the annual whale watching season, which usually begins in. Well generally between mid december and mid march, when the water is cold they go on vacation to hawaii. November to january are normally the months where humpback whales start showing on the waters off maui. The best way to see these whales on a maui whale watching tour is with redline rafting. Many people ask when is maui whale watching season. Their migration crosses 3,100 miles of ocean each season. Mauis humpback whales join us during whale season and combine snorkeling along with humpback whale watching. While the first maui whale sighting differs every year, its lately been as early as september that humpbacks are spotted in maui. Every year from november to may, maui locals welcome back their favorite guests the huge, majestic humpback whales.
Join us during whale season and combine snorkeling along with humpback whale watching. Due to state regulations during the growing health concerns of covid19, our tours are temporarily unavailable. Whale season is one of the best times of the year to visit maui. We will not process charges until just before your vacation starts. 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. The peak season for whale watching on maui is january, february, and march, though whale season in maui officially runs from december 15may 15. Whale watching tours on maui depart from four different locations on every type of charter boat. If youve been on a whale watch trip, and you didnt find it lifechanging, you didnt go whale watching in maui during season. Every year from november to may, maui locals welcome back their favorite guests the huge, majestic humpback whales who spend every winter in hawaiis warm and safe waters. In april, humpback whales begin their migration north to feast on rich krill in alaska. Daily during whale season middecember through midapril at 8am, 10am,12. In fact, there are plenty of areas on maui where humpbacks can frequently be seen from the shore during whale season.
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