Maui Whale-Watching Tour by Raft from Kihei
Active
1h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Enjoy a prime opportunity to see humpback whales as they migrate through Hawaiian waters from Alaska between December and May. Setting out from Kihei, cruise to an area off the southern end of Maui with one of Hawaii's highest whale populations. You’ll travel in a large, sturdy raft that provides a speedy ride so you can maximize your viewing time. Learn about the whales from informative commentary provided by an onboard naturalist on this tour limited to 20, a smaller group size than most whale tours.
Available options
Departure
What's included
On-board marine naturalist.
NO Back or Neck Injuries or Pregnant Passengers Please
Guaranteed to see Whales
On-board hydrophone to listen to the whales.
Detailed itinerary
1
Make your way to the Kihei Boat Ramp 30 minutes prior to your departure for checkin. Parking is free.
2
You'll be meeting at the Kihei boat ramp.
3
Pass by Wailea beach while on your whale watch.
4
Pass by Keawakapu Beach while on your whale watch.
What's not included
Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.9
196 reviews
5★
185
4★
5
3★
2
2★
0
1★
4
Tripadvisor
4.9
400 reviews
5★
382
4★
10
3★
5
2★
1
1★
2
Important information
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Minimum age is 8 years
Not recommended for anyone with bad backs
Not recommended for anyone with neck injuries
Maximum recommended age is 65 due to adventurous nature of our tours
Meeting point
You can also put in Kihei Boat Ramp into Google or Apple Maps. Parking is free in dirt lot above the parking lot where the boats/trailers are. Check-in is 30 minutes prior to departure in the parking lot for the 7AM departure and at the picnic tables above the dock for the 9 & 11AM departures.
About Maui
Maui, known as the Valley Isle, is the second-largest Hawaiian island and offers a diverse landscape of pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and volcanic mountains. It's renowned for its stunning sunrises and sunsets, world-class snorkeling, and the scenic Road to Hana.
Top Attractions
Road to Hana
A 160 km (100-mile) drive along the island's northern coast, featuring waterfalls, lush rainforests, and stunning ocean views. A must-do for any visitor.
Scenic Drive
Full day
Free (parking fees may apply at some stops)
Haleakala National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring the dormant Haleakala volcano, unique ecosystems, and stunning sunrise and sunset views.
Nature
Half day to full day
$30 per vehicle (7-day pass)
Molokini Crater
A partially submerged volcanic crater offering world-class snorkeling and diving with crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life.
Adventure
Half day
$100-150 per person (including snorkel gear and lunch)
Lahaina Town
A charming historic town with a rich whaling history, boutique shops, art galleries, and waterfront dining.
Historical
Half day to full day
Free to explore (costs vary for shopping and dining)
Iao Valley State Park
A lush, tropical valley featuring the iconic Iao Needle, a 1,200-foot tall volcanic pinnacle, and scenic hiking trails.
Nature
1-2 hours
$5 per vehicle (Hawaii residents free)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Poke
A traditional Hawaiian dish made with diced raw fish, typically tuna or salmon, marinated in soy sauce, sesame oil, and green onions. Served over rice or as a salad.
Lunch/Dinner
Can be made with cooked fish or vegetarian options.
Loco Moco
A hearty dish featuring a bed of white rice topped with a hamburger patty, a fried egg, and brown gravy. A comfort food favorite in Hawaii.
Lunch/Dinner
Vegetarian and vegan versions available.
Malasadas
Portuguese-inspired fried dough balls, dusted with sugar or filled with sweet fillings like custard or haupia (coconut pudding). A popular treat from Teddy's Bake Shop in Lahaina.
Dessert
Vegetarian (contains eggs and dairy).
Shave Ice
Finely shaved ice topped with flavored syrups and often served with a scoop of ice cream or sweetened condensed milk. A refreshing treat, especially on hot days.
Dessert
Vegetarian and vegan options available (check for dairy-free syrups).
Popular Activities
Hiking
Snorkeling
Scuba Diving
Surfing
Zip-lining
Beach lounging
Spa treatments
Sunset cruises
Best Time to Visit
April to May, September to November
These months offer pleasant weather, lower humidity, and fewer tourists. It's ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the island.
22-29°C
72-84°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: Hawaiian, Tagalog, Japanese, Ilocano
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
US Dollar (USD)
Time Zone
Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time (HST), GMT-10:00
Electricity
120VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Maui is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates in tourist areas. However, petty theft and scams can occur, so it's important to stay vigilant.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Be cautious of strangers offering services or deals that seem too good to be true
- • Use reputable tour operators and rental companies
Getting there
By air
- Kahului Airport • 2.4 km (1.5 miles) from Kahului
By bus
Kahului, Lahaina, Wailuku
Getting around
Public transport
Affordable but infrequent service. Best for short trips between towns.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Kihei
Wailea
Lahaina
Upcountry Maui
Day trips
Lana'i
16 km (10 miles) by ferry from Lahaina • Full day
A secluded island known for its luxury resorts, scenic beaches, and off-road adventures. Ideal for those looking to escape the crowds of Maui.
Molokini Crater
16 km (10 miles) by boat from Kihei • Half day
A partially submerged volcanic crater offering world-class snorkeling and diving with crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life.
Haleakala National Park
48 km (30 miles) from Kahului • Full day
A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring the dormant Haleakala volcano, unique ecosystems, and stunning sunrise and sunset views.
Festivals
Maui Film Festival • June
Maui County Fair • Late September to early October
Maui Whale Festival • February to March (peak whale watching season)
Pro tips
- Rent a car for at least part of your trip to explore the island's diverse landscapes and attractions
- Book tours and activities in advance, especially during peak season
- Visit popular attractions like the Road to Hana and Haleakala National Park early in the morning to avoid crowds and heat
- Pack reef-safe sunscreen to protect marine life and follow local guidelines for responsible snorkeling and diving
- Try local specialties like poke, loco moco, and malasadas for an authentic Hawaiian culinary experience
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
