Maui , United States

Maalaea Whale Watching Activity Visit

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About this experience

Witness the majestic humpback whales on this unforgettable whale watching cruise from Maalaea Harbor. Set sail on the Hawaiian-built catamaran, Winona, and enjoy stunning views of Maui's coastline while learning about these incredible marine mammals. Listen to their songs through underwater hydrophones and soak up the island vibes with light snacks and drinks available on board. This family-friendly tour caters to all ages, making it a perfect outing for everyone, from infants to adults. With a duration of 2.5 hours, this seasonal adventure runs from December 15th to March 31st, so be sure to book your spot in advance.

- 2.5-hour whale watching tour on the catamaran "Winona"
- Seasonal operation from December 15th to March 31st
- Includes light snacks and beverages; cash gratuities appreciated
- Family-friendly, with free entry for infants aged 0-5

Available options

Maalaea Whale Watching Activity Visit

What's included

Two restrooms on board

Soft drinks, juice, water

Underwater hydrophones to hear whale songs

Island-Style music

21+ years 2 adult beverages

Light Snacks

Experienced Captain and Crew

Maui’s only floating tiki bar!

Dolphin encounters on occasion

What's not included

Cash gratuities for the crew

Hotel Pick-Up and Drop-Off

Parking Validation

Towels, Sunscreen

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Google Maps 233 Maalaea Road, places you in front of US Coast Guard building. The pier is to your left. Walk onto the pier, turn left, and go to the very end. Look for our sail catamaran is called "Winona" for check in.

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