Whale Watching Sail from Lahaina

Pacific Whale Foundation

West Maui

December to April

Lunch & Drinks Available

Whale Watching

Guide teaching kids about whales on boat

Highlights

Observe majestic humpback whales
Learn about their behavior from onboard marine naturalists
Hear whales sing with underwater hydrophone
Spacious modern luxury sailing catamaran
Support a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting marine life and oceans
Whale sighting guarantee (97% success rate) or go again for free

From
$53 per adult

Discounted up to 10%
Morning, Afternoon
Duration 2 - 3 hours

Pricing & Availability

Overview

Maui is the prime spot in Hawaii for viewing hundreds of humpback whales from November through May as thousands congregate in the warm waters off the coast to eat, mate, and raise their young. Witness these magnificent creatures in their natural environment with an educational and fun boat cruise from Maui’s whale watching experts.

Since 1980, the non-profit Pacific Whale Foundation has focused on studying and protecting whales, and marine life and the oceans more broadly, through research and educating the public. PWF's passion and expertise is on full display as certified marine naturalists explain the whales’ social behavior and, if conditions are right, let you listen to whale songs through an underwater hydrophone.

All profits from your tickets go directly towards PWF's important work of protecting the oceans through science and advocacy. Whale sightings are guaranteed (97% success rate) or go again for free within 1 year. A free marine wildlife 8x10 glossy poster card is given per person, and a junior naturalist program teaches and inspires the younger ones.

COVID-19 UPDATE: This cruise is currently operating, with passenger capacity reduced by 50% for the foreseeable future. For the safety of staff and guests, enhanced sanitation measures and onboard best practices to reduce contact and maintain social distancing have also been implemented.

Booking Tip

The booking calendar above shows real-time availability. If the date/time is available (including for today), just select it and finish the booking process as soon as possible to claim your spots. The cruises can sell out, so don't wait too long!

TravelShack's Choice

Why we recommend this option over others

Whale watching is PWF's specialty, and you are learning from a prominent organization that has advanced whale research and conservation efforts for over 35 years
Profits from your tickets support PWF's important work
Multiple options to choose from to best fit your schedule and budget
Modern luxury sailing catamaran

Traveler Reviews

TravelShack Customer rating:

5.0 out of 5 stars

Also rated on:

TripAdvisor

Yelp

February 2020

Great tour and very knowledgeable staff!

February 2020

The very best activity we’ve done on visits to Oahu, Kauai, and Maui! The lunch cruise on the SPIRIT was the very best choice. Wonderful lunch on this sailing catamaran, all drinks included, and time with sails up. They used a hydrophone in the water to let us hear the amazing whale songs! Sooo many! They taught us about the whales. We even happened upon a group of dolphins right on our side. They were “spinners” which meant when they leaped out of the water, they spun around. Recommend this precise tour to everyone who’s interested in the Pacific Whale Organization. Profits all go to protecting and studying our sea creatures. They have a great center right near the Banyan Tree in Lahaina.

February 2020

Our trip on the Ocean Spirit was beyond wonderful! Spectacular whale experience, and the crew was very knowledgeable and skilled.

Guidebook Reviews

Maui Revealed Guidebook:

Maui is the undisputed whale watching capital of Hawaii.

For whale watching, Pacific Whale Foundation remains our top choice because of their knowledgeable crews. This is their passion.

Make sure you book a dedicated whale watching tour that focuses on that and nothing else.

Lonely Planet Guidebook:

Whale Watching: Top 10 Maui Highlight

The Pacific Whale Foundation whale watching cruises are immensely popular

Fodor's Guidebook:

Whale Watch: Top 15 Maui Attraction. The humpback whales’ attraction to Maui is legendary, and seeing them is a highlight for many visitors. It’s one of the most popular activities on Maui.

Moon Guidebook:

Whale Watching: Top 10 West Maui Highlight: The waters off Maui are home to the highest concentration of humpback whales on the planet

	Option 1 Standard	Option 2 Deluxe
Times* Check-in 45 min prior	7:30 or 10 am	12:30 pm
Duration	2 hours	3 hours
Food & Drink	Snacks & drinks available for purchase	Gourmet lunch and drinks (including 3 alcoholic beverages) included
Max Passengers Often less	65 (24 during COVID)	65 (24 during COVID)
Price with 10% online discount	Age 13+: ~~$59~~ $53.10 Age 7-12: ~~$30~~ $27 Age 6 & under: 1 Free per adult, or $27	Age 13+: ~~$85~~ $76.50 Age 7-12: ~~$43~~ $38.70 Age 6 & under: 1 Free per adult, or $38.70
	Book Now	Book Now

Location

West Maui

Departure Point
Lahaina Harbor

Distance
15 min from Ka’anapali

30-45 min from Kihei / Wailea

Frequently Asked Questions

Non-profit organization whose mission is to protect the oceans through science and advocacy. It conducts marine research, educates the public, and fights for marine life and ocean conservation.
Hawai'i Ecotourism Association Sustainable Tourism Certification
Holds annual Maui Whale Festival to raise awareness about conservation and raise funds to support its important programs
Boats use energy efficient, low emissions engines
Developed and outfitted all boats with whale protection devices, the first devices in the world for commercial vessels that guide whales away from propellers and running gear
Uses bio-compostable plates, cups, and utensils
Sources locally grown fruits, vegetables, and meats to reduce carbon footprint