Whale watching season in Maui is one of those magical experiences that have to see to believe. You’ll be happy to know that whale watching season runs for several months out of the year. Read on to get the inside story of this extraordinary season, the history of whale migration in the waters of Maui, and how you can snag the perfect place to stay with My Perfect Stays to catch all the action! Let’s dive right in (pun intended) and learn more about whale watching in Maui.
A Brief History of Whale Watching in Maui
Whale watching in Maui can be traced back centuries ago to Hawaiian traditions – where whales were revered as spiritual beings. Native Hawaiians saw whales, or kohola, as ancestors and direct representations of Kanaloa who was the divine demigod of ocean animals! As we fast forward to the mid-20th century, the fascination with these gentle giants continued to thrive and the first commercial whale watching tours took off.
Maui is now considered one of the top destinations in the world for whale watching, and Humpback whales take center stage. Every year, between December and April, thousands of Humpbacks migrate from the icy waters of Alaska to the warm waters of Maui. Here they mate, give birth, and nurture their calves. I mean, if you had a choice between giving birth in the frigid waters of Alaska, or the warm waters of Maui – I think you’d make the same choice.
By the time the season peaks between January and March, you’ll be able to see whales splashing, and communicating with one another in their famous “whale songs.”
The Whales of Maui: Who’s In Town?
While Humpback whales are the headliners, they’re not the only whale celebrities in the neighborhood. During whale watching season, the waters surrounding Maui may also host smaller sightings of False Killer Whales and Pilot Whales, though these species are much rarer.
The stars, however, are the Humpbacks. These whales, often 40 to 50 feet long and weighing up to 80,000 pounds! Despite their hefty size, they’re known for their acrobatics! When they breach, you can see them catch some serious air.
The reason Maui is such a whale-watching hotspot is because of its shallow and protected waters, particularly in the Au’au Channel between Maui, Lanai, and Molokai. In this sort of water nursery, you can witness moments between mothers and calves.
How to Get the Best Whale Watching Experience
There are several ways to get in on some of the whale-watching action in Maui:
Take a Boat Tour
You can hop on a whale watching boat tour that gets you up close and personal to these amazing creatures. Tour companies like Ultimate Whale Watch & Snorkel have marine naturalist tour guides who can insight into whale behavior, helping you learn as much as you can.
Go Kayaking
Feeling adventurous? You can join kayak or paddleboard whale-watching tours that bring you within paddling distance of the whales – like the ones from Maui Kayak Adventures. Imagine what it would be like for a whale to surface right next to your kayak!
Find a Spot on Land
If you’re more of a landlubber, during peak season you may be able to spot whales from various points along the coast, especially in West Maui. Popular whale watching spots include Papawai Scenic Lookout and McGregor Point.
Pricing Your Stay for Whale Watching Season
Whale watching season is an exciting time on Maui and it tends to coincide with the busy winter months. This is the time of year when many leave colder temps to flock to Maui’s warmth. During whale watching season, vacation rentals can be in high demand, and prices may increase than during the off-season. But fear not—with a little planning, you can still find a great deal. Keep in mind that the closer you are to the coast and prime whale-watching spots, the more likely you are to pay a premium.
My Perfect Stays offers a variety of vacation rentals that provide incredible ocean views for great prices. You might even be able to spot whales right from your window or lanai! In order to get the best price, book your vacation rental with My Perfect Stays in advance. Pricing for vacation rentals during this time can vary based on location, size, and amenities.
If you’re traveling with a group or family, renting a larger home can be more cost-effective than booking multiple hotel rooms. Plus, you get the added bonus of privacy, a full kitchen to cook your meals, and the freedom to enjoy the whales right from your rental!
For a Whale of a Good Time, Book a Vacation Rental with My Perfect Stays
Stay central to prime whale-watching spots, get out to the beach, and enjoy excitement of whale watching season in Maui. Book a Maui vacation rental from My Perfect Stays today.
No matter what time of year you need a break, the Hawaiian Islands have a wide array of things for you to do and see. Set your sites on the beautiful beaches and fun you’ll find on Maui and create an island getaway that’s unique to you and your loved ones. The island alone is a reason to visit, but there are plenty more highlights, must-do, or must-see attractions and activities that will make the decision to visit Maui a no-brainer.
Weather
No matter what time of year you visit Maui you’ll experience sun and warmer temperatures. Winter highs are in the low 80s and lows in the mid 60s. Summer turns up the heat a little with highs in the high 80s and lows in the 70s. With less than an inch of rain on average in the wettest months, you can be rest assured to have good weather during your Maui adventure.
Culture
The Hawaiian Islands are a blend of Hawaiian, Polynesian, and other cultures. You can experience each on your visit. Attend a lu’au or visit the Maui Arts & Cultural Center. You’ll learn about area culture and customs or take in a show presented by various performers like the Hawai’i Youth Symphony, or nationally recognized artists like UB40, Old Dominion, and Wayne Newton.
Beaches
An island escape means time on the beach, and in Maui that activity is year-round. Spend plenty of time on the beaches of Maui while you lay out in the sun and sunbathe, get your exercise with a walk or run on the sand, or grab a beach blanket and pack a basket for a beach picnic.
Water Activities
In addition to the many beach activities on land that attracted you and your traveling companions to Maui, there are a myriad of fun water sports to add to your Maui itinerary, too. If you‘re looking for an adrenaline boost or feel the need for speed on the water, take off on a jet ski. For a unique and memorable water experience, learn to “hang 10” and take surfing or windsurfing lessons with certified instructors. Take a dip in the ocean or take some time to explore the underwater world on a SCUBA or snorkeling trip.
Road to Hana
It’s a road trip not to be missed on a visit to Maui. Pack up the rental car and go on a must-do sightseeing excursion on land. While the Road to Hana is “only” 64 miles, it’s full of hairpin turns, one-lane bridges, and an array of blind spots to negotiate. You may set out on the journey thinking the 25-mile-an-hour speed limit is a bit slow, but you’ll be thankful for it as you negotiate your way through the twists and turns. The road to Hana isn’t just driving! Pull off to the side with the many other vehicles and hike to beautiful waterfalls, lava tubes and rocks, black sand beaches, and historic sites that include Charles Lindbergh’s grave site.
Brave the road on your own and make your own stops or join a tour with a knowledgeable guide who will take you to many of the best landmarks and hiking spots along the way, meaning you won’t miss a thing. However you navigate the famous Maui path, make sure to pack plenty of drinks, snacks, and your camera.
Wildlife Watching
Charter a boat that seeks out some of Hawaii’s sea life. Several charters in the marinas of Maui will take you out in search of dolphins, whales, and other ocean life. Bring your camera for pictures of whales breaching, or dolphins coming up for a little air. You might even win their companionship as they race alongside the vessel.
Come Stay with Us!
These are just a few reasons you need to make Maui your next vacation destination. There are plenty more, including a relaxing home away from home in a vacation rental provided by My Perfect Stays. Book a cozy studio-style unit for a solo or sweetheart island retreat, all the way up to a 3-bedroom home. No matter which home you choose, enjoy expansive living spaces, a fully equipped kitchen, and more.
Call us today to discuss reasons why you should start planning a fun-filled visit to Maui!