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.
