Hawaii · WHALE WATCHING

The 15 Best Whale Watching Tours in Hawaiʻi

29 tours  ·  from $39

Humpbacks are in the Maui channel from December to April and almost nowhere in between. These 15 are priced and timed, with a note on which run from Lahaina, which carry a hydrophone and which refund a blank day.

Maui Eco-Raft Tour: Eye-Level Whale or Dolphin Watching - Lahaina - From 1223 Front Street to open water
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Maui Eco-Raft Tour: Eye-Level Whale or Dolphin Watching – Lahaina

1.Maui Eco-Raft Tour: Eye-Level Whale or Dolphin Watching – Lahaina

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,482 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $85Our pick

From Lahaina, ride a low-water zodiac raft for close views of humpback whales from December through April, or dolphins and coastal scenery in summer. Marine naturalists such as Captain Jack, Captain Mark, and Olivia explain animal behavior, while a hydrophone lets you hear whale songs. Expect spray, sun, and a small-group ride.

“Great tour. Convenient and easy. Zach and Jess were great guides. Highly recommend. Whales guaranteed.”

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2-Hour Oahu Whale Watch from Ala Wai Harbor, Waikiki - What the two-hour route shows you
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2-Hour Oahu Whale Watch from Ala Wai Harbor, Waikiki

2.2-Hour Oahu Whale Watch from Ala Wai Harbor, Waikiki

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,929 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $49

From Ala Wai Harbor, you’ll cruise Oahu’s south coast aboard a renovated, multi-level boat with upper-deck and enclosed-cabin seating. Captains such as Logan and crew members Peter and Carel explain humpback behavior, point out turtles and dolphins, and use an onboard hydrophone to listen for whales. Bring your own snacks and drinks.

“Logan, Peter, and Corel were top notch! We got a perfect day to be on the water. Whales were a bit far off with I'd brought my binoculars. I suggest adding that to your ads binoculars recommended. Whales are such incredible creatures I have now seen them in Alaska with their babies. And migrating North along Oregon coast. They never fail to give me a sense of all about my small place in the universe. Thanks for a wonderful trip. Corel was especially attentive to anyone not feeling well and took some pictures for me as a solo traveler. Mahalo! a hui hou”

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From Maalaea: Whale Watching Tour Aboard the Quicksilver - What the Two-Hour Cruise Feels Like
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From Maalaea: Whale Watching Tour Aboard the Quicksilver

3.From Maalaea: Whale Watching Tour Aboard the Quicksilver

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,461 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $49

Cruise from Maalaea Harbor aboard the double-deck Quicksilver catamaran for about two hours of humpback whale watching from December through April. The captain and crew explain whale behavior, and underwater hydrophones let you hear their songs. Juice and soda are included, with restrooms and a shaded cabin on board.

“Excellent, straight forward trip. Multiple whale sightings! Service was great! Great weather. All good!”

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Luxury Snorkel Cruise, Local Buffet with Whale & Dolphin Watch - Six Warm Showers and Useful Boat Facilities
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Luxury Snorkel Cruise, Local Buffet with Whale & Dolphin Watch

4.Luxury Snorkel Cruise, Local Buffet with Whale & Dolphin Watch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,334 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $174

Spend about 3.5 hours aboard the 61-foot Kai OliOli catamaran, watching for dolphins, seasonal humpback whales, turtles, and flying fish before snorkeling over coral and tropical fish. Your crew supplies gear, instruction, showers, drinks, and a Hawaiian buffet. Waikiki pickup is optional.

“Fantastic food and a very comfortable boat. Great experience seeing spinner dolphins, Turtles and fish Crew was very nice and helpful”

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Maui: Ultimate Whale Watch from Lahaina - Watching humpbacks at close range
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Maui: Ultimate Whale Watch from Lahaina

5.Ultimate Whale Watch from Lahaina

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,162 reviews · 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours 10 minutes (approx.) · from $77

From Lahaina Harbor, you’ll spend about 1.5 to 2 hours on a low, fast raft with up to 28 people, looking for humpback whales and dolphins. Guides such as Jill, Lacey, Kacey, Jeremiah, and Kat explain whale behavior and use an onboard hydrophone to let you hear whale songs. Water is provided from a refill dispenser.

“Better than expected. From check in to exiting the boat was simple and very organized. Jill and Lauren were very professional and so informative. We saw whales and dolphins and Jill gave us a very fun boat ride. Highly recommend this outfit for your adventure. Thank you very much. Brad and Linnea Phoenix, Arizona”

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WHALES GUARANTEED Maui Whale Watching Makai Adventures - Starting at Mala Boat Ramp in Lahaina
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WHALES GUARANTEED Maui Whale Watching Makai Adventures

6.WHALES GUARANTEED Maui Whale Watching Makai Adventures

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,081 reviews · 2 hours 15 minutes (approx.) · from $97

Set out from Mala Boat Ramp in Lahaina for a 2-hour-15-minute humpback whale watch aboard Makai Adventures’ fast, cushioned-seat boat. Captains and crew such as Allison, Travis, Dani, Levi, and Noah share whale facts, answer questions, and help you spot breaching adults, playful calves, and mothers with newborns.

“Some of this is timing and luck, but we had a great experience today. Kristen and Dani were very helpful with information about the humpback whales and why they are in Maui at this time of year. We were lucky to see a juvenile breach several times just outside the pickup point. Quite a few more whales were seen during the outing, although we couldn't close on some adults breaching to get a close look before they quit that. Still a great experience. Only thing I would do different is to let us know ahead of time that we needed to take our shoes off, I would have worn flip…”

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Waikiki, Oahu 2-Hour Whale Watching: Guaranteed Sightings - Leaving Pink Sails Waikiki for open water
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Waikiki, Oahu 2-Hour Whale Watching: Guaranteed Sightings

7.Waikiki, Oahu 2-Hour Whale Watching: Guaranteed Sightings

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,064 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $45Best value

Sail from Waikiki between December and April on a two-hour Pink Sails whale watch. Captain Jamie and crew members such as Alex, Peter, Tyler, and Ryan share facts about humpbacks while you watch for whales, dolphins, turtles, and other marine life. If no whale appears, you can ride again free.

“Not sure what to say. The tour was cancelled and we did not go. I was in contact with the office about rescheduling, but they stopped responding. Now it does not show the event or the funds in my account. Waiting to hear back about rescheduling for the following weekend.”

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Ma'alaea Harbor: Whale Watching Tour Aboard Power Catamaran - Boarding at Maalaea Harbor
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Ma’alaea Harbor: Whale Watching Tour Aboard Power Catamaran

8.Ma’alaea Harbor: Whale Watching Tour Aboard Power Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 979 reviews · 2 hours · from $49

Cruise Maui’s Ma'alaea Bay aboard Quicksilver’s double-deck power catamaran during humpback season. Captain Kiwi, Captain Carlos, and other crew members provide lively English narration while hydrophones pick up whale songs. You get shaded seating, open decks, restrooms, and drinks, with frequent chances to see calves, breaches, tail slaps, and spy-hops.

“Well worth the reasonable ticket price. Complementary beverages included, and we saw dozens of whales.”

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Maui: Whale Watching Cruise with Open Bar from Ka'anapali Beach - Naturalist commentary that adds meaning
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Maui: Whale Watching Cruise with Open Bar from Ka’anapali Beach

9.Whale Watching Cruise with Open Bar from Ka’anapali Beach

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 802 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $115

Join Sea Maui at Ka’anapali Beach for a two-hour catamaran cruise in search of winter humpback whales. Captain James, Nick, Charlie, and the crew have been praised for finding whales and explaining their behavior. Expect beach boarding, snacks, unlimited drinks, and a maximum of 42 people.

“Amazing experience and professional crew. Would highly recommend this outing for anyone visiting the island.”

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Whale Watching Maui: 2-Hour Small Group Raft Tour from Lahaina - Key points to know before you book
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Whale Watching Maui: 2-Hour Small Group Raft Tour from Lahaina

10.Whale Watching Maui: 2-Hour Small Group Raft Tour from Lahaina

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 661 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $80

Join a small raft from Lahaina for two hours in Maui Nui’s humpback whale sanctuary. A captain and marine naturalist, including guides such as Will, Renee, Brian, or Joe, help you spot mothers, calves, escorts, and breaching whales. You also get whale songs through an underwater hydrophone, filtered water, reef-safe sunscreen, and a free return trip if no whales appear.

“We loved the crew and the boat. Was very happy to only have 8 guests onboard. Wasn’t crowded like other tours we saw leave the dock.”

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Maui Whale-Watching Tour by Raft from Kihei - Racing past Wailea and Keawakapu Beach
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Maui Whale-Watching Tour by Raft from Kihei

11.Maui Whale-Watching Tour by Raft from Kihei

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 646 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $84

Join Redline Rafting at Kihei Boat Ramp for a 90-minute whale watch aboard a speedy raft limited to 22 people. Guides such as Tony, Jamie, Jake, Josh, and Aly explain whale behavior while you listen through an onboard hydrophone. Expect close views, sea spray, bumps, and no hotel pickup.

“Great tour, guides were awesome and informative, lots of whales seen, would highly recommend, if you’re in Maui I would 100% book with them.”

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Waikiki Deluxe Catamaran Whale Watch - What happens at Kewalo Basin
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Waikiki Deluxe Catamaran Whale Watch

12.Waikiki Deluxe Catamaran Whale Watch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 638 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $89

Board Hawaii Nautical’s catamaran at Kewalo Basin for about two hours of whale watching off Waikiki. Your captain and crew explain humpback migration while you watch for breaches, tail slaps, and spouts. Drinks, snacks, restrooms, shaded seating, and a re-ride guarantee are included. Shuttle pickup requires selecting the transportation option when booking.

“Great time! Captain Chris and crew were fantastic. Saw some whales, had a great boat ride. Highly recommend this adventure!”

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Whale Watching On The Big Island - The search for humpbacks
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Whale Watching On The Big Island

13.Whale Watching On The Big Island

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 573 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $98

From Honokohau Marina, Hang Loose Boat Tours takes you into Kona’s whale grounds aboard a modern catamaran for about 2.5 hours. Hear humpbacks through onboard hydrophones, enjoy narration from guides such as Captain Bryce, and look for breaching whales, spinner dolphins, and sweeping Big Island views. Water, snacks, and a restroom are included.

“We had a great time seeing 4 or five whales. Crew were all great and pleasant to be with. Showed us a pod of dolphins and they were really cool.”

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Big Island: Pelagic Whale Watch Tour - The wildlife you may actually see
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Big Island: Pelagic Whale Watch Tour

14.Pelagic Whale Watch Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 557 reviews · 3 to 4 hours (approx.) · from $129

Set out from Honokohau Harbor at 8:30 a.m. aboard the 46-foot catamaran Artemis. Captain Andrew, Olivia, Dennis, and other naturalist guides search Kona’s nearshore and pelagic waters for humpbacks, pilot whales, dolphins, sharks, manta rays, and flying fish. The 3 to 4-hour trip includes seating, open viewing areas, soft drinks, and bottled water.

“I’ll start by saying the crew was great! They were very knowledgeable and also attentive to my sea sickness. Yet after a 3 hour tour we saw no dolphins or whales. I know they can not control what happens because it’s nature though guaranteed should not be in the name. When booking just know it is NOT a guarantee.”

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Whale Watching from Ma'alaea Harbor - What the marine naturalists add
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Whale Watching from Ma’alaea Harbor

15.Whale Watching from Ma’alaea Harbor

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 537 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $82

Spend about two hours off Maui’s coast with Pacific Whale Foundation, watching humpback whales and listening to their songs through underwater hydrophones. Marine naturalists explain whale behavior, and children age four and under are free. The trip returns to Ma’alaea Harbor and carries up to 70 people.

“It was amazing. We saw so many whales. The waters were a bit rough in one area but thats where the most action was. Can't wait til next time!”

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New in Whale Watching

★ 4.3Kalaoa: Big Island and Kona Midday Whale Watching TourFrom $9929 reviews
★ 5.0Kailua-Kona: Pacific Humpback Whale Watch ExcursionFrom $1304 reviews
★ 4.5Kailua Kona: Humpback Whale Watching Adventure CruiseFrom $15133 reviews
★ 5.0Ka’anapali: Whale Watching Boat TourFrom $9614 reviews
★ 3.5Honolulu, Oahu: Waikiki Whale Watching CruiseFrom $39166 reviews
★ 4.1Hilo: Humpback Whale-Watching Cruise with Snacks and DrinksFrom $1755 reviews
★ 4.7From Maalaea: Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise with DrinksFrom $6926 reviews
★ 4.8Molokini Crater Snorkel & Whale Watching (Dec 15 – Mar 30)From $149168 reviews

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