The best place to see whales in Maui is the Maui Nui Basin. It’s estimated that more than half of the humpback whale population migrates to the Maui Nui Basin for breeding every winter. The Maui Nui Basin refers to the waters between Maui, Lanai and Kaho’olawe and is a protected sanctuary for the whales.
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Where can I see whales on the shore in Maui?
In fact, there are plenty of areas on Maui where humpbacks can frequently be seen from the shore during whale season. The scenic McGregor Point lookout west of Maalaea and the beaches of Kaanapali, Kihei and Wailea are also great spots to see whales.
What is the best month to see whales in Maui?
Whale sightings in Maui typically occur between November and May. The best months to see whales is usually between mid-January and March as this is considered peak whalewatching season. On occasion, we will have our first whale sighting as early as October or late September.
Can you see whales from land in Maui?
The south and west side of Maui is the prime viewing location, but we’ve found a few key spots that deliver a whale spotting almost every time!While the whales start their migration into Maui around October, the best time to see them is from December to March.
What time of day do you see whales Maui?
They do not have specific periods of time for rest or play, rather whales have intervals of activity throughout the day! This means you can whale watch in Maui sunrise to sunset! Early-bird whale watching typically checks in around 6:15 am and includes whale watching while enjoying the sunrise!
Where is the best place to watch whales in Maui?
Maui Nui Basin
The best place to see whales in Maui is the Maui Nui Basin. It’s estimated that more than half of the humpback whale population migrates to the Maui Nui Basin for breeding every winter. The Maui Nui Basin refers to the waters between Maui, Lanai and Kaho’olawe and is a protected sanctuary for the whales.
What side of Maui is best for whale watching?
Although you can go whale watching in Maui from pretty much anywhere along Maui’s shorelines, the south and west sides of the island are the most popular.
Can you swim with whales in Maui?
Although snorkeling with whales is often seen on social media or portrayed in documentaries on the ocean and marine researchers, it is not permitted here in Lahaina, Maui.
How long do the whales stay in Maui?
Seeing as we operate seven boats that offer whale watching tours in Maui, this is a question we’re asked a lot and at all different times of the year. Officially, whale season in Maui runs from December 15th-May 15th, although it’s still possible to see whales outside of the official“whale season” dates.
Can you see dolphins in Maui?
The Best Place to See the Dolphins in Maui
Maui is known as the best place in the world for snorkeling.Otherwise, a ride to Lanai is one of the most famous routes for watching dolphins in Maui. You will see these playful marine mammals while going to Shark Fin Cove that is located on the outskirts of Hulopo’e Bay.
Is whale watching better in Maui or Kauai?
Maui is a top whale-watching spot for boat-based viewing; in fact, it is one of the best in the world.While Maui is the best location for humpback whale spotting, the other islands also see many whales in season. There are fabulous whale watching tours on Kauai, the island of Oahu, and off the shores of Big Island.
What is the best time of year for whale watching in Hawaii?
The best time to see whales on Maui is November through May when thousands of North Pacific Humpback whales grace Hawaiian waters during their annual winter migration. At 25 to 40 tons, Pacific Humpback whales are the fifth largest whale species in the world. They’re a spectacular sight to behold!
Can you see whales from Kaanapali?
“One of the best places that I have found whales … is in Lahaina Harbor,” Sullivan said. Not so coincidentally, many of the boat tours depart from Lahaina, the West Maui town between the resorts of Kaanapali Beach and Wailea. “The whales will come all the way up to the boats that are moored,” he said.
Where are the humpbacks?
Humpbacks can be found in every ocean. They constantly migrate between tropical areas for mating and arctic regions for feeding. Humpbacks are at home in every ocean and migrate near the coasts with the seasons. While spending the summers in higher latitudes, winter is mating season and spent in tropical waters.
Is morning or afternoon better for whale watching in Maui?
Thankfully the west Maui mountains block most winds, giving us a calm leeward setting for whale watching on most days. Because of this, afternoon whale watching is a great option if you book your tour after a morning at the beach. The last time for whale watching tours is sunset.
What weather is best for whale watching?
Whale Watching with clouds and rain
Sometimes a cloudy day is the best whale watching weather. The whales don’t care if it is raining. It sometimes helps to remember that our Humpback whales spend much of their time in Alaska so they are used to cooler waters, a little wind and rain.
What is the best month to go to Maui?
The best times to visit Maui are April through May and September through November. The spring and fall shoulder seasons provide the pleasant weather Hawaii vacationers seek without the high rates and heavy crowds that accompany the summer and winter.
Can you whale Watch in Maui in June?
Dolphins are the most common sightings and this is generally the last month in which whale watching tours operate. June brings warmer weather to Maui, however chances to see whales are limited.
Why do whales go to Maui?
Although the primary reason for their journey to Hawaii is to give birth in the warm, shallow waters surrounding the islands, no one has ever witnessed or recorded a humpback whale giving birth.
Can you see orcas in Hawaii?
The reality, however, is that they do exist in Hawaii, but they aren’t a part of a resident population that is regularly spotted in the islands. There have been a handful of orca sightings off the Big Island of Hawaii as well as Maui and Lana’i, and a dead orca once washed ashore along the southern coastline of Lana’i.
Can you swim with whales in Hawaii?
Humpback Whale Season – December to May. At Oahu Diving we occasionally get the honors of seeing and yes swimming with these majestic big mammals of the sea. There has been numerous times where we have actually had humpback whales swim right by us on a particular reef. This is both lucky and very rewarding.
