Your questions, answered

We start whale watching on December 1, right as the humpbacks begin arriving from Alaska. December is often when we meet the first moms and calves, along with some very entertaining young whales. The numbers peak in February and March, then the whales slowly head back north in spring. Thinking about a late-season trip? Check the whale watch page or give us a call.

Pick the time that suits your day. Whales are active around the clock, and what they’re doing changes from hour to hour. Wind matters more than the clock, because more wind limits where we can go. If you can go more than once, you improve your odds of getting that perfect memory. Fair warning: being near a whale can be addicting!

Most of our trips leave from Mala Boat Ramp, 1229 Front St. in Lahaina. Our Luxe 6-guest whale watch on Wahine Moana leaves from Lahaina Harbor. Your booking shows which one is yours.

Please meet us 20 minutes before a whale watch, 30 minutes before a snorkel trip and 15 minutes before a Wahine Moana luxury charter. If your booking shows a different check-in time, go with that one.

The West Maui mountains block much of the wind, so the water off Lahaina is calmer on most days. The shallow water here also suits moms and calves, and the males go where the females are. It’s a great spot to meet a whale.

We keep it small. Groups run from 6 to 28 guests depending on the tour. Our VIP whale watch is limited to 12 guests and our Luxe trip to just 6. Our boats sit low to the water and most are rescue-raft style, so every seat feels like a front-row seat. You can actually talk with your captain and crew, and we love it when you do.

We can’t promise that you won’t, but we can tell you the waters off Lahaina are known for being calm, and most of our whale watches are 2 hours. If you tend to get seasick, ask your doctor or pharmacist what they suggest before your trip. Give us a call too, and we’ll talk through which tour fits you best.

Yes. Our rescue-raft style is used by the Coast Guard, Navy and police for rescue work, and our boats meet Coast Guard safety regulations every year. And no, a whale has never tipped us over. They really are gentle giants.

Wahine Kai and Wahine Moana both have one. If this matters for your group, call us before you book and we’ll tell you which boat your tour uses.

Yes, if they’re 4 or older. Kids love the boat ride, and they can listen to whale song on the hydrophone. Most tours have a child price for ages 4 to 12. We can’t take children under 4 on any trip.

For your safety, these trips aren’t for anyone with a back or neck injury, or anyone who is pregnant. Snorkelers also need to be able to swim. If you’re not sure, please call us first.

Absolutely. Our Lanai snorkel trips are beginner friendly. We provide the gear and flotation, teach you how to use them, and a guide gets in the water with you at every stop. You just need to be able to swim.

Then you go again, for free. Our whale watches come with a sighting guarantee.

Federal law says we can’t approach humpback whales within 100 yards, and we follow it. But whales are curious, and our small, low boats don’t seem to bother them. Sometimes they choose to come right over and check us out. When they do, we stop the boat and enjoy the show.

No. Swimming with or touching humpback whales isn’t allowed, and we wouldn’t want it any other way. On our snorkel trips you’ll explore reefs, with turtles and tropical fish for company.

Sea turtles, dolphins, colorful reef fish and all kinds of other sea creatures, including rays and octopus. Many of the tropical fish around Maui and Lanai are found nowhere else in the world. Dolphins show up on about 9 of 10 trips. They’re wild animals, so what you see changes from day to day, and that’s part of the fun.

Yes. Marine naturalist guides are on board, and every boat has a hydrophone so you can listen to the whales sing. Our crew are in this because they love the ocean, so please ask them anything.

For a whale watch: a hat, sunglasses and a camera. We provide purified water and reef-safe sunscreen, and there’s dry storage for your bags.

For a snorkel trip: add a towel and swimsuit. We have the mask, snorkel, fins, flotation and sunscreen, and you’re welcome to bring your own adult beverages.

One pro tip from us: a waterproof GoPro on a selfie stick makes for great underwater video.

Press Book Now on the whale watch or snorkel page, or call us at (808) 667-5678. Every tour card shows its current price and times.

Shared tours have a 24-hour cancellation policy, and private charters have a 72-hour policy. If the weather gets in the way of a safe or enjoyable trip, we’ll reschedule or refund you. If plans change, please call us and we’ll help however we can.

Yes, and it’s a lot of fun. Private charters are great for family trips, weddings, memorials and company outings. You choose the time, the length and what you want to do. For something extra special, see our luxury charter on Wahine Moana.

We’re a locally owned and operated Maui company, sharing this ocean with guests since 1982. Our captains, naturalists and marine biologists are all about sharing their love of the ocean, and we want everyone who comes aboard to feel like ohana. One guest, Doug from Saskatoon, put it this way: “They make you feel like family.” Read more about us.

Guests rate us 4.9 out of 5 on Tripadvisor, from 3,433 reviews (as of November 1, 2026). In the words of Steve B. from Afton, Minnesota: “One of the coolest experiences I have ever had.”

Yes. Since 2006 we’ve donated boats, captains and crew to scientists studying whales, manta rays and coral reefs around Maui. Our captains are trained first responders for entangled whales, and our team has taken part in more than 100 responses. See our research work.