December is when Maui’s humpback whale season begins. The whales come down from Alaska to mate and give birth in the warm, shallow water off West Maui, and our whale watch tours start on December 1. Here’s how to make the most of a December or winter trip.
Whale watching: the big one
- When: tours start December 1 and the whales peak in February and March. They’re active all day, so any time from sunrise to sunset works; wind is the main thing that changes.
- Where: the west side off Lahaina. The West Maui mountains block the wind, and the shallow water suits mothers and calves.
- Which tour: the 2-hour whale watch, the 1.5-hour sunrise or sunset trip, the VIP tour with 12 guests, the Luxe tour with just 6 guests on Wahine Moana, or the whale watch and reef snorkel combo (3.5 to 4 hours, one snorkel stop).
- On board: a marine naturalist and a hydrophone, so you can hear the whales sing.
- Our guarantee: see a whale or go again for free.
- Who can come: ages 4 and up. Not for anyone pregnant or with back or neck injuries.
Tours leave from Mala Boat Ramp, 1229 Front St., Lahaina. The Luxe 6-guest tour leaves from Lahaina Harbor. Please arrive 20 minutes early. See the whale watch tours and book.
Whales are protected in Hawai’i: boats keep 100 yards away, and swimming with or touching whales isn’t allowed. Sometimes the whales choose to come to us.
Snorkeling in winter
Our Lanai snorkel and dolphin tours take a winter break while the whales are here and come back in May. In winter, the whale watch and reef snorkel combo gives you both: whales and a snorkel stop, with gear provided. Snorkelers need to be able to swim. More about our snorkel tours.
A private boat for your group
Celebrating the holidays with family or friends? A private charter gives you the boat to yourselves for whale watching, from 6 guests on Wahine Moana up to 28 on Wahine Kai. Charters are booked by phone at (808) 667-5678.
Holiday season on Maui
- Holiday lights: many resorts in Ka’anapali and Wailea decorate for the season, and a warm evening walk past the lights is a Maui December tradition.
- Shows and concerts: the Maui Arts & Cultural Center in Kahului puts on holiday concerts and performances; check mauiarts.org for this year’s program.
- Craft fairs and local gifts: look for holiday craft fairs and farmers markets in local listings for the dates you’re here.
- Holiday dinners: resorts and restaurants offer special holiday menus; book early.
Please be kind to Lahaina
Lahaina is still rebuilding after the August 2023 wildfire. Our tours run from Mala Boat Ramp and Lahaina Harbor. Please respect closed areas, follow local signs, and support the businesses that have reopened.
More winter ideas
- Haleakalā sunrise: sunrise visits need a reservation from the National Park Service, and the summit is cold before dawn in winter, so bring warm layers.
- Road to Hana: plan a full day and start early.
- Beaches: winter brings bigger surf to some shores. Check conditions and swim near a lifeguard.
What to bring on a whale watch
A hat, sunglasses and a camera. A waterproof GoPro on a selfie stick is our crew’s favorite tip.