Whale Watching

Maui is one of the world's great places for whale watching, since about two-thirds of the North Pacific Humpback population migrates annually from the cold waters of Alaska to Hawaii's warm breeding grounds. Generally, whale season runs from December through April, though sightings can occur as early as late September. The whales don't arrive in one happy travel pod, rather, their numbers increase gradually (nursing mother whales are usually the first and pregnant females last).

Lahaina and Maalaea harbors offer myriad whale watch tours but you want to make sure that you are on a boat with a naturalist, as well as that your money is supporting an organization that champions conservation. Maui's most renowned one is the Pacific Whale Foundation, a non-profit with boats leaving from both harbors. You should choose a departure point based on where you are staying and how long you want to be on the boat (boats out of Lahaina get to whale waters slightly quicker). Whale cruises should be booked well in advance online—during peak season, they always sell out.