Maui whale season is just starting!

Is Maui whale season here?

Whale season runs from mid-December through April all around Maui.

Alii line

And yes, they’ve been arriving steadily for almost a month now!

The annual migration from cold waters up north brings our beloved humpback whales to (what we believe they also think is) paradise. From December through April, whales can be seen from most of the Maui shoreline. A short walk on the beach might catch you by surprise as you see whales surface for air with a large spout blow.

humpback spout

While females are being courted by males, you may see common surface behavior like tail slapping, breaching, spy hopping, and pectoral fin slapping.

Males are keen to impress the females with their size and can jump entirely out of the water, roll in the air, and land on their backs in one big splash. New mothers focus on nursing and teaching their new calves survival techniques and ocean behaviors. Our humpback whales are protected here in Hawaii by the Hawaii Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary and have strict guidelines for responsible viewing.

Kihei whales

Maui is renowned for its amazing whale watching tours, making it the perfect destination to experience this special time of year! The pristine waters and clean air around Maui offer excellent visibility, allowing visitors to marvel at these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. With shallow waters and warm ocean temperatures, the chances of spotting whales are higher than ever around Maui – creating memories that will last a lifetime!

Maui whale watch

There’s nothing quite like witnessing a humpback whale breaching or hearing their haunting song echo through the tranquil waters. Maui’s many whale watching expeditions provide an unforgettable opportunity to observe these magnificent creatures.

double humpback breach