The Traveller's Magazine
It’s no secret that Maui is a holiday hot spot but did you know that it’s one of the most spectacular places to go whale watching? Winter is prime spotting season as the humpbacks pass through so escape winter and treat yourself to a trip to this island paradise.
Maui: the whales love it too
While we’re still putting up with the chilly and wet days at home, Maui is lusciously warm this time of the year. It will always be a popular place for holidays but if you’re after a little excitement, the best time to visit is winter. The North Pacific humpback whales journey south from their feeding grounds off the coast of Alaska to the warm waters near Maui. They form the densest popular of humpbacks anywhere in the world this time of year.
All you need to do is watch the water for a moment or two and you’ll easily spot a fin, tail or spout on the surface but if you want to get up close and personal with these gentle giants then a tour is best. Charter tour boats go out from dawn until dusk. If you’re scuba diving in the area, you may also find yourself surrounded by curious visitors like these two divers did.
One word: AMAZING!
Whale watching in Maui: quick tips
- Best time to visit: between January and mid-March
- Best place to get a tour: Lahaina, West Maui. You’ll likely spot whales just 15 minutes out on the boats.
- Best place to watch from shore: Kaanapali Beach, just north from Lahaina where you can sometimes spot mothers birthing baby humpback calves just off the shore. Kihei Beach is also good.
- Best time to spot whales: Anytime. All the time.
Have you ever been whale watching? Where did you go?
