1.5 Hours • Seasonal Dec 15- April
Join a 1.5-hour whale watching tour from Kihei, Maui, for guaranteed sightings of humpback whales up close. Listen to their songs and enjoy expert narration on one of Hawaii’s best wildlife adventures.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1.5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; minimal physical exertion required, mostly sitting or standing on a stable boat.
Wildlife
History
Humpback whale protection in Hawaiian waters began with the establishment of the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary in 1992, preserving critical habitat.
Conservation
Tours adhere to NOAA guidelines to prevent disturbance and promote the recovery of the endangered humpback whale population in Maui's coastal waters.
Blue Water Rafting
1.5 Hours • Seasonal Dec 15- April
Blue Water Rafting is a Kihei-based ocean adventure operator offering guided snorkeling, whale watching, and coastal rafting tours departing from Kihei, Hawaii.
The operator runs a variety of trips including the 4 Hours Sea Caves along Kanaio Coast Rafting & Snorkeling Adventure with breakfast and provided snorkeling gear; the Molokini Snorkel & Whale Watching (2.5 Hours) featuring 1.5 hours of whale watching and one hour of snorkeling aboard a fast, maneuverable craft; and a 5.5-hour Sea Caves Along Kanaio Coast & La Perouse, Molokini Snorkel & Turtle Town combination trip with meals and small-group exploration. Additional offerings include a 2 Hour Molokini Snorkel, a dedicated Maui Whale Watching Tour, and Molokini & Turtle Town Snorkel departures from Kihei.
Trips include guided snorkeling at Molokini Crater and Turtle Town, opportunities to listen to humpback whale songs with a hydrophone on whale-watch departures, and visits to coastal sea caves and La Perouse volcanic shoreline accessible only by sea. Guests receive snorkeling gear, refreshing drinks, and meals where listed. Small-group settings and express departures such as late-morning and fast craft options are available to reduce crowding and maximize time on-site.
All trip descriptions list durations, departure location in Kihei, and included amenities so guests can plan accordingly. Blue Water Rafting focuses on guided marine experiences from Kihei that highlight Molokini Crater, Turtle Town, Kanaio Coast sea caves, and Maui whale-watching opportunities.
Departure Base
Kihei, Hawaii
Tours depart from Kihei harbor
Tour Durations
2–5.5 hours
Options from short to full-day
Small Groups
Small-group tours
Intimate guided experiences
What's Included
Gear, meals, drinks
Snorkel gear and refreshments provided
Book a small-group departure from Kihei for Molokini, Turtle Town, Kanaio Coast sea caves, or an express whale-watch cruise.
Book Early During Peak Season
Reserve your spot between December and April to ensure availability during the humpback whale migration.
Bring Binoculars
Enhance your viewing experience by bringing binoculars to spot whales at a distance more clearly.
Dress in Layers
Maui’s ocean breezes can be cool; layering helps you stay comfortable throughout the tour.
Use Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Protect yourself and Maui’s delicate marine ecosystem by applying eco-friendly sunscreen before boarding.
Light Jacket or Windbreaker
Keeps you warm against ocean breezes during the cooler whale season.
winter
Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Protects your skin and the marine environment during the daytime cruise.
winter
Binoculars
Useful for spotting whales and other marine life from a distance.
Camera with Zoom Lens
Capture close-up shots of whales and the scenic coastlines.