Who can participate in the Keiki Whalewatch program?

The program is designed for school groups from PreK to 12th grade, led by an adult chaperone or teacher.

Is there a cost for adults attending with the group?

Adults within the recommended adult-to-student ratios attend free of charge.

What happens if weather conditions cancel the trip?

Trips may be rescheduled or canceled for safety. The education team will notify the group's teacher contact by 7:00 am if the trip cannot proceed.

Are there classroom materials provided before the trip?

Yes, participating teachers can schedule an in-person classroom program tailored to prepare students for the whale watch.

How long is the whale watching program?

The onboard whale watching portion lasts approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.

What wildlife might students expect to see during the trip?

Visitors frequently observe humpback whales, including adults and calves, as well as seabirds and occasional dolphins.

Keiki Whalewatch with PacWhale Eco-Adventures in Wailuku | Water Activities

Set against the dramatic backdrop of Maui’s central coast, PacWhale Eco-Adventures offers the Keiki Whalewatch 2026 program, a standout experience tailored specifically for school groups from PreK through 12th grade. Operating out of Wailuku, Hawaii, this educational whale watching trip delivers more than just spectacular sightings—it connects young learners directly to the ocean's living giants under the guidance of the Pacific Whale Foundation’s seasoned education team.

Onboard a purpose-built vessel skimming the waters off Maalaea Bay, children and teens spend 75 minutes immersed in the rhythms of the sea and laps of humpback whales, whose annual migration to Hawaiian waters is among the planet’s most impressive natural phenomena. This program isn’t merely a passive sightseeing tour—it’s a dynamic classroom at sea, complete with a prior customizable in-class presentation to prepare students with knowledge about whale biology, behavior, and conservation.

Wailuku serves as an ideal launching point with reliable ocean conditions and direct access to productive feeding grounds where families of humpbacks surface, breach, and blow spouts against the island’s volcanic horizon. The geological canvas of Maui, characterized by ancient lava flows and lush coastal ecosystems, enriches this encounter by highlighting the interconnectedness of land and sea.

PacWhale Eco-Adventures distinguishes itself by blending rigorous environmental education with safe, accessible adventure for youth. This trip fosters stewardship by bringing the ocean world alive to new generations through hands-on encounters and expert narratives, making it a must-book for school groups seeking a meaningful outdoor learning experience. Quiet, attentive moments spotting tail slaps and pectoral fin waves become lasting memories and inspire future advocates for marine ecosystems.

Whether for classrooms aiming to deepen science curricula or families wanting a safe, engaging group activity, the Keiki Whalewatch offers a rare combination: genuine wildlife encounters paired with thoughtful, scientific interpretation in one of the world’s premier whale watching locations.

About PacWhale Eco-Adventures

PacWhale Eco-Adventures is a Maui-based marine tour operator specializing in responsible, high-quality ocean excursions departing from Ma'alaea Harbor.

With an emphasis on marine conservation and education, PacWhale offers a range of experiences including whale watching, dolphin research cruises, Molokini snorkeling trips, turtle reef snorkels, and evening sunset and stargazing sails. Certified Marine Naturalists lead tours, providing species identification, natural history interpretation, and respectful wildlife viewing protocols.

The company’s whale watch is a top-rated ecotour with a 97% sightings success rate for humpback whales during peak season, offering guaranteed encounters and guided listening to whale song from onboard hydrophones. Molokini trips include the Wikiwiki Express and Molokini & Turtle Arches snorkels, combining protected-reef snorkeling with on-deck instruction and small-group attention. Dolphin-focused tours operate as three-hour research-style excursions that seek Hawaiian Spotted, Bottlenose, and Pan Pacific Spotted dolphins, blending observation with informal science learning.

Specialty cruises include adults-only sunset sails with pupus and cocktails, family-friendly sunset and celestial cruises featuring astronomy commentary (in partnership with noted astronomers), and seasonal holiday events such as July 4th cocktail and fireworks cruises from Ma'alaea. Boats emphasize eco-friendly practices, safety, and guest comfort, with continental breakfasts and BBQ lunches on select trips, plus knowledgeable captains who select prime locations daily.

PacWhale Eco-Adventures is recognized for conservation partnerships, experienced crew, and an educational approach that balances unforgettable wildlife encounters with stewardship of Maui’s marine environment.

Departing from Ma'alaea Harbor, trips serve South and West Maui visitors and welcome families, couples, beginners, and experienced snorkelers seeking turtles, dolphins, and vibrant reef life.