Launch from the Kihei boat ramp on a nimble raft and spend 90 minutes chasing humpback whales off southern Maui. Small group size, an on-board naturalist and a hydrophone make this an intimate, educational whale-watch during the Dec–May migration.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You step onto a low-slung raft at the Kihei boat ramp, the ocean already pulling at the bow like a patient hunter. The raft's choppy speedslashes the calm of the channel, and within minutes the coastline—Wailea's resorts and the dark line of lava at La Perouse—recedes into a wide blue stage. The water is alive: spouts punctuate the surface, tails slap like punctuation, and the on-board naturalist lets the whale calls stream through a hydrophone so you can hear the song beneath the swell.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1.5 hours (90 minutes)
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; you should be able to step on/off a low raft and stand for short periods.
Wildlife
History
Humpback whales have returned to Hawaiian breeding grounds for centuries and are known in Hawaiian culture as kohola, featured in oral histories and chants. Southern Maui’s modern whale-watching grew as conservation laws and boat guidelines were established in the 1970s–90s.
Conservation
Tours operate under federal marine mammal guidelines and local rules that require safe approach distances; favor operators who use hydrophones for education and follow NOAA regulations to minimize disturbance.
Reserve your spot on the Maui Whale-Watching Tour by Raft from Kihei today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Arrive Early for Check-In
Plan to be at the Kihei boat ramp 30 minutes before departure to secure parking and complete check-in—parking is free in the dirt lot above the ramp.
Prevent Seasickness
Take motion-sickness medication or wear acupressure bands before boarding; the raft is fast and can be choppy even on calm days.
Dress in Layers and Sun Protection
Bring a windbreaker and reef-safe sunscreen—the ocean spray cools you quickly but the sun remains strong.
Keep Noise Low Near Whales
Follow crew guidance about approach distances and quiet behavior to avoid disturbing mothers and calves; the hydrophone is best enjoyed in silence.
Binoculars
A compact pair helps spot distant blows and tail slaps beyond the raft’s viewing arc.
Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Protects skin during open-water exposure while protecting Maui’s marine environment.
summer
Light Windbreaker
Shields against spray and brisk winds off the ocean during winter migration months.
winter
Motion-Sickness Medication or Bands
Reduces discomfort on the sometimes quick, bouncing ride of the raft.
winter