Whale Watching & Sailing with Maui Custom Charters - Kahului, HI

Whale Watching & Sailing with Maui Custom Charters

Kahului, HIeasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

2–6 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for all fitness levels; minimal physical exertion required beyond boarding and moving safely aboard the boat.

Overview

Set sail from Maui’s Maalaea Bay on a private whale-watching and snorkeling charter with Maui Custom Charters. Witness humpback whales in their seasonal playground and experience the island’s marine life on a personalized sailing adventure.

Details

Located along the southwestern coastline of Maui in Maalaea Bay, Maui Custom Charters offers an intimate window into the Pacific’s vibrant marine world. This area, known for its sheltered waters and scenic ocean vistas, provides the perfect launching point for private sailing and whale-watching trips, making it an essential addition to anyone’s Maui outdoor itinerary.

Maui’s unique geography creates rich marine habitats where humpback whales migrate every winter, turning these waters into one of the planet’s premier whale-watching destinations. Maui Custom Charters operates beautiful, well-maintained catamarans like the Artemis, outfitted with snorkel and fishing gear, giving visitors a versatile adventure experience—whether spotting breaching whales or slipping beneath the surface to swim alongside sea turtles.

Guests repeatedly praise the attentive crew, including Captains Ana and Tim, alongside crew members like Marcella and Makana, who infuse each trip with expert local knowledge, safety, and genuine warmth. Their ability to blend education with enjoyment ensures each outing feels personalized and memorable. One standout feature is the private charter format, allowing groups—whether family, friends, or couples—to soak in Maui’s ocean spectacle away from crowded tour boats.

The trips range from half-day whale watches during the peak season, commonly from late December through April, to sunset cruises that reveal the island’s coastline in changing light and colors. These experiences unveil encounters with not only whales but also hawksbill sea turtles, spinner dolphins, and unique coastal rock formations shaped by volcanic activity.

Maui Custom Charters is more than a boat company; it’s a gateway to understanding Maui’s coastal ecosystem while enjoying luxury, comfort, and personalized attention. Whether watching whales breach against a backdrop of volcanic peaks or sailing calm bays under a glowing Hawaiian sunset, these charters deliver a rare blend of adventure, relaxation, and connection to Hawaii’s natural heritage.

Adventure Tips

Book Early for Peak Whale Season

Secure your spot between December and April to catch humpback whales in their prime migration period.

Bring Reef-Safe Sunscreen

Protect Maui’s delicate marine ecosystems by using reef-safe sunscreen on your trip.

Wear Non-Slip Footwear

Decks can be wet—comfortable, sturdy shoes will keep you secure and comfortable during your charter.

Charge Camera Batteries

Great photo opportunities abound, so keep your devices ready to capture whales, sunsets, and underwater life.

Local Insights

Hidden Gems

  • Maalaea Harbor Tide Pools
  • Nearby lava tube caves accessible only by boat

Wildlife

  • Humpback whales
  • Green sea turtles

History

Maalaea Bay has long been a crucial fishing and trade area for Native Hawaiians, with its sheltered waters providing a natural harbor.

Conservation

Maui Custom Charters emphasizes sustainable practices like reef-safe sunscreen use and respectful wildlife viewing to protect fragile marine ecosystems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Photography Tips

Best Times

Golden hour (sunrise and sunset)
Mid-morning for clear water visibility
During whale breaching moments

Best Viewpoints

  • Aboard the Artemis catamaran deck
  • Shoreline near Maalaea Bay
  • Above water snorkeling vantage points

What to Photograph

Humpback whales breaching
Sunset over Maui’s coastline
Sea turtles and tropical fish underwater

Recommended Gear

Reef-Safe Sunscreen

Essential

Protects your skin while minimizing environmental impact on coral reefs.

summer|spring|fall|winter specific

Polarized Sunglasses

Essential

Reduces glare off the water, improving visibility and comfort during your trip.

summer|spring|fall|winter specific

Light Jacket

Essential

Provides warmth and wind protection during cooler mornings or breezy sunset sails.

winter|spring|fall specific

Underwater Camera or Waterproof Phone Case

Allows you to capture marine life and underwater adventures without risking gear damage.

spring|summer|fall|winter specific

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