What is the best time of year for whale watching?

Mid-December through April offers peak humpback whale sightings in Maui's waters.

Are tours suitable for children?

Yes, this family-friendly tour welcomes children and provides safe paddling options.

How close do we get to the whales?

Guides maintain respectful distances to protect the whales while ensuring great viewing.

Is prior paddling experience required?

No experience is needed; guides assist all skill levels, including seated participants.

Can I bring my camera on the canoe?

Absolutely, waterproof or securely packaged cameras are recommended for memorable photos.

What should I wear on the tour?

Light, sun-protective clothing and layered options for variable conditions are best.

Whale Watching Outrigger Canoe Tours in Maui | Guided Tour | Boat Tour

Situated along Maui's southern coast near Wailea, the Andaz Whale Watch Outrigger Tour offers an intimate two-hour journey that merges Hawaii's rich maritime heritage with incredible wildlife encounters. This tour navigates the calm, crystal-clear waters where humpback whales migrate each winter, filling the ocean expanse with awe-inspiring displays of spouts, breaches, and tail slaps. Paddle silently aboard a traditional Hawaiian outrigger canoe, guided by experienced local experts who bring island culture to life through storytelling and chants, forging a deep connection to these ocean giants and the sea that sustains them.

Unlike larger boat tours, the outrigger approach offers a low-impact, immersive experience emphasizing closeness and respect for the whales. With a focus on family-friendly participation, guests of all ages can engage safely as they witness these majestic mammals in their natural habitat. The surrounding marine environment includes vibrant coral reefs and native seabirds, adding layers of richness to the trip.

Maui’s whale season peaks between December and April, when thousands of humpbacks journey from Alaska's frigid waters to breed and calve in Hawaiian warmth. The Andaz Whale Watch Outrigger Tour is a standout local operation because it pairs ecological responsibility with cultural authenticity, highlighting both the biological wonder and Hawaiian stewardship of the ocean. Sitting just minutes from the luxury resort district of Wailea, the tour balances accessibility with a genuine connection to island traditions.

For visitors seeking a memorable, educational, and environmentally conscious whale watching experience in Maui, this outrigger canoe adventure provides unmatched intimacy and cultural depth, setting it apart as a remarkable way to witness the ocean’s giants.

About Maui Pacific Tours

Maui Pacific Tours is a Wailea-Makena, Hawaii–based tour operator specializing in outrigger canoe experiences along Maui’s South shores. The operator runs private and small-group paddling tours that combine Hawaiian paddling culture with marine wildlife viewing.

Trips include two-hour snorkel outrigger canoe tours from the Andaz and Grand Wailea, one-hour swim-with-the-turtles excursions, and two-hour whale-watch outings. Each tour departs from resort-adjacent beaches and focuses on close encounters with Hawaiian green sea turtles, colorful reef fish, and seasonal humpback whales.

Expert paddlers and guides lead each adventure, handling canoe operation, navigation, and guest briefings before water entry. Tours emphasize safety, respect for marine life, and a family-friendly pace suitable for a broad range of ages and swimming abilities.

Maui Pacific Tours uses traditional outrigger canoes for a stable, cultural paddling platform that allows guests to approach snorkeling sites and wildlife with minimal footprint. Private canoe charters provide an intimate setting for families and small groups seeking a more personal experience on the water.

Reservations are arranged per tour type and duration, with options for short turtle swims and longer snorkel or whale-watch trips. Guests can expect guided snorkeling with opportunities to see sea turtles and reef life during the warmer months, and whale-watching encounters in the humpback season.

Maui Pacific Tours focuses on delivering memorable, educational ocean outings rooted in Hawaiian paddling tradition and responsible wildlife viewing. Tours depart from Wailea-Makena resort beaches and operate along the South Maui coastline, with launches near the Andaz and Grand Wailea resort properties for families.