Pacific Humpback Whales made an early arrival this year- spotted September 14th at 10am off of Kihei.  But the excitement doesn’t really notch up until later in November, when the whales become more active. This makes vactioning during the winter months on Maui particularly exciting.

Every year, over 10,000 humpbacks annually migrate to the warm, shallow waters of Maui.  After feeding all summer in Alaska, they make the trek southward to the warm waters of Hawaii to mate and give birth. While the whales are in residence, they put on a quite a display. There is nothing quite as spectacular in nature as a 45 ton whale breaching out of the water and coming down in a thunderous splash.

The Best Place to View Whales

One of the best places to view whale activity may be right from the lanai of your vacation condo! Since Destination Maui Vacations specializes in boutique oceanfront resorts at reasonable prices, there are well over 100 condos in South, Central (Maalaea) and West Maui to choose from.

If you want to get out on the water and see the whales in their own playground, many companies offer whale watch charters. Some are combined with sailing or snorkeling, so you get two activities in one.  We also like whale watch tours that have a naturalist on board.

Having a good time while watching whales is not a fluke…it is one of the best experiences in nature you can have, on the water or on shore.