Whale Watching: Eye-Level Encounters in Maui

Experience eye-level whale watching on a 2-hour eco-raft tour from Lahaina, Maui. Join Hawaii Ocean Rafting, voted TripAdvisors Traveler’s Choice, for an unforgettable adventure.

Duration: 2 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • 1223 Front St - Experience Maui’s exclusive Hawaiian-owned, eye-level Whale Watching and Dolphin Search Tours aboard our intimate, low-to-water eco-rafts.
    Escape the crowds and enjoy comfortable seating in a small group setting with breathtaking views of Hawaii’s humpback whales or Maui’s playful dolphins.
    December-April: Each winter, the Humpback…
What's Included
  • Plan to get wet! This is a low to water boat- ocean spray and light rain can occur during tour.
  • Life jackets are provided for emergencies but are not required to be worn during the tour.
  • Snacks
  • Hydrophone to listen to whale songs
  • Whales or Dolphins (Based on option selected)
  • Available shade varies on boat. Please bring sun protection: hat, sunglasses and reef safe sunscreen
  • Marine Naturalist Narration
What's Not Included
  • BYOB ( Plastic or cans only)
  • No Spray Sunscreen Permitted - Reef Safe Sunscreen Only
  • Hotel pick-up and drop off
  • Gratuities
  • Whales or Dolphins (Based on option selected at check out)
Additional Information

Experience eye-level whale watching or summer dolphin watching aboard our low-to-water, small group zodiac rafts.
Owned by Native Hawaiians and recognized as TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice, Hawaii Ocean Rafting has been Maui’s original ocean rafting adventure for over 30 years.
Our small group tours provide a delightful, family-style whale watching…

Location
1223 Front St
Front Street
CHECK IN 30 minutes prior to tour at Dive Maui Shop: 1223 Front Street, Lahaina. Park near Lahaina Cannery Mall and walk toward the ocean to Front Street, go south and over the bridge. Dive shop is on the right before the blue building. Due to closed roads & traffic, plan additional travel time.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(2051 Ratings)
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Julia_r
Nov 19, 2025
Fun adventure - The up close and personal experience on the ocean was the best ! I Lee loved being eye level with the ocean and its creatures.
Review provided by Viator
Kathleen_t
Nov 17, 2025
Wonderful trip! Tons of dolphins! - Had a wonderful trip. Beautiful day, gorgeous water. Saw tons of dolphins and even saw a sea turtle. Great photo opportunities. The guides were very informative and friendly. We had a great time.
Review provided by Viator
Mark_h
Nov 17, 2025
Family boating adventure - Great time - early season whale, lots of dolphins and a magnificent crew!! I’d do it again for sure!
Review provided by Viator
Ben
Nov 14, 2025
Whaly good tour - I am simple man. I want to see whale. I want to see dolphin. I go on boat - I see whale, I see dolphin. Whale good. Dolphin good. Boat good. Boat man funny! Boat man find whale, dolphin AND laugh on water. Boat man give me cookie and chips! Spicy chips - I like chips. I like experience. I tell friends go.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
P7612bkgrahamb
Nov 13, 2025
We saw whales! - Captain and crew were very professional and worked very hard to be able for us to see some whales. They are very happy to be operating again after everything so give them some business!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Megan_s
Nov 13, 2025
A great time! Great guides! - This was AMAZING! The guides were very experienced, knowledgeable, friendly, and very funny which was a great surprise. The ride was safe and felt great on the ocean. We saw so many dolphins and even baby dolphins! The refreshments were drinks, chips, and watermelon which we all appreciated, especially my 5 year old daughter. This was her first time out on a boat and she was obsessed! She was on the side of the boat the whole time we were stopped and couldn't stop gasping in excitement. We all took dramamine before the ride which I would recommend since it is on a smaller boat. Overall such an amazing experience and I would totally go again for the entertainment and relaxation.
Review provided by Viator
Robv358
Nov 12, 2025
Great time, great team. - Fantastic captain and crew, got us near two whales, even though we were early for the whale watching season. Super knowledgeable about marine biology too. One of the best values on Maui.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
F3018nuveronicab
Nov 12, 2025
Amazing Ocean Adventure, Dolphins and Turtles Everywhere! - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ We had such a great time on our whale watching adventure! Even though we didn’t spot any whales, we saw tons of dolphins and several sea turtles up close, it was amazing! The crew was friendly, fun, and made the whole trip enjoyable. Highly recommend this tour for anyone who loves being out on the ocean! 🌊🐬🐢
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Michelle_r
Nov 15, 2025
Fun tour, not full whale... - Fun tour, not full whale season so didn’t see much. Crew was fun and informative. Snacks and drinks were a great bonus.
Review provided by Viator
Kathylp8823bz
Nov 14, 2025
Whale / dolphin watching in Lahaina - 2hours riding the waves. Capt. Jack was very entertaining and informative as was Bri. No, but everyone on board was treated with respect and professionalism. Very easy to ask questions of our guides. The setting was peaceful and lively. Time on board went by too fast and although we didn’t see either a whale or dolphin, it was fun.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $85
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).