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Whale Watching: Maui's Ocean Adventure
4.8
196 Ratings
Lahaina
Join a thrilling 2-hour whale watch from Lahaina Harbor, Maui. Experience majestic Humpback whales up close with expert guides. Book your adventure now!
Join a thrilling 2-hour whale watch from Lahaina Harbor, Maui. Experience majestic Humpback whales up close with expert guides. Book your adventure now!
Duration:
2 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Lahaina - Embark on a whale watching tour from Lahaina Harbor, situated on the sun-drenched west coast of Maui, Hawaii, and witness one of nature’s most breathtaking spectacles. Lahaina Harbor is renowned as the oldest and most iconic harbor across the Hawaiian islands.
- ʻAuʻau Channel - Discover the pristine, crystal-blue waters of the ʻAuʻau…
- Lahaina - Embark on a whale watching tour from Lahaina Harbor, situated on the sun-drenched west coast of Maui, Hawaii, and witness one of nature’s most breathtaking spectacles. Lahaina Harbor is renowned as the oldest and most iconic harbor across the Hawaiian islands.
- ʻAuʻau Channel - Discover the pristine, crystal-blue waters of the ʻAuʻau Channel, a top destination for humpback whale watching globally. Here, you can observe majestic humpbacks breaching, tail-slapping, and even listen to their enchanting songs through our underwater hydrophone!
What's Included
- Local knowledge about Humpback Whales & what you’re seeing.
- Underwater HYDROPHONE to hear the whales under the boat.
- Shaded main cabin with oceanic window viewing.
- Marine bathroom on board.
- Multi-Level vessel for uninterrupted panoramic viewing.
- Expert Captain & experienced crew for your safety.
- Local knowledge about Humpback Whales & what you’re seeing.
- Underwater HYDROPHONE to hear the whales under the boat.
- Shaded main cabin with oceanic window viewing.
- Marine bathroom on board.
- Multi-Level vessel for uninterrupted panoramic viewing.
- Expert Captain & experienced crew for your safety.
What's Not Included
- Gratuities
- Alcoholic beverages
- Hotel Pick-up/ Drop-off
- Gratuities
- Alcoholic beverages
- Hotel Pick-up/ Drop-off
Additional Information
Hawaii Ocean Project has been a beloved choice for whale watching in Lahaina, attracting over a million visitors for more than 30 years!
- Enjoy a dry and comfortable experience on our spacious and secure vessel, guided by our expert captains and knowledgeable crew who are passionate about sharing insights into these magnificent creatures. Our team…
Hawaii Ocean Project has been a beloved choice for whale watching in Lahaina, attracting over a million visitors for more than 30 years!
- Enjoy a dry and comfortable experience on our spacious and secure vessel, guided by our expert captains and knowledgeable crew who are passionate about sharing insights into these magnificent creatures. Our team will explain the behaviors of Humpback whales, including breaches, fluking, tail slaps, and more! We’ve reduced passenger capacity to provide more space for our guests.
- We are among the few vessels that allow you to bring your own snacks and beverages!
- We also offer snacks, beverages, gifts, and other retail items for purchase.
- If you are fortunate enough to visit Maui during the Humpback Whale migration, this adventure is a must-do experience. These tours fill up quickly, so be sure to book in advance and secure your spot!
By booking our tour, you are supporting a Maui Wildfire-impacted tour company that is resuming operations at the original Lahaina harbor. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
- Dress appropriately. Viewing whales is often best done outside on the viewing decks. Wear sunscreen, secure hats and belongings and dress for breezy “on the water” conditions
- For comfort we cap capacity at 80 passengers; Coast Guard Certified for 145 passengers.
- Tour operator reserves the right to substitute vessels, routes and destinations based on vessel operations, weather and sea conditions without notice
- All passengers must be able to provide identification upon the request of vessel personnel as proof of his/her identity. Due to these changes it is imperative that each guest have a valid ID with them at all times.
- Check-in minimum 30 minutes prior to departure of tour at the lighthouse at Lahaina Harbor. Look for a crew in a blue Hawaii Ocean Project shirt.
- Tour boarding begins 30 minutes prior to departure and closes 5 minutes before departure.
- Departures leave promptly at designated times to avoid delays on return times.
- Full refunds are eligible with 24-hr notice. Less than 24-hr notice due to medical circumstances a doctor visit note may be required for a full refund
- Restrictions • Generally this activity is considered wheelchair accessible. Call us for further details before booking.
- Near Public Transportation
- Release of Liability Waiver must be acknowledged for all members of group at check-in
Location
Main Loading Dock at Lahaina Harbor
Wharf Street
*HARBOR ADDRESS: 675 Wharf St., Lahaina, Hawaii 96761
*WHERE AT HARBOR: Lahaina Harbor; Check-in at the MAIN loading dock of Lahaina Harbor, located nearest to Lighthouse. (Boat Name: "Kaulana").
*(See booking confirmation ticket voucher for more information.)
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.8
(196 Ratings)
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R2307tmjacobr
Jan 3, 2026
A MUST DO! - Wow wow wow! You guys….don’t sleep on this experience in Maui. We are a family of 5 and everyone of us had a wonderful time! Captain Dave, Michelle and Ariel were so amazing. Within minutes of departure we came upon a cow and calf humpback whale. Everyone was extremely friendly and knowledgeable. This crew has decades of experience and a large boat that gives ample room to move about for the best whale watching viewing. Many of the other whale watching boats followed our boat due to their depth of knowledge and reputation. Dave and Michelle are Lahaina residents and are just getting their business back up and running post Lahaina fires of 2023. We loved being able to support them, and hope you get the chance to do so as well!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Steven_b
Jan 3, 2026
One of the best parts of our trip! Exceeded our expectations. - This was a private cruise. Perhaps less than a dozen on the 65 foot catamaran. Skipper and his wife were fun and knowledgeable. First mate also was readily available for any and all questions.
When my partner started to feel a bit queasy about the rolling gentle waves, the team had a carbonated rink and ginger to settle her stomach. She was fine and enjoyed the trip as well.
Did I mention how many whales we saw and how close? We stuck close to this pod of 6-8 males and one female humpbacks.
50 to 135 yards was the general range, not counting when they went under the boat.
I would highly recommend this trip.
Review provided by Viator
Bryce_m
Jan 3, 2026
Whales, Whales, and more whales!! - We had the best time with Captain Dave and his crew. Dave has been whale watching since the late 1960’s and shared so many cool facts about the whales we would of never known. The boat is the largest out of all the Whale tours and is very comfortable. The whales are actually attracted to the large boat and all the smaller boats had to follow our lead to stay on the Whales - which Yes we saw quite a few as they were in a “competition pod” seeking the females for mating. I even got a fantastic picture of the Tail shot going back under the water !! 10/10 tour
Review provided by Viator
Trailblazer581258
Jan 2, 2026
First class personalized adventure - This Whale watching experience was fun and incredible. Our guides have been doing this longer than anyone on all the Islands and knew all the right techniques of finding and encouraging the Whales to play. It felt like our own private excursion given the attention and interaction we had with the Captain and the owners. Part of the reason we picked this company was the large, more stable boat they operate. We saw a number of smaller boats and catamarans that were jostled all over the place which would not have been very pleasant. We also were blessed by the most beautiful day of the entire visit and an incredible number of whales who were in the area. Wonderful experience!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
285aprilg
Jan 2, 2026
Great Start to the New Year, Having a Whale of a Time - Booked a last-minute whale watching tour, and the Hawaii Ocean Project did not disappoint. Great knowledgeable staff, Captain Dave was a treasure. I highly recommend this trip for whale watching if you want the comfort of a larger boat with a bathroom.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Barbara_t
Dec 30, 2025
Great time with highly experienced crew! - The crew was fantastic and very knowledgeable; they answered any and all questions we had. Very comfortable boat and snacks were available for a nominal, reasonable price. Would definitely return and highly recommend Hawaiian Ocean Project from Lāhainā.
Review provided by Viator
Katie
Dec 28, 2025
Hawaii Ocean Project sailing from Lahaina Harbor once again! - Fabulous whale watch! Hawaii Ocean Project is once again sailing from Lahaina Harbor. Captains Dave, Michelle and Andy are wonderful hosts. After losing their homes and business in the Lahaina fire, they have returned to sail from Lahaina Harbor. The boat is great for families especially with young children. Highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Piyush_r
Dec 27, 2025
We had a wonderful whale... - We had a wonderful whale watching tour and saw number of whales. Dave and his wife were very knowledgeable about whales and provided lot of insights about whales. We would recommend them over others for the whale watching tours in Maui.
Review provided by Viator
K5761stmichelez
Feb 23, 2024
Whale wonder - It was an amazing experience! Captain Dave was very knowledgeable. We saw many hump back whales and learned a great deal about the history of whales. The boat was large and comfortable. The crew was very friendly. Highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ashley_c
Dec 30, 2025
Cancelled Maui Trip. - Be wary of booking Maui Tour through Viator. They cancelled Maui trip and put us on an Oahu trip. I booked weeks in advance and hard to find other availability with other operators at the last minute. They didn’t even call me. We showed up and I called the company to find the boat. Hawaii Ocean didn’t offer to do anything to make it right. Viator did submit the refund request.
Review provided by Viator
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