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Wailea Outrigger Canoe Whale Watch
Pricing
Description
Paddle Mōkapu Beach in Search of Maui’s Winter Humpbacks!
Push off from Mōkapu Beach and experience Maui’s humpback whale season from the seat of a traditional-style outrigger canoe. From December 20 through March 31, North Pacific humpback whales gather in Hawaiian waters to breed, give birth, and care for their calves, creating an incredible opportunity to search for these enormous animals while paddling along South Maui’s coastline.
With your guide leading the way, your group will work together to paddle the canoe into the waters off Wailea while scanning the horizon for signs of whale activity. A sudden spout may reveal a whale surfacing in the distance, followed by a tail fluke slipping beneath the water. Depending on what the whales are doing that morning, you might witness breaches, pectoral-fin slaps, tail slaps, or mothers traveling with their calves. Every trip unfolds differently because the whales—and the ocean—set the agenda.
Between sightings, your guide shares fascinating insights into humpback migration, behavior, and the importance of Maui’s waters during their winter stay. You'll also experience the teamwork and rhythm of outrigger canoe paddling, connecting your morning on the water with a seafaring tradition that has deep roots throughout Hawaii and Polynesia.
Sitting low on the Pacific gives whale watching an entirely different perspective. Instead of simply watching from a boat deck, you're actively participating in the journey—paddle in hand, feeling the ocean beneath the canoe and watching the horizon for that next telltale spout.
Whales are always observed from the legally required distance, and the canoe will never chase, touch, or intentionally approach them too closely. Wildlife sightings and behaviors are never guaranteed, but during Maui’s winter whale season, simply being out on the water and watching these animals move naturally through their habitat makes for an unforgettable morning.
Duration
- 2 Hours Total
Location / Where to Meet
- Check In / Departure Address: Mōkapu Beach, Wailea-Makena, HI 96753, United States
- Meet at the Maui Pacific Tours beach stand on Mokapu Beach, directly behind the Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort, 3550 Wailea Alanui Dr, Wailea, HI 96753
- The launch site is steps from the resort's beach access.
- There is public parking nearby at Ulua Beach Parking but it fills up very quickly, so be sure to be there early! There are restrooms and showers available at this lot.
Ages & Requirements
- All ages welcome!
- Guests must be able to sit in the canoe and paddle along with the group for the full two-hour tour.
- This is an on-the-water observation tour — guests do NOT enter the water during the whale watch.
- Tours use six-person outrigger canoes, allowing the group to paddle together under the direction of an experienced guide. Smaller parties may be paired with other guests to fill the canoe.
- This tour is only available from December 20th to March 31st, during Maui's humpback whale season.
What's Included
- Two-hour outrigger canoe whale watching tour
- Guided paddling instruction
- Traditional outrigger canoe and paddles
- Experienced local guide with knowledge of local whale behavior and migration patterns
Not Included
- Gratuity - Never expected but if you have a great experience, please consider gifting 10-25% to your guides!
- You have the option to add trip protection at checkout for an additional fee.
What to Bring / Wear
- Comfortable, Quick-Drying Clothing
- Extra Layers of Clothing - Sweatshirts and Warm Hats (mornings on the water can be breezy)
- Reef-Safe Sunscreen (non-nano, avoid oxybenzone and octinoxate)
- Hat & Polarized Sunglasses
- Reusable Water Bottle
- Dry Bag
- Required Paperwork - Signed medical form if required, waivers, etc.
- Seasickness Medications - If you are prone to seasickness, it is recommended to take sea sickness medication at least 30 minutes to 1 hour before the scheduled kayaking time.
- Waterproof Camera - The company is not responsible for any damaged or lost items.
- Please remove any jewelry, watches, or anything that can get lost or damaged by the water.
ADVENTURE PROVIDED BY Maui Pacific Tours
FAQs
When is whale season in Maui?
Whale season runs from December 20th through March 31st. This tour is offered during that window, when humpback whales are present in South Maui waters.
Are we guaranteed to see whales?
No. Humpback whales are wild animals, so sightings can never be guaranteed. This tour operates during Maui’s whale season, from December 20 through March 31, when humpbacks are present in Hawaiian waters in large numbers. Your guide will actively watch for spouts, breaches, tail flukes, and other signs of whale activity throughout the paddle, but every trip is different.
Do we get in the water with the whales?
No. This is a whale-watching experience from the outrigger canoe, not a swim-with-whales tour. Guests remain in the canoe while observing humpbacks from a safe and respectful distance. You should never attempt to swim toward, touch, chase, or otherwise interact with a humpback whale.
How close can the canoe get to the whales?
Humpback whales in Hawaii are federally protected, and the canoe must remain at least 100 yards (91 m) away. Your guide will never intentionally paddle closer than the legally permitted distance or chase a whale. Occasionally, a whale may choose to surface or swim closer to the canoe on its own; if that happens, your guide will follow applicable wildlife-viewing regulations and allow the whale to move away naturally.
Do I need paddling experience?
No previous outrigger canoe experience is necessary. Your guide will introduce you to the canoe, explain basic paddling technique, and help the group work together before heading offshore. You should be comfortable participating in an active ocean activity, but you don't need to arrive knowing how to paddle.
What is an outrigger canoe, and how many people are in each canoe?
An outrigger canoe is a traditional Polynesian-style canoe with a smaller lateral float, or ama, connected to the main hull for additional stability on the ocean. Tours use six-person outrigger canoes, allowing the group to paddle together under the direction of an experienced guide. Smaller parties may be paired with other guests to fill the canoe.
What whale behaviors might we see?
Every trip is different, but keep watch for blows (spouts), tail flukes, pectoral-fin slaps, tail slaps, spyhops, and breaches. You may also see mothers traveling with or caring for their calves during Maui’s winter whale season. Some mornings are full of surface activity while others offer quieter sightings of whales traveling or resting.
Why go whale watching in an outrigger canoe?
An outrigger canoe combines whale watching with an active Hawaiian ocean experience. Sitting close to water level gives you a completely different perspective than viewing the ocean from a larger vessel, while paddling allows you to experience the rhythm and teamwork of traditional outrigger canoeing. It's a great choice for guests who want their whale watch to feel like an adventure rather than simply a sightseeing cruise.
Cancellation Policy
Customers will receive a full refund or credit with 48 hours notice of cancellation. Customers will also receive a full refund or credit in case of operator cancellation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. No-shows will be charged the full price.
Availability
Reviews
Location
Address
Wailea Alanui Dr
Makena, HI, 96753
US
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