Maui is undoubtedly one of the best places in the world to go whale watching or go on a Maui snorkeling tour. Every year, humpback whales migrate from their feeding grounds in Alaska to the warm waters around Hawaii to breed and give birth. If you're planning a trip to Maui and want to experience these magnificent creatures up close, you may be wondering what the best time of year to visit is. In this post, we'll take a look at the best month to visit Maui for Maui whale watching tours and explain why it's the ideal time to see these incredible animals.
Best Month: January
If you're looking for the best time to see whales in Maui, January is the month to visit. This is peak whale watching season, and you'll have the best chance of spotting these majestic creatures in the waters around the island. Around 10,000 humpback whales migrate to Hawaii each year, and the majority of them arrive in January. This means that you'll have plenty of opportunities to see these animals breaching, fluking, and playing in the water.
Other Good Months: February and March
Don't worry if you can't visit Maui in January; February and March are still great times to see whales. The number of whales in the area are consistent in January, February and March, ensuring you'll still have a good chance of spotting them. Some experts believe that February is the best month to visit Maui for whale watching because the whales are more active and playful during this time.
Early-Season Sightings: December
You might still be able to see some early-season whales if you go to Maui in December. Despite the fact that there are fewer whales in December than there are in January, you will definitely see them on your whale watching tours. Keep in mind, however, that December is the start of the season for whale watching, but you will still see whales in December as the migration continues into January.
Late-Season Sightings: April
It's still possible to see whales on Maui in April, but your chances are much slimmer than they are earlier in the year. By April 15th, most of the whales have started their journey back to Alaska, so there are fewer of them around. However, the remaining whales may be more active because there are fewer females left, making competition pods more active and easier to spot. The end of whale season you will spot more whales if you go on a boat tour compared with whale watching from shore.
Whale Watching Tours
If you want to maximize your chances of seeing whales in Maui, we highly recommend taking a whale watching tour. There are plenty of companies on the island that offer these tours, and they're a great way to get up close and personal with these incredible creatures. The guides on these tours are experts at spotting whales, and they'll take you to the best spots to see them. They'll also provide you with interesting information about the whales and their behavior.
Best Time of Day
You can go whale watching at any time of day. There are some guesses that mornings are a better time to see whales, but there is no science or operator experience to back up these claims. Whales are not on a solar schedule when they migrate to Maui, which means instead of sleeping at night and awake at day they just have short intervals of rest and activity 24 hours a day. Whales are also not feeding when they are in Hawaii. This means the mindset of fish biting in the morning has no application in this setting as the whales are engaging in mating, birthing and nursing their young. Any time of day you have the same chance of seeing them breaching and playing in the water.
Other Things to Consider
When planning your trip to Maui for whale watching, there are a few other things to consider. Firstly, make sure you bring warm clothing, as it can get chilly out on the water. Secondly, be aware that weather conditions can affect whale sightings. If the sea is rough or there's a lot of wind, it may be harder to spot the whales.
Finally, keep in mind that while whales are magnificent creatures, they're also wild animals. It's important to respect their space and not approach them too closely. This is not only for your own safety but also to avoid disturbing the whales and their natural behavior. When on a whale watching tour, follow the guidelines set by the captain and crew and keep a safe distance from the whales.
if you're planning a trip to Maui and want to experience whale watching, the best month to visit is January, followed by February and March. However, if you can't make it in those months, you may still be able to see some whales in December and April. Remember to take a whale watching tour with a reputable company and dress warmly for your trip. With a little bit of luck and patience, you'll have the experience of a lifetime watching these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.