While winter whale-watching can be magical anywhere in Hawaii, Maui can truly claim to be nō ka ‘oi — the best. That’s because the relatively shallow waters between the Valley Isle and its close neighbors of Kahoolawe and Lanai provide a safe haven for humpback whales to mate, give birth and just have fun on their winter break from Alaska. Maui also has many ways to view these magnificent marine mammals and learn more about them, too, especially in the peak month of February.
Thanks to the easily accessible coastline, you can watch for whales from designated parking areas off the highway or just take a walk along a beach and keep your eyes out for the telltale spouts offshore. Going out on the water on a catamaran, kayak or paddleboard can get you even closer to the action (just keep in mind that federal wildlife law requires you to stay 100 yards away, for your and the whales’ safety.) You can get even closer, in a virtual sense, thanks to incredible videos in an immersive theater and a more intimate museum. Here are some examples, heading from South Maui to West Maui.
Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary

Stop by the beachfront visitor center of the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary in Kihei to check out the exhibits and interactive displays inside and the possible breaching, spouting and “fluking” (tail-raising) of humpbacks in the ocean. It’s open weekdays from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. with public talks at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.
Maui Ocean Center

A worthy visit on any day, the Maui Ocean Center in Maalaea is also a great option during the occasionally stormy winter weather or as a complement to a boat excursion from Maalaea Harbor. Its “Humpbacks of Hawaii” exhibit uses the world’s largest 3D sphere, high-definition video, 3D glasses and a state-of-the-art surround sound system to simulate being under the water with these giant creatures. Shows run every half-hour between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
McGregor Point
Driving from Maalaea toward Lahaina, pull over carefully at McGregor Point for sweeping views of the Auau Channel and a high chance of whale sightings in season. (Known as Papawai in Hawaiian, this steep-sided promontory got its English name after a Scottish sea captain “discovered” it while sheltering from a storm in 1887. A small lighthouse now guides boaters away from its cliffs.)
OUTRIGGER Resorts
Kaanapali offers visitors the most opportunities for whale-watching without having to drive anywhere. From OUTRIGGER Kaanapali Beach Resort, for example, you can keep an eye out for whales as you stroll the paved boardwalk a mile south to Hanakaoo Park, or head the same distance north after a short bypass around Puu Kekaa (Black Rock), which leads to OUTRIGGER Honua Kai Resort & Spa.
Catamaran Excursions

You can also book a catamaran excursion that leaves right from Kaanapali Beach — and it doesn’t have to be specifically a whale-watching trip: At this time of year, snorkeling and sunset cruises are just as likely to have whale sightings along the way. My favorite outfitter is Trilogy Excursions (mostly for the food and drink, but also high-quality information from naturalists), but Teralani Sailing Adventures is also an excellent choice. (If you don’t want to get wet from boarding at the shoreline, or prefer a smaller group for whale gawking, Maui Ocean Adventures operates 23-passenger tours from Mala Wharf at the northern end of Lahaina. The owners are Lahaina fire survivors and offer free tours to other survivors.)
Hawaii Wildlife Discovery Center

The Kaanapali Beach Boardwalk passes by Whalers Village, where the bustling shops and restaurants make it easy to miss the Hawaii Wildlife Discovery Center on the third floor. Stunning video murals of whales, dolphins and turtles greet you, followed by interactive and educational displays on marine mammals, ocean conservation and the thankfully long-gone era of whaling in Hawaii. It’s open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily with admission by donation (and if you are driving here, it will validate your Whalers Village parking sticker.)
Whale Tales
Kaanapali is also convenient for attending the annual Whale Tales gathering in Kapalua. Presented by Whale Trust, the event includes talks by marine scientists, conservationists, filmmakers and photographers; film screenings; community art and science expos, and benefit whale watches. This year’s Whale Tales takes place Feb. 14-17.