Whale Watch Cruise from Ma'alaea Harbor: High-Speed Catamaran

Watch whales breach and slap their massive fins just off Ma'alaea Harbor

A 2-hour whale watching cruise from Ma'alaea Harbor aboard the Malolo, a high-speed catamaran with a professional captain and crew. You'll listen to whale songs through underwater hydrophones and watch for breaches, tail slaps, pectoral fin movements and other whale behavior in their natural habitat. Juices and sodas are included. Check-in is 30 minutes before departure.

The experience

What makes a whale breach worth watching? The Malolo leaves Ma'alaea Harbor at Slip 87 (meet at Boss Frog's Dive and Surf, next door to Beach Bums) and heads out on a 2-hour guided adventure in a catamaran built for speed and stability. The boat carries underwater hydrophones, so you hear the whales singing while you watch them move through the water: pectoral fins slapping the surface, flukes rising and falling, the peduncle (the muscular section connecting tail to body) flexing before a full breach, when the whale launches itself completely out and crashes back down.

The catamaran has a shady cabin, two restrooms and a professional, experienced crew focused on safety. Ice cold sodas and juice are available throughout the cruise. Bring cash if you want to tip the crew. Wetsuits and underwater cameras are available to rent if you want them. The boat operates in most weather, so dress for the conditions. A 48-hour notice is required if you need to reschedule or cancel.

What’s included

• All taxes, fees and handling charges.
• underwater hydrophones to hear whale songs.
• ice cold sodas and juice.
• shaded cabin with two restrooms.
• professional, experienced captain and crew trained in safety.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 16:00Last departure this season: 31 Oct

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 66

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditions

Operated by Malolo Charters

Is this one for you?Two hours is short enough to fit whale watching into a half-day itinerary without eating up the whole morning or afternoon, which means you can still explore other parts of Maui the same day. If you need a full-day excursion or hotel pickup from elsewhere on the island, look for a longer tour with transportation included.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 12 years); Infant (under 4): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What do I actually see on a whale watching cruise from Ma'alaea?

Whale behavior varies, but you may see pectoral fin slaps, tail flukes breaking the surface, and breaches, when the whale launches its full body out of the water. The underwater hydrophones let you hear whale songs while you watch. What you see depends on where the whales are and how they're moving that day.

How long is the whale watching cruise and what time does it leave?

The cruise runs 2 hours. You'll need to check in 30 minutes before departure at Boss Frog's Dive and Surf (300 Ma'alaea Rd, next door to Beach Bums). The operator will confirm your departure time when you book.

What's included on the Malolo and what costs extra?

Juices, sodas, the hydrophone experience, restrooms and a shaded cabin are all included. Wetsuits and underwater cameras are available to rent. Gratuities for the crew are not included. Bring cash if you'd like to tip.

Do I need to be in good physical condition to go whale watching?

The operator recommends at least a moderate level of physical fitness. The cruise is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and infants can ride in a pram or stroller. Service animals are allowed.