Maui Whale Watching Tour from Kihei by Fast Raft & Hydrophone

Summary

Humpback whales near kihei by raft with live hydrophone sounds

You’ll feel Maui’s salt air on your skin as you zip out by raft with a small group, hear real-time whale songs through a hydrophone, and watch humpbacks surface near Kihei’s coast. Guided by a local marine naturalist who brings their world alive, you’ll come away with more than photos—a sense of awe that lingers long after you’re back on shore.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed wasn’t the ocean or even the whales—it was the way our guide, Kaleo, grinned as he handed out windbreakers at the Kihei boat ramp. “It gets splashy,” he said, and yeah, he wasn’t kidding. The raft felt sturdy but low to the water, so when we zipped past Wailea Beach, I could smell salt and sunscreen and something like plumeria on the breeze. There were maybe 15 of us—small enough that nobody got lost in the shuffle.

I’d never heard a whale before. When Kaleo dropped the hydrophone overboard and we all went quiet, I half expected nothing. But then this deep moaning sound came through the speaker—like someone humming underwater, only bigger. A kid near me whispered “whoa” and honestly, same. We saw two humpbacks surface maybe fifty yards off Keawakapu Beach—one spouted so close I felt mist on my face (not sure if it was ocean spray or just my own breath fogging up in excitement). The whales moved slow but you could feel their weight in every ripple.

Kaleo told stories about how these humpbacks travel all the way from Alaska to Maui every winter. He pointed out scars on one’s back and said it might be from old battles up north—he knew them like neighbors almost. At one point I tried repeating “kohola” (whale) in Hawaiian; Kaleo laughed and corrected me gently—I definitely butchered it. The sun kept ducking behind clouds but nobody minded; everyone was watching for another tail slap or breach. Time went fast out there. On the ride back, people were quieter—maybe just thinking about those underwater songs still echoing in our heads.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Whale watching from Kihei boat ramp

• Arrive at Kihei Boat Ramp 30 minutes early
• Check in at Kihei boat ramp
• Depart for whale watching cruise
• Pass by Wailea Beach
• Pass by Keawakapu Beach

Top questions

Where does the Maui whale watching tour depart from?

The tour departs from the Kihei Boat Ramp in southern Maui.

How many people are on each whale watching raft?

The group size is limited to 20 people per tour.

Is there an age limit for this Maui whale tour?

The minimum age is 8 years old; maximum recommended age is 65 due to the adventurous nature of the tour.

Are pregnant travelers allowed on this whale watching tour?

No, pregnant travelers are not recommended for this tour.

Is hotel pickup included for this whale watching trip?

No, you need to make your own way to the Kihei Boat Ramp for check-in.

Will we definitely see whales during this Maui tour?

The tour guarantees whale sightings during season (December–May).

Can we listen to whales underwater during this trip?

Yes, there is an onboard hydrophone so guests can listen to whale songs live.

Are there any health restrictions for this Maui raft tour?

This tour isn’t recommended for travelers with back or neck injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

Your day includes meeting at Kihei Boat Ramp for check-in (parking’s free), a fast ride out by sturdy raft with a small group, live commentary from an onboard marine naturalist who’ll use a hydrophone so you can actually listen to whales singing beneath you—and guaranteed whale sightings during migration season before heading back ashore together.