Maui: Whale watching tour with super raft & local guide

Summary

See humpback whales up close on Maui’s waters with a local guide

You’ll step aboard Maui’s custom-built super raft for an intimate whale watching tour with a local guide. Watch humpbacks breach nearby, listen to their underwater songs through a hydrophone, and enjoy drinks as you glide over calm waters. With small groups and real conversation, it’s an experience that lingers long after you return to shore.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the way the salt air hit my face as we stepped onto the super raft — not just any boat, but this low-slung, almost playful vessel that felt like it belonged out here. Our guide, Malia, handed me an Aloha Juice (tasted like guava and something else I couldn’t place) and grinned, “You ready for some whale talk?” I thought I was, but honestly, nothing really prepares you for seeing a humpback breach maybe thirty meters away. The splash was louder than I expected — everyone went quiet for a second except one kid who just yelled “Whoa!” and then we all laughed.

Malia explained how these humpbacks come back to Maui every year to give birth — she pointed out a mother and calf off the port side (I still mix up port and starboard). The water looked almost glassy in the morning light, with little ripples where fins or tails would suddenly appear. At one point she dropped the hydrophone into the water so we could hear them singing underneath us. It sounded kind of haunting — not music exactly, more like echoes bouncing around in the dark. I caught myself holding my breath listening to it. Someone asked if they ever get tired of seeing whales; Malia just smiled and shook her head.

There weren’t many of us on board — maybe a dozen? No crowds jostling for space at the railings. You could move around easily and actually feel how close you were to the water. The ride itself was smoother than I expected (I get seasick sometimes but didn’t even think about it this time). There are two restrooms onboard, which is honestly more important than you’d think when you’re out there for a couple hours drinking juice and water. Oh — bring a hat; the sun reflects off everything out here.

I keep thinking about that moment when everyone went quiet listening to whale song under our feet. It’s strange how something so big can make you feel small in a good way. If you’re looking for a whale watching tour in Maui that doesn’t feel rushed or crowded, this is probably it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Whale Watch Adventure on Super Raft

• Whale watching aboard luxury Super Raft

Top questions

How close do you get to the whales on this Maui tour?

You’ll be at eye level with humpback whales from the super raft, often within 30 meters depending on their approach.

Is there a restroom onboard during the whale watching tour?

Yes, there are two restrooms available onboard the super raft.

Are drinks included on this whale watching trip?

Bottled water, Aloha Juice, and soft drinks are included during your tour.

Can children join this Maui whale watch adventure?

No children under age 4 are allowed on this tour.

Will there be a guide or naturalist explaining whale behavior?

Yes, an onboard naturalist will share information about whale behavior throughout your trip.

Do I need to check in before departure?

You should check in 20 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time.

What’s included

Your day includes bottled water, Aloha Juice and soft drinks served onboard; use of two restrooms; live commentary from an experienced naturalist; plus access to an underwater hydrophone so you can listen to whales communicating beneath the surface during your small group adventure.