If you're visiting West Maui between now and late March, you're in for a treat. The 2026 humpback whale season has been one of the best in recent memory, with record numbers of mother-calf pairs spotted in the Au'au Channel between Maui and Lana'i.
Local whale watch operators are reporting exceptional sightings — often 20 or more whales per two-hour trip. Breaching, pec slaps, and spy hops have been common, and several operators have noted increased surface activity during morning hours between 8am and 11am.
You don't even need to get on a boat to see whales. Shore viewing has been outstanding this season. The best free spots include the beach walk along Ka'anapali (especially near Black Rock), McGregor Point lookout along the highway between Lahaina and Ma'alaea, and the bluffs above Kapalua Bay. Bring binoculars if you have them, but many whales have been surfacing close enough to see clearly with the naked eye.
For those who want the full experience, most whale watch tours depart from Lahaina Harbor. Morning trips tend to have calmer seas and better light for photography. Several operators offer naturalist-guided tours with hydrophones so you can listen to the whales singing underwater — an unforgettable experience.
Peak season typically runs through mid-March, with sightings tapering off through April. If whale watching is a priority for your trip, February and early March are your best bet.
Source: Maui Ocean Center
This article is curated from local Maui sources and updated regularly to stay current.