Every year between November and May, approximately 1,000 Humpback whales make the incredible 3,000 mile trip to the archipelago to breed and give birth in the island swarm and shallow waters. For visitors whale watching in Maui, the sight of a school of Humpback Whales all moving together for one naturally inspired purpose is a once in a lifetime spectacle, and Hawaii is considered one of the worlds best whale watching locations where visitors can get up close and personal (within 100 yards), to witness the incredible acrobatic displays of these huge beasts as they make their way to their traditional breeding grounds. For those planning trips to whale watch in Maui to see nature at its finest; head to the islands between November and May. The peak of the season is in January, February, March and April, but whales are commonly seen in Maui from December through early May.

You can whale watch from every island in the area; however the calm, clear waters between Maui, Molokai, and Lanai are considered the best spots to see Humpback whales. Maui is famous for the proximity of whales to its shoreline and for offering the calmest waters with the highest concentration of whales for whale watching.

The exciting and educational adventure of whale watching in Maui is great fun for the entire family and offers spectacular photo opportunities; credentialed Naturalists on board explain whale behaviour and inform you about the latest scientific research on humpback whales and a boat cruise will likely offer you thrills such as hearing a whales blow (an exhalation of 300 mph) or even seeing a whale swim beneath your boat. Seeing a humpback whale breach the ocean by propelling its 45-foot long body out of the sea is a spectacular event. Their mysterious and hauntingly beautiful whale song is yet another intriguing trait of male humpback whales. These complex songs can be heard underwater from up to twelve miles away.

Humpback whales are the fifth largest of the worlds whales and more than 3500 humpback whales come to Hawaii each winter to mate and give birth, with the Islands of Aloha (especially Maui) as their main breeding area. Called ìkohola by Hawaiians, humpback whales are treated with great respect. Some Native Hawaiians believe that the kohola is an aumakua, or family guardian, so they have high regard for these special visitors.

When you go whale watching in Maui depends on your preferences. Morning offers ultra-smooth, calm conditions. Go in late afternoon, and you can enjoy a sunset as well as a whale-watch. And midday is popular too -- it's a nice time to take a break from the beach. Just pick the time of day that's best for you and you can find a trip to take you on a whale watch.

Additionally, some companies running trips for whale watching in Maui guarantee whale sightings on every cruise (or you go again for free) so why would you want to miss out on this once in lifetime spectacle?