Maui Whale
Watching Tours

Duration Icon

1.5 hours

Boat Icon

20 people

6:30 am 8:30 am 10:30 am

7:00 am 9:00 am 11:00 am

8:30 am 10:30 am 12:30 am

Check-in: 6:30 am
Departure: 7:00 am
Back on Land: 8:30 am

Check-in: 8:30 am
Departure: 9:00 am
Back on Land: 10:30 am

Check-in: 10:30 am
Departure: 11:00 am
Back on Land: 12:30 am

Kihei whale watching tour map

Check-in at Kihei Boat Ramp

2800 S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI 96753

Book Now

Tour Summary

Experience the seasonal migration on our top-rated Maui whale watching tours. Choosing our agile whale watching raft tours offers the most intimate views of Humpback whales, placing you low to the water for stunning photo opportunities. Book this unforgettable whale watching excursion and use our hydrophone to hear the Humpback whales sing!

Trip Highlights

Onboard marine naturalist.
Guaranteed to see and hear humpback whales.
Onboard hydrophone to listen to the whales.
3 departures daily. 7am, 9am, 11am.
1.5 hour tours from Kihei
Be Prepared for Fun!

If it’s adventure you seek during your Maui vacation, look no further than our Kihei Whale Watching tours.

Check In

Check in begins 30 minutes before departure at the Kihei Boat Ramp. The boat leaves daily at 7am, 9am and 11am.

Restrictions

Due to the adventurous nature of this trip, it is not recommended for pregnant women, people with back or neck problems, elderly or fragile people. The minimum age to join us on the tour is 8, and the maximum age is 65.

Cancellations

Must be made 48 hours in advance for parties of five or less. For six or more, cancellations must be made 72 hours in advance.

tripadvisor
Kelly and Sean of Redline took us out whale watching. I loved that there were only around 12 adults on the boat. I appreciated the way Sean would gently turn the boat around so that everyone got a really good look. We had some terrific activity, whale-wise. Kelly’s knowledge was really appreciated. I highly recommend!!!

Sally B- Oregon, Bend

tripadvisor
Had an awesome outing with Seth and Alex. They showed us a good time and kept the schedule loose. We had lots of time in each spot and saw a bit of everything. Redline supplied loads of food and drink as well as complimentary wet suits for anyone that wanted one. A top notch experience!

John H- CA, Saskatchewan

yelp1
We took the five hour snorkeling trip to Molokini, etc and had a great trip! We spotted a whale shark on the backside of Molokini and so many whales! They even went out of the way to follow a pair having fun with some fin slaps and breaching. Great trip- thanks to Seth and Alex for everything!

Bridget W- IN, Indianapolis

tripadvisor
We booked the 10:00 am whale watching tour for our family of four. We really enjoyed Captain Andy and Sean and how informative they were. We came up on a momma and baby, who swam right under our boat. It was amazing, an experience we will always remember. Thank you!

Williska- Portland

Read More Maui Whale Watching Reviews

Maui is considered by many to be the epicenter for whale watching in the Hawaiian Islands. Whale watching season generally runs from December through April, when the tropical waters off Maui’s South coast are teeming with North Pacific Humpback Whales. Seeing Humpback whales in paradise on a Redline Rafting whale watching tour is an opportunity that simply cannot be missed!

We offer small group whale watching tours
Feel free to ask questions of our marine naturalist
Hear the haunting and beautiful songs of Humpback whales

Experience the magic of whale watching in Maui

The Incredible Humpback Migration

Every year, starting in the Fall, over 60% of the North Pacific Humpback Whale population migrates from Alaska to Hawaii. Most of them choose the protected, warm waters off of Maui to breed and give birth. Males are the renowned singers of the species, noted for their elegant, complex songs that can span up to 8 octaves! Researchers believe this singing serves as both a mating call and a way to communicate with other males.

When you’re in Hawaii, make sure to keep an eye out for some of the most common humpback whale behaviors, including:

humpback whale behavior infographic

Why Choose a Redline Whale Watching Tour?

Unmatched Photo Opportunities: Our low-profile whale watching raft puts you right at water level, providing an unobstructed view and perfect souvenir.
Maximum Viewing Time: Our agile vessels ensure you spend less time searching and more time whale watching.
Convenient Launch: We utilize the South Maui departure location for quick access to the best whale grounds.
Intimate Experience: Enjoy the tour with only 24 other passengers – no fighting crowds for a view.
Expert Insight: Our marine naturalists keep the tour educational and exciting.
Unpredictable Magic: Due to the nature of marine life, every single trip is different. You never know what amazing sight you’ll witness!

redline rafting whale watching pic

We hope to see you during one of our whale watch rafting adventures, where we are certain that you will have the time of your life. And remember, due to the nature of marine life every single trip we go on is different. You never know what amazing sights you’ll see during a Redline Rafting adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

1.When is the best time of year for your whale watching kihei tours?

The official whale season in Maui runs from mid-December through mid-April. This is when North Pacific Humpback whales migrate to Hawaii’s warm, protected waters for breeding and calving, ensuring the best visibility for your tour.

2.Why should I choose a whale watching raft over a large vessel?

Our agile rafts offer an intimate, small-group setting (max 24 passengers), allowing us to get you closer to the whale activity, while respecting federal guidelines. You’ll get an exciting, low-to-the-water perspective that larger boats can’t provide.

3.Do your Maui whale watching tours guarantee a whale sighting?

Yes we guarantee you’ll see whales or you can go on another trip for free.

4.How long are your standard whale watching tours and where do they go?

Our tours are typically 1.5 hours long, launching directly from the convenient Kihei Boat Ramp. This allows us to quickly access the prime feeding and resting grounds located just off the South Maui coastline.

5.What makes your whale watching excursions different from the competition?

Our unique combination of mobility, a small-group capacity, and the use of a hydrophone (underwater microphone). You not only see the whales, but you also get to hear their beautiful songs!

6.Is the ride on a whale watching raft comfortable?

Our rafts are built for speed and stability. While the ride can be adventurous, our maneuverability ensures you get the best possible viewing angles from any seat.

7.Are your whale watching tours family-friendly?

Yes, our tours are suitable for families, though due to the adventurous nature of the raft, we recommend a minimum age of 8 years old. Please be aware the raft offers a more thrilling ride than a large catamaran.

8.What marine life, besides humpback whales, might we see on the trip?

It is common to see Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles, and you might occasionally spot spinner dolphins, depending on the route and conditions.

9.What should I bring on my whale watching trip?

We recommend sunglasses, a hat (that fits tightly!), a light jacket or sweater, and reef-safe sunscreen. A camera is a must-have!

10.What is a hydrophone and how does it enhance the experience?

A hydrophone is a specialized underwater microphone that our guides deploy. It allows everyone on the raft to listen to the humpback whales communicating and singing beneath the ocean surface, an incredible auditory experience!

Two Hour
Snorkel Tours

molokini snorkeling tour

Molokini Snorkel Tour

Redline’s Molokini and South Maui Coast Adventure, explores Maui’s more remote locations. The backside of Molokini (a very pristine environment) and La Perouse Bay’s playful, curious spinner dolphins, are two favorites. We frequent Maui’s best sites (think caves, lava arches, and grottos) – but not always the most popular!

Tour Features

Our comfortable and agile ocean rafts will get you there quickly so you can snorkel longer and see more. And, our max capacity is 24, so it’s ‘ciao’ to the crowds! Breakfast, lunch, wetsuits, snorkeling gear, (plus juice, water, and soda all day) are included (FYI: Alcohol is taboo due to the adventure factor). And yes, there’s a bathroom on board!

Snorkeling from Kihei

Our ideal and advantageous location allows guests staying in hotels or condos in Kihei, Kahului, Wailuku, Wailea or Makena a little more time to catch some z’s before embarking on a one-of-a-kind adventure. And once we’re all boarded, we’re just a quick 10 minutes to Maui’s most premier snorkeling at Molokini.

Whale
Watching

Background

Whale Watching from Kihei

Something special happens in the waters surrounding Maui between December and April. North Pacific humpback whales come to mate and have their calves in Hawaii’s warm, protected waters. Redline Rafts are extremely maneuverable and can carry a maximum of 24 passengers so there’s a good view from every seat!

Private
Charters

makena coastline maui

Private Customized Tour

Celebrating a special occasion? Why not take your loved ones, friends or business associates on a top-of-the line 35 ft. raft for a customized snorkeling or whale watching excursion? Chartering a private Redline raft is a memorable way to celebrate any occasion! Name your heart’s aquatic desires and we’ll take you there…with ‘Aloha‘.

Private Raft Tours from Kihei

Our agile rafts get you and your party where you want to be quickly and safely so you can enjoy every minute of being there, instead of being “on your way” there. Explore your itinerary at your pace on our private sightseeing and snorkel adventures. Our highly trained captains and crew members are here to serve you.

Redline Rafting embraces its responsibility in sharing and perpetuating the culture, nature and people of Hawai’i correctly and respectfully. We proactively work with cultural advisors to illustrate this commitment. Specific to this website, we recognize the proper use of the ‘okina [‘], a consonant, and the kahakō [ō] or macron in the Hawaiian language, and we are working to apply them when we can. If they are omitted, it is to provide you with the best online experience. We continue to use them on other communication practices.
Mahalo.