Whale Watching: Eye-Level Encounters in Maui

Experience eye-level whale watching on a 2-hour eco-raft tour from Lahaina, Maui. Join Hawaii Ocean Rafting, voted TripAdvisors Traveler’s Choice, for an unforgettable adventure.

Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • 1223 Front St - Experience Maui’s exclusive Hawaiian-owned eye-level Whale Watching and Dolphin Search Tours aboard our intimate, low-to-water eco-rafts.
    Escape the crowds and enjoy comfortable seating in a small group while taking in breathtaking views of Hawaii’s humpback whales or Maui’s playful dolphins.
    December-April: Each winter, the…
What's Included
  • Plan to get wet! This is a low to water boat- ocean spray and light rain can occur during tour.
  • Snacks
  • Hydrophone to listen to whale songs
  • Life jackets are provided for emergencies but are not required to be worn during the tour.
  • Type of encounters vary in the wild- Up close sightings not guaranteed
  • Whales or Dolphins (Based on option…
What's Not Included
  • Not suitable for pregnant persons or those with back/neck injuries.
  • Tour leaves promptly. Must arrive 30 minutes prior to board or will miss the tour.
  • Hotel pick-up and drop off
  • BYOB (Plastic or Cans Only)
  • Whales or Dolphins (Based on option selected at check out)
  • Gratuities
  • Upclose wildlife encounters are not guaranteed as animals are in…
Additional Information

Experience eye-level whale watching or summer dolphin watching aboard our low-to-water, small group zodiac rafts.
Owned by Native Hawaiians and recognized as TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice, Hawaii Ocean Rafting has been offering Maui’s original ocean rafting adventures for over 30 years.
Our small group tours provide a delightful, family-style whale…

Location
1223 Front St
Front Street
MANDATORY CHECK-IN 30 minutes prior to start time at tour operator Hawaii Ocean Rafting location. Park on near Lahaina Cannery and check-in at 1223 Front St., Dive Maui Shop, located next to Snorkel Bobs. No refunds for late arrivals. Due to closed roads & traffic, plan additional travel time.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(2731 Ratings)
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Emmah_c
Apr 27, 2026
Captain Jack and Bree... - Captain Jack and Bree were so lovely. Very knowledgeable about the whales and the area and had so much reverence and respect for these animals. They happily answer questions, help take photos, and offered snacks. Would recommend for a wonderful morning whale watching tour.
Review provided by Viator
Toby_d
Apr 26, 2026
Awesome days seeing whales and dolphins! - I picked this tour ibecause we would be low and close to the water and the group size would be small. There were times I felt like I could reach out and touch the dolphins! Our tour guides were very skilled at spotting whales and dolphins so we had an awesome experience!
Review provided by Viator
Kraig_m
Apr 26, 2026
Whale Trifecta! - Great trip. Captain and First Mate were exceptional. Got trifecta: breaches, tail slaps and "sumo wrestling" between male suitors. Up close and passively personal. Got to listen to whale song. Bonus turtle and dolphin encounters! Highly recommend!
Review provided by Viator
Abakaya
Apr 25, 2026
Experts in Whale and Dolphin Type Stuff - Highly recommended. This "might" be the best Whale+Dolphin watching tour on the island. The entire team is a bunch of rock stars. We had a total of five whale sightings, and dolphins were just all around. It was breathtaking. And all of that in what is considered the post-season time of whale watching in Maui (the last week of April).
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Anonymous
Apr 25, 2026
Experience of a lifetime! - This was one of the most amazing experiences of my life! We went the final day of whale season and you would never know because the whales were so active! We also got to hear them sing which was such a unique and rare experience! The staff were incredibly knowledgeable and passionate! I have told everyone I know about this company and that it is a MUST when you come to Maui!
Review provided by Viator
Andyoj2723rm
Apr 23, 2026
Whale momma showing off her calf - Although it was near the end of the whale-watching season, our guides were able to find several pods of whales for us to observe. We even got the experience of a mother whale bringing us her calf to show off. The guides were very knowledgeable and informative about the whale population in the area and their habits. It was a fabulous experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Simone_s
Apr 22, 2026
The perfect tour - 2 hours on the boat. 2 Humpback whales with calf and a single whale seen. Heard a whale singing. Captain Jack was assisted by a young marine biologist. We learned a lot about the animals here off Maui and also about how whale watching is regulated here - exciting.
Review provided by Viator
Sharon_g
Apr 22, 2026
We went on the last whale... - We went on the last whale watch of the season and the folks running it were very up front about there not being as many whales in the area as earlier in the season. We still saw whales though. It was also just a beautiful day out on the water.
Review provided by Viator
Joseph
Apr 21, 2026
absolutely great crew & ride - this trip was awesome! the captain knew so much about the whales even down to timing when the whales would come up! we created some great memories finding & seeing whales towards the end of the season! absolutely would do this again!! we noticed a couple locals on our boat that seemed like they’ve done it before, so that definitely made me feel like we made the right choice since locals know what’s best!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
702gilh
Apr 19, 2026
Great crew - Last day of whale watching season and we saw a show. You guys are awesome
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $85
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).