Maui is a little more traveled by tourists, and kauai is a little more off the beaten path and laid back but theyre both hawaii, so still both very relaxed. The naturalist on board has been doing tours for 7 years and had only seen it. The island of maui is the best hawaiian island to watch these majestic mammals. All of the footage was taken in 1 single whale watch trip aboard blue water rafting from kihei boat ramp in south maui, hawaii in february 17th, 2010. This high speed catamaran leaves from maalaea harbor and can get you to the whales quickly. Difference between maui and kauai compare the difference. Perched atop a peninsula rising to 200 feet above sea level, the area is favorite whalewatching spot in the islands. Due to state regulations during the growing health concerns of covid19, our tours are temporarily unavailable.
Maui adventure cruises these are large rafts, 37 to 49 feet long. Most whalewatching tours will depart from lahaina and maalaea harbors and cruise through the auau channel, between maui and lanai. Maui has a balance of development and fun outdoor activities, and kauai probably leans more toward outdoor adventures think hiking, kayaking, etc. So if you have not made your travel arrangements yet, shoot for these months.
While that may seem far, remember that a humpback whale can grow to a length of 52 feet and weigh about 80,000 pounds. Kauai vs maui which hawaiian island is better for you. Most trips include lunch and an opportunity to snorkel if weather permits. Youll enjoy a full two hour whale watch combined with snorkeling a beautiful coral reef. Even though this sanctuary currently includes areas around lanai, molokai and kauai, in addition to maui waters, maui is by far the best area for whale watching, as evidenced by the number of researchers and whale watch boats headquartered here. Cruise along the calm south shore waters of kauai on one of blue dolphin charters spacious 65foot catamarans while enjoying the magnificent sight of humpback whales and other marine life. Everything you need to know about whale watching on maui. This tour is a mustdo for all wildlife enthusiasts. Oahu is manhattan with a beach at least honolulu and the big island is great for seeing hot lava up close and personal but the beaches stink because its. If you want to get great photos of whales, here are some tips. Our fast and safe rafting vessels are low to the water and perfect for close whale watching encounters and small groups making every seat a front row seat. Aktive vulkane, teilweise uber 4000 meter hoch sowie.
This is a favorite among wildlife enthusiasts, and youll encounter these gentle giants and playful dolphins. So much more of maui is visible without shuffling across a gutwringing 5inch ledge that looks a thousand or more feet down to twelve foot surf where if the fall doesnt kill you the tiger sharks might. Lahaina whale watching deals in lahaina, hi groupon. There are many boat tours offering whale watching services in kauai. However, peak hawaii whale watching season occurs during february and march. On maui you have lots of choices of shorter two hour tours and youre pretty much seeing whales the entire time during whale season.
However like many things on kauai some of the most beautiful and uncrowded beaches are hard to reach. With more than twice the number of residents and a significantly larger expanse of developed land, maui tends to be thought of as a classic hawaiian vacation destination, replete with miles upon miles of. The main criteria for us then becomes whale watching. It operates a 65foot power catamaran called the ocean explorer, a 50foot sailing catamaran called. Hawaii ist fur whale watching eine besonders geeignete anlaufstelle. Maui, located less than 3 hours from kauai by plane, is often thought of as a mix between hawaiis capital island, oahu, and rural kauai.
Both have wonderful hiking opportunities and equal amounts of outdoor adventure, as well as unlimited ways to relax and rejuvenate. I know when i was on both maui and kauai in early may about years ago, i saw about an equal number of them, though probably not the volume that you see earlier in the year. Pacific whale foundation is a 501 c 3 nonprofit organization founded in 1980 to protect the ocean through science and advocacy, and to inspire environmental stewardship. For a more up close and personal experience with the whales, hop on a boat and enjoy the whales in their natural habitat. Pacific whale foundation helping protect our oceans. And we are proud to recommend the absolute best maui whale watching tour pride of maui.
To truly go whale watching on maui, however, and experience the wintertime magic, you need to book a whale watching tour to see the humpbacks up close. Seeing as we operate seven boats that offer whale watching tours in maui, this is a question were asked a lot and at all different times of the year officially, whale season in maui runs from december 15thmay 15th, although its still possible to see whales outside of. Meanwhile, horseback riding, fishing, windsurfing, scuba diving, snorkeling, camping, playing golf, and hiking are among the exciting activities you can enjoy in hawaiis oldest island, kauai. Hawaiis whale watching season runs from december through may. It is important to know the difference between maui and kauai to plan a perfect hawaii trip. One of the most popular and fun things to do during this time is to go on a whale watching cruise. The map below tracks all dolphin and whale sightings in maui logged by our. While weve thoroughly enjoyed watching the whales on kauai these past two seasons i personally agree that the whale watching on maui is better. The whales are drawn to the areas shallow waters, especially the auau channel between maui, molokai and lanai, making maui an ideal jumpingoff spot for your whalewatching voyage. For example, youll need a fourwheeldrive vehicle to traverse an unpaved road and sand dunes to reach the secluded, 17mile stretch of sand at polihale state park. Pacific whale foundation supports research and education about the humpback whales, and they call their boat tours eco adventures. Key difference maui vs kauai many tourists debate whether to visit maui or kauai when planning a trip to hawaii. We are earlytomid 30s and are looking for beautiful beaches, watersports divingor snorkeling, kayaking, boogieboarding, etc as well as hiking, horseriding, scenery, etc and want to see real hawaii, not commercialization and crowds, but do want nice restaurants and nightlife. There was a time when maui was known as the center of the pacific whaling industry.
We normally spend all our time on kauai but split our trip up this year just for the great whale watching on maui. The explorer is a hardshelled boat with an inflatable edge like a large zodiac which gives a fast, smooth ride and a front row seat for every passenger. Oahu the heart of hawaii is home to honolulu and much more. They limit the number of passengers to between 34 and 38. We are governed by a volunteer board of directors and our work is funded through fundraising activities, memberships and donations from supporters worldwide. Pacific whale foundation this is the largest and bestknown whale watch company on maui. The waters surrounding maui are the stage for some of the best whale watching in the world.
Whale watching in hawaii is the perfect way to enjoy the incredible humpback whales. Some of kauais best features will be difficult for many to appreciate. No doubt that maui is the best place for whale watches. Kauai hawaiis fourth largest island is called the garden island. Oahu is manhattan with a beach at least honolulu and the big island is great for seeing hot lava up close and personal but the beaches stink because its geologically young. Hello, looks like well have an opportunity to visit the islands come january for a couple of weeks. Im glad i experienced both islands if i had to choose only one to go back too, i would have to choose kauai, only because there is less traffic and seemed more hawaiian if that makes sense. Lanai luxury and rugged nature blend on this enticing island. Boats, by law, cannot approach a humpback whale any closer than 100 yards, but oftentimes the curious whales will swim up and mug the boat. If you are planning to spend your honeymoon in hawaii, both kauai and maui will be a great choice.
Hawaii is busy any time mainland schools are on holiday. Jan 15, 2015 this video was taken from the ocean spirit on a whale watch cruise with pacific whale foundation on january 15, 2015. This boat was designed to get you out there in comfort and back in style. Malolo is a great option for families and groups who want to experience maui from the ocean. The first whale sighting of the season happened off the coast of kauai on sept. Hop aboard for snorkeling at some of maui s most popular locations, including molokini crater, or choose from a sunset cruise along maui s shoreline or whale watching from december to april. Kauai and big island of hawaii are the least developed of the four major islands. The whales are drawn to the areas shallow waters, especially the auau channel between maui, molokai and lanai, making maui an ideal jumpingoff spot for. Other great islands for whale watching are maui and kauai. Treat yourself to scenic ocean views as expert guides take you to the best spots to observe whales playfully surfacing, tail slapping or blowing spouts in the air. Kauai whale watching tours are a must see in hawaii, this always leaves families with a lifetime of memories and children are always left with a whale of a story for all to hear when they return home. The humpback whales return to hawaii for a few months every year to mate and give birth, so malolo takes. If youre fortunate enough to be on maui during the winter, you simply cannot miss the majestic humpback whales that visit hawaii every year. Although both are islands in the hawaii chain, there is a difference between the maui and kauai based on their atmosphere, sights and tourism industry.
Boats range from zodiacs to 65foot sailing catamarans. It is estimated that more than 10,000 of these whales migrate to the hawaiian islands each year during the winter, in search of a warmer climate. Molokai the island of molokai remains true to its island roots. Book your kauai whale watching tour and experience the magnificent hawaiian humpback whales. Maui whales, my first thought for perhaps a milisecond was, are the whales different on maui than on kauai. The biggest reason i say this is because of how easy and cheap the whale watches out of lahaina in west maui are. Twohour 360 view of whale watching off the coast of lahaina with humpback naturalists aboard up to 22% off. They are faster than the above larger boats, and you sit closer to the water. The naturalist on board has been doing tours for 7. Its also the site of the kilauea point national wildlife refuge, which protects nesting habitat for seabirds. With four trips daily, captain steves rafting can fit into your vacation plans no matter what they are. Maui vs kauai is a difficult comparison, because you really cant go wrong going to either island.
Oahu is a beautiful, typically tropical island outside of the sparkling city on its southern shore. Maui whale watching is most thrilling aboard the malolo. Enjoy a whale watching cruise along kauais scenic south shore. This is only the groups third encounter with the killer whales even though they have been monitoring the hawaiian waters for 14 years killer whales are one of 18 marine mammals found in the hawaiian waters however many of these are rare and never seen. Port allen harbor at hanapepe bay is home to several charter boat companies, including blue dolphin charters, capn andys and kauai sea tours. Their deluxe dolphin lanai snorkel adventure is one of the best ways to experience the island of lanai, including stunning views of the sea cliffs and caves. Here, youll find more wide, soft, whitesand beaches, due to the fact that kauai is geologically older than maui. Types of whales in hawaii almost a dozen whale species. Maui has the second best sea life and the most easyaccess beaches for snorkeling.
We are proud to offer whale watching tours from maui, kauai, oahu, and big island. The main difference between these two islands lies in their atmosphere, sights and tourist appeal. For other reasons, were restricted to either maui or kauai. Its also the site of the kilauea point national wildlife refuge, which. Whale watch boats details and differences to help you decide. So maui vs kauai, which destination is best for a dream holiday. Today, tourists fill the oceangoing vessels and whales are fair game only to observe. Kilauea lighthouse marks the northernmost tip of kauais northernmost tip. The humpback whale is known for making an annual migration of nearly 6,000 miles, one of the longest of any mammal. The whale watching season in kauai runs from november through march. Go on a fun whale watching adventure along kauais south shore.
Maui quaint towns, farms and beautiful beaches await on the valley isle. Sep 05, 2018 seeing as we operate seven boats that offer whale watching tours in maui, this is a question were asked a lot and at all different times of the year officially, whale season in maui runs from december 15thmay 15th, although its still possible to see whales outside of the officialwhale season dates. If you happen to be in maui between december and may, you certainly should not miss going on a humpback whale watch adventure. Pride of maui is the most stable and spacious boat on maui with incomparable amenities including two restrooms, glass bottom, water slide, submerged boarding ladders, warm showers, a large hardwood bar and over 2500 feet of open deck. Tours departs from nawiliwili harbor on the south side and port allen on the west side. Things to do in hawaii things to do in oahu things to do in maui things to do in big island of hawaii. So if you want a more adventurous whale watching maui experience, this may be the right choice for you. The humpback whales return to hawaii for a few months every year to mate and give birth, so malolo takes you out to see them from december 8 th april 15 th. Blue dolphin charters poipu whale watching hawaii discount. You can listen to the whales under water, spot them from shore, or see them upclose from a boat. Pacific whale foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit organization, is the sole shareholder of pacwhale ecoadventures, so all profits support pacific whale foundations research.
A pod of four killer whales, orca whales, was found by cascadia research collective on friday 111 off the coast of kona hawaii. While kauai appears quite rural and untouched, maui is a tourist paradise. Whale watching in lahaina maui january 2015 youtube. Maui whale season maui scuba diving mike severns diving. Get ready for some dolphin encounters, magnificent peaks and valleys, waterfalls, sea caves and more. Whale watching in maui every winter, pods of pacific humpback whales make the 3,000mile swim from the chilly waters of alaska to bask in maui s summery shallows, fluking, spy hopping, spouting, and having an allaround swell time. With pretty beaches, beautiful weather, and a wealth of activities, maui and kauai have a lot in common. Also, you do not have to stay in the south of maui. Our maui whale watching tour is truly an exceptional vacation value. Pacwhale ecoadventures offers toprated and responsible ocean ecotours, including snorkel trips, sunset dinner and cocktail cruises, stargazing excursions, and mauis original and most awardwinning whalewatch.
I had a great time in maui, but traffic was a problem, and it was much more crowded then kauai. Maui, kauai and the big island are the most popular islands for hawaii whale watching, so plan to visit one of these islands on your vacation. We are trying to decide on whether to go to kauai or oahu on our honeymoon. Both island offer enough secluded places that will give you the privacy you need for your more romantic moments.
This video was taken from the ocean spirit on a whale watch cruise with pacific whale foundation on january 15, 2015. They will delight you with their acrobatics, and you can listen to whale songs on the underwater hydrophone. Feb 20, 2010 all of the footage was taken in 1 single whale watch trip aboard blue water rafting from kihei boat ramp in south maui, hawaii in february 17th, 2010. Whale watching tours depart daily during the months of november through may. Hop aboard for snorkeling at some of mauis most popular locations, including molokini crater, or choose from a sunset cruise along mauis shoreline or whale watching from december to april. Makana charters is the only na pali tour company offering personalized or private.
Yes is has the most consistent sun during the winter, but if there is a storm in the islands, it can be anywhere. This tour is perfect for anyone determined to see the napali coast. Our favorite whale watch its fast which means you spend more time watching whales and less time looking for them. Dec 17, 2017 key difference maui vs kauai many tourists debate whether to visit maui or kauai when planning a trip to hawaii. Each winter december through may, thousands of kohola humpback whales travel to hawaii from colder waters to breed, calve and nurse their young. You literally see whales from the time you pull away from the dock until you return. In the mid1800s, yankee ships carrying whale hunters came and went from harbors like lahaina. Every ticket supports active marine research and the whale entanglement response team.