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Kihei Dolphin & whale watching

Our most recommended Kihei Dolphin & whale watching

Lahaina: Turtle Town Snorkel and Whale Watching Cruise

1. Lahaina: Turtle Town Snorkel and Whale Watching Cruise

Spot Hawaii's native marine life in its natural habitat on a snorkel cruise to Turtle Town from Lahaina. Swim past green sea turtles, Moorish idols, and even humpback whales. Enjoy an onboard lunch and drinks. Set sail from Lahaina Harbor towards Turtle Town, aka Mala Wharf (if weather conditions allow). See where, in 1992, a powerful hurricane created an artificial reef and sanctuary where corals and other marine life thrive. Spot Moorish idols, green sea turtles, and saddle wrasse while snorkeling here. If snorkel conditions are not ideal at Turtle Town a.k.a. Mala Wharf, cruise to one of the other premier westside snorkel locations such as Honolua Bay, Airport Beach, or Launiupoko. See Hawaiian green sea turtles, brightly colored tropical fish, and beautiful coral reef formations. During the whale season between December to April, observe humpback whales as they enjoy the warm Hawaiian waters (time permitting). Learn from expert narration about the whales and provide a play-by-play commentary of the whales' behavior as you view them.

Maui: Whale Watch Kayaking and Snorkel Tour in Kihei

2. Maui: Whale Watch Kayaking and Snorkel Tour in Kihei

Kayak through Maui's blue ocean on a guided whale-watching adventure. Glide along the water at eye-level with the ocean and get an up-close and personal view of whales and other sea creatures. Learn about the area and native wildlife from your guide and end your tour with a snorkeling excursion. After checking in, your expert guide will provide hands-on instruction on how to manage your kayak, from landing, launching, paddling, and how to get in and out for the snorkeling component. This tour features "sit on top" kayaks which make for easy-on/easy-off access. Your guide will launch each kayak, setting you out into the great blue sea. As a group on the water, your guide will brief you about what's planned and where you will visit. To begin your adventure, paddle out to search for whales. Along the way, your local guide will share island stories, information, folklore, and more. When the whales appear, you will have the opportunity to paddle along at a safe distance. Your guide will explain each behavior that the whales are presenting. After whale watching, paddle back to the shoreline along the reef to enjoy some snorkeling. The highlight for most is Hawaii's "Hono" or Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle. They are abundant in this area, making it one of the best spots in Hawaii to see them. At the end of the trip, your guide will escort you back to the beach.

Maui: Eco-Friendly Whale Watching Tour from Ma'alaea Harbor

3. Maui: Eco-Friendly Whale Watching Tour from Ma'alaea Harbor

Whale-watch with the experts on Maui's top-rated ecotour and see these amazing creatures in their natural wild habitat. Every excursion is led by certified Marine Naturalists for fun and informative interpretation of humpback whale behaviors and characteristics. Not only will you see these majestic creatures up close and personal, but your Marine Naturalist will provide an educational experience. Watch mothers and calves interact, see males compete for females, hear underwater whale songs – every trip is unique. Don't miss out on utilizing underwater hydrophones to hear whale songs. If you're bringing children, this family-friendly experience has onboard Jr. Naturalist Programs for kids. Don't forget to put on your Reef Safe Sunscreen, complimentary at check-in. For the more serious whale-watcher, this tour has affordable camera and binocular rentals. This nonprofit organization is dedicated to protecting our oceans through science and advocacy. All profits from these cruises support ocean research, education and conservation programs.

From Ma'alaea Harbor: Molokini Snorkeling Adventure

4. From Ma'alaea Harbor: Molokini Snorkeling Adventure

Embark on a half-day snorkeling adventure on a glass-bottomed catamaran, with breakfast, lunch, and a professional crew included. Look out for all types of Pacific marine life, from dolphins to turtles and coral reefs, in 2 snorkeling spots — the Molokini Crater and Turtle Town.  Begin your tour at Maalaea Harbor to board your boat. Join the crew aboard the Calypso, Maui's newest addition to the fleet, where you can even view the ocean from its glass bottom. Calypso is the only 3-deck catamaran in Hawai'i. Benefit from an easy-to-use stairway in and out of the water, lots of shade, and plenty of Jimmy Buffet music.  Start the day off right with a hearty breakfast that includes scrambled eggs, Portuguese sausage and either turkey or chicken and mushroom sausage, mixed muffins, pastries, mixed fruit, coffee, tea, and juice. Next, be dazzled by Molokini Crater, located off the south shore of Kihei. Expect pristine conditions as Molokini is a protected marine preserve and bird sanctuary.  See how the extinct volcanic cone provides a home for native Hawaiian marine life such as manta rays, fish, urchins, and sharks, who all swim around the coral through the clear water year-round. Use the provided snorkeling equipment to explore the underwater world.  Take advantage of the 2 water slides to make it more fun, especially for kids. And fret not— a lifeguard is always in the water watching over the snorkelers to ensure their safety. After leaving Molokini, your second snorkeling spot of the day is Turtle Town, where you will swim with Hawaiian green sea turtles amid the calm water and coral. Then, return to the boat for a relaxing barbecue lunch buffet. Finally, enjoy a fun trivia game for the chance to win a crew T-shirt. Some of the tour’s top amenities include 2 slides, a jumping platform, 2 freshwater showers, use of snorkeling gear, flotation devices, and restrooms on the boat. There are 11 stair points to get into the water for easy and comfortable access. Hire everything you need on the day, with wetsuits, or underwater digital cameras available to rent.

Maui: Self Guided Clear Bottom Kayak Tour

5. Maui: Self Guided Clear Bottom Kayak Tour

Leave dry land behind and sail around Makena Landing, also known locally as “Turtle Town”. Feast your eyes on the incredible biodiversity of green sea turtles and reef fish, as well as the occasional manta and spotted eagle rays, octopi, dolphins, monk seals, humpback whales (December through April) and little white-tip reef sharks. After receiving a quick tutorial, you'll be helped to launch your boat into the water. Then, you'll have 2 full hours far from the tourist crowds paddling anywhere you want on a steady and easy-to-use kayak. The more you take your time, the more you're likely to see!

Kihei: South Maui Whale Watching Tour

6. Kihei: South Maui Whale Watching Tour

Take a seat at the front of the boat as you see humpback whales swimming in the sea off the coast of South Maui. Benefit from the knowledge of a marine biologist aboard the ship to hear about these amazing creatures, and keep an eye out for Molokini Crater, a crescent-shaped crater in the sea. Board your ship at the the Kihei Boat Ramp and set sail along the coast of South Maui. Next, listen to a knowledgeable marine biologist explain how humpback whales have migrated, and what the whales do during winter in the Maui Nui Basin. Hear about research projects which are currently underway. Afterward, take a front-row seat to see the humpback whales of the Makena Coast. Marvel at these amazing creatures swimming freely in their natural habitat, and catch a glimpse of Molokini Crater, which is partially submerged. Finally, head back to the Kihei boat ramp.

From Ma'alaea: Thanksgiving Dinner Cruise Aboard the Calypso

7. From Ma'alaea: Thanksgiving Dinner Cruise Aboard the Calypso

Celebrate Thanksgiving like never before on this Hawaiian dinner cruise which sets off from the Ma'alaea harbor. A dedicated crew will serve you a festive dinner with two drinks included. Aboard the Calypso, you'll have stunning views of the West Maui Mountains and the islands of Molokai and Lanai. Sip on your choice of cocktails, beer, and wine as the crew serves you table-side with a Hawaiian-influenced Thanksgiving day feast, complete with all the traditional fixings. Surrounded by breathtaking sunset views, the atmosphere on board is enriched with live music from local performers. The Calypso is a triple-decker power catamaran with a spacious deck and an open-air design. While you’re taking in the tranquil vista, keep your eyes peeled for a possible sighting of some spinner dolphins and humpback whales, who reside in the calm Maui waters.

Other Sightseeing Options in Kihei

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What people are saying about Kihei

Overall rating

5.0 / 5

based on 1 reviews

Great tour indeed! So many whales! Guide was so informative. Learned so much while simply watching the beauty of it all. Can’t wait to do it again

A little difficult finding the excursion from the cruise ship but just kept asking until we found the correct QuickSilver representative.

The staff were all very nice and had lots of useful and interesting information throughout the trip.

Great crew and awesome adventure! Would definitely recommend

Have Dramamine available if you are not used to boating