You don't need a boat ticket to see whales in Maui. The Au'au Channel is so narrow that whales often swim within a few hundred yards of the coastline, making them easily visible from several key lookout points.
Located on the Honoapiilani Highway between Maalaea and Lahaina. This is arguably the best spot on the island. It offers elevated views of the channel and is equipped with binoculars (sometimes) and educational plaques.
Pro Tip: Bring your own binoculars for a much better experience.
A short hike from the highway near Maalaea. This rugged point juts out into the water, putting you even closer to the whales as they round the coastline. It's less crowded than Papawai.
If you're staying in West Maui, you often don't even need to leave your beach chair. Whales are frequently seen breaching just outside the surf line in Kaanapali, especially near Black Rock.
Look for the "Blow": The easiest thing to spot first is the 10-20 foot column of mist (the whale's breath) shooting up from the surface.
The "Footprint": After a whale dives, it leaves a calm, glassy circle of water on the surface. If you see one, keep watching that spot—they will likely resurface nearby soon.
Early Morning is King: Just like boat tours, shore viewing is best in the early morning when the ocean surface is calmest, making it much easier to spot activity.