South Maui offers a distinct whale watching experience. Far from the busy harbor of Maalaea, Kihei and Wailea departures specialize in small-group interactions and high-speed adventures.
Kihei is famous for its fast, inflatable rafts (RIBs). These boats are fast, fun, and put you just a few feet above the water line, making the scale of the whales feel even more immense.
Departing directly from the beaches in front of Wailea's resorts, these tours offer the ultimate in convenience and luxury. Small group sizes and personalized naturalist attention are the standard here.
Blue Water Rafting: Departing from Kihei Boat Ramp, these guys are the experts in fast, exciting tours of the South Maui coastline.
Redline Rafting: Offers customized tours on high-performance rafts. Known for their "off-the-beaten-path" approach to finding whales.
Kai Kanani: The premier Wailea operator. They depart from Maluaka Beach (near the Makena Beach & Golf Resort) on a beautiful catamaran.
Makena Charters: Specializes in private and semi-private whale watching for those looking for an intimate experience.
Kihei Boat Ramp: This is a rustic, working boat ramp. Parking is free but limited. There are no restrooms until you're on the boat, so plan accordingly.
Maluaka Beach: This is a public beach. You will meet your crew on the sand and wade into the water to board the boat.
The "Whale Nursery": The waters off Makena and Wailea are often teeming with mothers and calves. It is one of the most serene places to watch them socialising.