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2 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Come aboard the charming Hawaiian sail catamaran, "Winona," and experience a breathtaking Whale Watching Tour. With a small group of 30-40 people, you'll enjoy personalized attention and plenty of space to move around. Winona is not just any sail catamaran; she's Maui's only Hawaiian-built, well-kept, and spacious vessel. Get ready to experience true Aloha hospitality. Join us for an unforgettable adventure!
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
If you have questions about accessibility, please call us for help.
Infants and kids ages 0-5 come for free but parents must call the office to confirm.
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
Not recommend for travelers with mobility issues
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
This experience requires minimum of 10 traveler
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Welcome aboard our incredible Hawaiian catamaran sailboat Winona. You are in for a treat as you experience the excitement of whale watching. Each year, from December through March, hundreds of migrating humpback whales journey from chilly Alaska to the warm waters of Maui to breed and give birth. Our guests can get a close-up view of the majestic marine mammals on this tour. These whales play, breach, and interact in their natural environment, and our crew provides insights into their behavior and biology. Hear their soulful songs through our underwater hydrophones while enjoying the perfect view of West Maui's mountains, Molokai, and Lanai, while you lounge on our decks or main floor. Infants and kids ages 0-5 come for free parents must call the office to confirm.
Dolphin encounters on occasions
Underwater hydrophones to hear whale songs
2 Restrooms
Island-Style Music
Light Snacks, 21+ years 2 adult beverages, soft drinks, juice, water
Cash gratuities for the crew
Parking validation
Hotel pickup and drop-off
For infants 0-6 months old parents must bring a coast guard approved life vest
203 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Marsha W,Mar 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
It is welll worth the cost, more whales than we have ever seen, great crew, and ample space to move. about.
Karen G,Mar 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
This was an excellent tour, we were lucky to have seen many whales and dolphins. The crew was super friendly and filled with knowledge about the whales. We had so much fun.
Lori B,Mar 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
This is probably the fourth or fifth whale watching tour we’ve taken on Maui and by far the best. The catamaran was the perfect size with under 40 other passengers. We saw more whales in the first half hour than in all our other tours combined. Excellent captain and a super friendly crew made it a great to spend a Thursday morning. The floating tiki bar is a nice touch. Just an overall fun time.
Colleen V,Mar 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
We loved the laid back catamaran experience. The crew was so friendly. We would have liked a few more whale facts. The pina coladas were delicious! The whales and calf’s were amazing!
107charleenl,Mar 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
This trip was amazing!! We saw so many whales! There was never a breach, unfortunately. Captain Keone and crew were terrific! Would 100% do again!!
Janet A,Mar 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
We were on the Whale Watching tour and the crew of three were very knowledgeable, professional, and fun! We saw so many whales: moms with their babies, groups of mom, baby, and escort(s), males fighting for a mate, and one that came underneath and up the front of the catamaran without rocking anyone….a complete an exhilarating experience.
dfish53,Mar 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Great experirnce!! Great guides and captain. Saw lots of whales!!
Jerry J,Feb 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
Great, smaller boat experience. Only 9 of us on the tour. Lots of space to spread out and get clear views of the whales. Very personalized service by the crew.
May M,Feb 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
This is a smaller boat with a smaller group which I liked. It was more intimate with plenty of space. The boat is a smaller catamaran which was lower to the water giving an up close feeling. The boat was clean and comfortable. The crew was very friendly and informative. They were very proactive in communicating and sent a great video of where to find them. Definitely would have been hard without the video.
Roberta H,Jan 31, 2026
- Review from Viator
There is no bad whale watching on Maui. There are better than this, but these people are new to the business and still finding their way. They do have respect for the whales and knowledge but are still figuring out how to communicate it smoothly. The spotter would say, "There's a whale," but forget to add the clock position so we could look in the correct direction. She also missed education chances, while becoming excited herself regarding what she was seeing or hearing. Plus, regardless of what the owner says, morning whale watching is better than mid-day.
Operated by Makena Coast Charters