Maui , United States

Whale Watch and Scenic Tour from Kayak

Active

(16 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

This kayak tour is the MOST unique & special way to see the whales, the gorgeous West Maui coastline & ocean wildlife. Get ready to be blown away. Ditch the noise, crowds & boats for a more special experience with your travel group or family. The silent kayaks & small group tours make this kayak tour peaceful, serene & extremely desirable. These Hobie Kayaks make kayaking truly a breeze. Using luxury, HANDS-FREE pedal-drive Hobie Compass Duo kayaks, you glide over the water with ease playing relaxing tunes with a brew & enjoy Maui from a different view. Almost any & all age types can participate due to the pedal-drive nature of the vessel. With steering controlled easy by a nob, it takes the pressure off your arms while you enjoy the special adventure sport of kayaking. Taking you to the best view spots on the West Side, our local guides share local knowledge as we cruise & relax! Our most popular tour to date. **WHALE SEASON DEC-APRIL ONLY, otherwise this is a Scenic Tour ONLY**

Available options

Whale Watch and Scenic Tour from Kayak

What's included

light snack

All kayaking and safety equipment is included

small cooler, music, permit, safety brief, expert local guide, Hawaii wildlife & ecosystem education

1 bottle of water

Detailed itinerary

Choosing your ideal departure time, we meet at Olowalu Beach. Pulling straight into the parking area just in front of the beach, you will see your kayaks waiting. The local guide welcomes guests & ensures they have all that is needed for the kayak tour. Once settled & divided into kayaks, we start off with a full safety & equipment briefing. All questions are answered & any confusion is left on shore as we set off for our adventure. The guide assists the patrons load into the kayaks & we start off PEDALING HANDS FREE down the gorgeous West Maui coast to the MOST popular spot for humpback whale sightings. Be BLOWN AWAY with this breathtaking experience. If it is not whale season, we cruise to the most gorgeous look out of the West Maui Mountains - from the ocean! See dolphins, turtles, gorgeous reef, clear waters & more! A unique view of Maui like none other. After your tour is completed we glide with ease back to your meet up spot, the guide helps you unload from the kayaks & we remanence on the wonderful adventure had. ** WHALE SEASON ONLY DEC-APRIL, otherwise this is a Scenic Tour ONLY **

What's not included

Sunglasses, hat, towel, reef safe nonspray sunscreen, extra beverages or snacks, camera gear

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.7

7 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.6

9 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Weight restrictions - weight limit for each seat is 250lbs or 425lbs per kayak

No employee or patron may be positive for COVID19 within 7 days AND/OR have a fever within 72 hours of trip departure date and time.

Meeting point

The exact area of the beach is at Mile Marker 14.5 off the highway

There is a large house with a red roof to the right of the beach, hence the local beach nickname - Red Roof!

Pull right up to the beach and park as you see other patrons doing - be mindful of sand depth!

About Maui

Maui, known as the Valley Isle, is the second-largest Hawaiian island and offers a diverse landscape of pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and volcanic mountains. It's renowned for its stunning sunrises and sunsets, world-class snorkeling, and the scenic Road to Hana.

Top Attractions

Road to Hana

A 160 km (100-mile) drive along the island's northern coast, featuring waterfalls, lush rainforests, and stunning ocean views. A must-do for any visitor.

Scenic Drive Full day Free (parking fees may apply at some stops)

Haleakala National Park

A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring the dormant Haleakala volcano, unique ecosystems, and stunning sunrise and sunset views.

Nature Half day to full day $30 per vehicle (7-day pass)

Molokini Crater

A partially submerged volcanic crater offering world-class snorkeling and diving with crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life.

Adventure Half day $100-150 per person (including snorkel gear and lunch)

Lahaina Town

A charming historic town with a rich whaling history, boutique shops, art galleries, and waterfront dining.

Historical Half day to full day Free to explore (costs vary for shopping and dining)

Iao Valley State Park

A lush, tropical valley featuring the iconic Iao Needle, a 1,200-foot tall volcanic pinnacle, and scenic hiking trails.

Nature 1-2 hours $5 per vehicle (Hawaii residents free)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Poke

A traditional Hawaiian dish made with diced raw fish, typically tuna or salmon, marinated in soy sauce, sesame oil, and green onions. Served over rice or as a salad.

Lunch/Dinner Can be made with cooked fish or vegetarian options.

Loco Moco

A hearty dish featuring a bed of white rice topped with a hamburger patty, a fried egg, and brown gravy. A comfort food favorite in Hawaii.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian and vegan versions available.

Malasadas

Portuguese-inspired fried dough balls, dusted with sugar or filled with sweet fillings like custard or haupia (coconut pudding). A popular treat from Teddy's Bake Shop in Lahaina.

Dessert Vegetarian (contains eggs and dairy).

Shave Ice

Finely shaved ice topped with flavored syrups and often served with a scoop of ice cream or sweetened condensed milk. A refreshing treat, especially on hot days.

Dessert Vegetarian and vegan options available (check for dairy-free syrups).

Popular Activities

Hiking Snorkeling Scuba Diving Surfing Zip-lining Beach lounging Spa treatments Sunset cruises

Best Time to Visit

April to May, September to November

These months offer pleasant weather, lower humidity, and fewer tourists. It's ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the island.

22-29°C 72-84°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Hawaiian, Tagalog, Japanese, Ilocano
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time (HST), GMT-10:00

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Maui is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates in tourist areas. However, petty theft and scams can occur, so it's important to stay vigilant.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious of strangers offering services or deals that seem too good to be true
• Use reputable tour operators and rental companies

Getting there

By air

Kahului Airport • 2.4 km (1.5 miles) from Kahului

By bus

Kahului, Lahaina, Wailuku

Getting around

Public transport

Affordable but infrequent service. Best for short trips between towns.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Kihei Wailea Lahaina Upcountry Maui

Day trips

Lana'i

16 km (10 miles) by ferry from Lahaina • Full day

A secluded island known for its luxury resorts, scenic beaches, and off-road adventures. Ideal for those looking to escape the crowds of Maui.

Molokini Crater

16 km (10 miles) by boat from Kihei • Half day

A partially submerged volcanic crater offering world-class snorkeling and diving with crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life.

Haleakala National Park

48 km (30 miles) from Kahului • Full day

A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring the dormant Haleakala volcano, unique ecosystems, and stunning sunrise and sunset views.

Festivals

Maui Film Festival • June Maui County Fair • Late September to early October Maui Whale Festival • February to March (peak whale watching season)

Pro tips

Rent a car for at least part of your trip to explore the island's diverse landscapes and attractions
Book tours and activities in advance, especially during peak season
Visit popular attractions like the Road to Hana and Haleakala National Park early in the morning to avoid crowds and heat
Pack reef-safe sunscreen to protect marine life and follow local guidelines for responsible snorkeling and diving
Try local specialties like poke, loco moco, and malasadas for an authentic Hawaiian culinary experience