Whale Watching
at a More Refined Pace
at a More Refined Pace
Book Luxury Whale Watching
13+$158$98Children
4-12y
Looking for a more active whale watching experience with snorkeling?
Explore the Pride of Maui Whale Watching Tour.
The ʻElua luxury whale watch offers a quieter, more personal way to experience Maui’s humpback whale season. With fewer guests aboard and generous open deck space, this luxury catamaran experience focuses on comfort, observation, and an unhurried pace on the water. Ideal for couples and adults seeking a premium whale watching experience, ʻElua is designed for guests who prefer space over crowds and moments over noise.
Highlights
- Spacious luxury catamaran with open, uncrowded viewing areas
- Small-group setting for a more personal experience
- Calm, attentive service from an experienced crew
- Ideal for couples, adults, and families with children ages 4 and up
Call Guest Services at 808.242.0955 for Military, Senior, Kama’aina, Group, and Special Rates.
Whale activity increases through mid-January, with peak sightings typically from January through March.
If no whales are seen during your tour, we provide a complimentary return pass for a future whale watch.
Guarantee applies to whale watch tours operating January–March. Sightings in December and April may vary with migration timing.
- Small-group whale watching aboard a spacious, uncrowded luxury catamaran
- Professional photographer onboard
- Signature open bar
- Educational, marine-focused whale watching experience
- Attentive service from an experienced crew
- Suitable for families with children ages 4 and up
Operating days: Mondays and Wednesdays
- Check-in: 1:15 PM
- Departure: 1:30 PM
- Return: 4:00 PM
Guests should arrive early to allow time for check-in and boarding. ʻElua departs promptly to ensure maximum time on the water during the afternoon whale activity window.
On the Water- 2.5-hour whale watching experience
This extended afternoon cruise allows for relaxed positioning and unhurried time observing humpback whale behavior in Maui waters, guided by an experienced crew.
- Light jacket or sweater
- Sunglasses and sun protection
- Camera or phone for photos
- Comfortable footwear
- Pulled pork sandwich with BBQ sauce
- Gourmet 100% Angus all-beef hot dog with assorted vegetable accompaniments
- Artisan buns
- Pineapple slaw
- Potato chips
- Fresh-baked white chocolate macadamia nut cookies
- Signature open bar
- Ice cold hand-crafted, local beer
- Craft cocktails featuring premium labels
- Hard seltzers
- White wine
- Soft drinks, juice, and filtered water
- Menu items are subject to availability
- Vegetarian and vegan lunch options available with 48-hour notice, including a plant-based pulled “pork” sandwich made with lentils, carrots, spices, and BBQ sauce
Departs from Māʻalaea Harbor (Slip 68 – South Side). Parking as close to the harbor as possible; please allow extra time during peak season.
For additional details, visit our Maps & Directions page.
Whale encounters are conducted responsibly and in accordance with marine wildlife guidelines. The crew promotes responsible wildlife viewing practices, including reef-safe products and respectful distances from marine life.
Please review our ocean safety and wildlife viewing guidelines.
Luxury Whale Watching Experience
A Refined Way
to Watch Maui’s
Humpback Whales
Luxury whale watching is about space, pacing, and presence. Aboard ʻElua, guests enjoy the freedom to move, observe, and settle into each moment as whales surface, travel, and rest nearby. The calm onboard environment allows whale encounters to unfold naturally, without crowding or distraction.
Vessel Design & On-Water Experience
Why a Catamaran
Is Ideal for
Whale Watching
Catamaran whale watching offers exceptional stability and wide viewing areas, making it easier to spot and follow whale activity as it unfolds. ʻElua’s powered catamaran design provides a smooth ride, generous deck space, and steady positioning on the water, allowing guests to spread out and enjoy uninterrupted sightlines without reliance on wind conditions.
The ʻElua Experience
The ʻElua
Difference: Small-Group
Luxury at Sea
With a limited number of guests aboard, ʻElua delivers a premium, private-feeling experience. Conversations stay quiet, the pace remains relaxed, and the focus stays on the whales. This approach appeals to travelers who value quality over scale and prefer a refined setting on the water.
Guest Experience Fit
Who This
Luxury Whale
Watch Is Best For
ʻElua is ideal for couples, honeymooners, adult travelers, and guests celebrating special occasions. Those seeking a calm, uncrowded whale watching experience will appreciate the thoughtful design and intentional pacing of this luxury catamaran tour.
Choosing the Right Whale Watching Style
ʻElua Compared
to Larger Whale
Watching Boats
While larger boats offer lively, family-friendly whale watching experiences, ʻElua is designed for guests who prefer a quieter atmosphere and a more personal connection with the ocean. Choosing the right experience depends on travel style, and ʻElua is well suited for those seeking refinement and space.
Maui Whale Season Overview
Maui Whale
Season and What
You May See
Maui’s humpback whale season typically runs from December through April, with peak sightings in the winter months. Guests may observe behaviors such as breaching, tail slaps, and surface activity, though each outing is unique and shaped by natural conditions.
FAQ
ʻElua focuses on small-group luxury, offering more space, a calmer pace, and a refined onboard atmosphere compared to larger whale watching boats.
Guests consistently highlight the calm atmosphere, attentive crew, and uncrowded experience.
Read verified guest reviews.
Yes. The ʻElua Luxury Whale Watch is suitable for children ages 4 and up. The calm pace, spacious layout, and attentive crew make it a comfortable experience for families, while still maintaining a refined, small-group atmosphere.
Explore all our tours.
The ʻElua whale watch is a 2.5-hour experience, offering extended time on the water for relaxed observation during Maui’s peak afternoon whale activity window.
Whale sightings are common during Maui’s peak whale season.
For ʻElua whale watching tours operating January through March, we offer a whale sightings guarantee. If no whales are seen during your tour, guests receive a complimentary return pass for a future whale watch.
The ʻElua luxury whale watch departs from Māʻalaea Harbor (South Side – Slip 68). Directions are provided after booking.
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