4.9 (696) · Maui · By Redline Rafting Free cancellation
Experience a fantastic chance to witness humpback whales during their migration through Hawaiian waters, traveling from Alaska between December and May.
Departing from Kihei, we'll navigate to a region off Maui's southern coast, known for one of Hawaii's most significant whale populations.
Our journey takes place on a robust and speedy raft, allowing for extended whale viewing opportunities.
Gain insights into whale behavior from an onboard naturalist, part of a select group of up to 20 participants, ensuring a more intimate experience than most whale watching tours.
✓ An onboard marine naturalist to guide your experience.✓ A guaranteed whale sighting on your tour.✓ An onboard hydrophone to listen to whale songs.✓ Please note: This tour is not suitable for individuals with back or neck injuries, or pregnant passengers.✕ Gratuities for the crew are not included.✕ Hotel pickup and drop-off services are not provided.1 Redline Rafting
Arrive at the Kihei Boat Ramp 30 minutes before your scheduled departure for check-in. Free parking is available.
· 30 min
2 Kihei
Your meeting point will be the Kihei boat ramp.
· 30 min
3 Wailea
Enjoy views of Wailea beach as we cruise during our whale watching excursion.
· 15 min
4 Keawakapu Beach
We will pass by Keawakapu Beach during our whale watching tour.
· 15 min
Your mobile or paper ticket is accepted. One ticket is required per booking.
For navigation, you can enter 'Kihei Boat Ramp' into Google or Apple Maps. Free parking is available in the dirt lot situated above the main parking area where the boats and trailers are kept.
Check-in procedures vary: for the 7 AM departure, check in at the parking lot. For the 9 AM and 11 AM departures, check in at the picnic tables located above the dock.
For navigation, you can enter 'Kihei Boat Ramp' into Google or Apple Maps. Free parking is available in the dirt lot situated above the main parking area where the boats and trailers are kept.
Check-in procedures vary: for the 7 AM departure, check in at the parking lot. For the 9 AM and 11 AM departures, check in at the picnic tables located above the dock.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
This tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers. Individuals with spinal injuries should avoid this tour. Travelers with poor cardiovascular health are advised against this tour. The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. The minimum age requirement for participation is 8 years old. This tour is not recommended for individuals experiencing back pain. Travelers with neck injuries should not participate. Due to the adventurous nature of our tours, the maximum recommended age is 65. Arrive at the Kihei Boat Ramp 30 minutes before your departure time. Free parking is available at the Kihei Boat Ramp. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Consider bringing a light jacket as ocean breezes can be cool. Listen carefully to the onboard naturalist for the best whale spotting tips. Be prepared for an adventurous ride on the raft. To receive a full refund, please ensure your cancellation is made at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled departure time.
Product code: 5534WHALES
Activity offered by Redline Rafting via Viator.
WizardTrip Help Center Nature enthusiasts Families with children (minimum age 8) Adventure seekers Wildlife photographers Guaranteed whale sightings during migration season. Intimate group size for a better viewing experience. Onboard naturalist provides educational commentary. Raft provides a fast and exciting ride. Opportunity to listen to whale songs with a hydrophone.
Population 144,444 (2010)
Currency United States dollar
Driving on the right
Power plugs A, B · 120 V
Emergency number 911
Capital city Washington, D.C. Average temperatures 23° Jan 22° Feb 22° Mar 23° Apr 23° May 24° Jun 25° Jul 25° Aug 25° Sept 25° Oct 24° Nov 23° Dec Sources: Wikidata; climate: NASA POWER, 2001-2025 averages.
What is the best time of year for whale watching in Maui? + The best time to see humpback whales in Maui is between December and May, as they migrate through Hawaiian waters.
Is whale sighting guaranteed? + Yes, this tour offers a guaranteed whale sighting.
What should I bring on the tour? + It is recommended to bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. A light jacket may also be useful.
What is the meeting point? + You will meet at the Kihei Boat Ramp. You can use 'Kihei Boat Ramp' in Google or Apple Maps for directions.
Is there parking available? + Yes, free parking is available in the dirt lot above the main parking area at the Kihei Boat Ramp.
Are there any age or health restrictions? + The minimum age is 8 years old. This tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers, or those with spinal injuries, neck injuries, back problems, poor cardiovascular health, or those who are generally unwell.
Reviews provided by Viator, written by travellers on Viator and Tripadvisor.
★★★★★ Viator review
No whales but a nice crew
Mya_R, March 2026
It was a neat boat ride but didn’t see any whales sadly. I feel like they should have offered a discount code or something for one of their other tours to offset the fact that we didn’t see any whales. Would have been nice touch.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Top Notch Company / Top Notch Crew!
shawnmR816FH, March 2026
My girlfriend Traci and I had never been whalewatching, but figured our trip to Maui was the perfect opportunity. Turns out that Redline Rafting was the perfect company to book with!
We don't recall the names of the guides, as we are writing this review some time later (yes, they were that good!). It was two gentlemen and one lady - 18 December 2025, 9am tour. All of them were extremely personable, fun-spirited and a wealth of information. We loved that each of them took a turn offering very interesting factoids about whales, other sea creatures and the ocean in general. Each shared the focus, giving us a variety of stories and energies.
The rocking tunes on the way out and the way back kept the vibe fun and jumpin'!
There was no rush to the experience. We were just one with the ocean, hoping to catch a glimpse of the massive creatures. Turns out we caught more than a glimpse. We had three sightings of multiple whales -- breaching, submerging, plenty of whale tails, ... one in the distance shot fully out of the water!
One crew member pulled out the submersible microphone, allowing us to hear the whale songs in real time. So awesome.
Fantastic experience, fantastic crew! No better way to spend your vacation time and money in Maui!
★★★★★ Viator review
Great trip. We were thear...
Peter_M, March 2026
Great trip. We were thear near the end of the season but we're still able to see several whales. Would book again.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Recommended by locals - I can see why!
kerrikf2023, March 2026
What an incredible experience! Our guides were fantastic. I felt very safe, well-taken care of and they are knowledgeable, respectful of wildlife and made it super fun! We saw so many whales! Really cool experience. I would absolutely go back with this company. It was recommended to me by locals and I understand why. The best!
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Excellent safety and knowledge is what you’ll get with this adventure company and their employees!
Mitzi D, March 2026
Dani (I believe was her name) and her partner were excellent. She was very informative about our safety and the whales! We saw several whales and heard one too! We were even lucky enough to see a mom and calf late in the season. It was a great experience overall! I highly recommend!
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