
Maui Whale Watching: WHALES GUARANTEED with Makai Adventures
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 1,184 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Maui Whale Watching: WHALES GUARANTEED with Makai Adventures worth booking?
Maui Whale Watching: WHALES GUARANTEED with Makai Adventures is a 2-hour experience in Maui, United States, from $109 per person. It scores 87 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 1,184 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 87 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (1,184)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $109 per person
Our boat is really what sets us apart from other companies- we have a fast, fun and comfortable boat where everyone gets a cushioned seat, open viewing of the whales, onboard bathroom, lots of shade, and strong engines to help us maximize our time with the whales during your tour. Knowledgeable captains and crew who have worked among the whales for years will share whale facts and answer your questions. It's a great photo opportunity and most people who do it come back for more!
What you get
About this experience
Our boat is really what sets us apart from other companies- we have a fast, fun and comfortable boat where everyone gets a cushioned seat, open viewing of the whales, onboard bathroom, lots of shade, and strong engines to help us maximize our time with the whales during your tour. Knowledgeable captains and crew who have worked among the whales for years will share whale facts and answer your questions. It's a great photo opportunity and most people who do it come back for more!
What's included
Included
- Whale Sightings Guaranteed!
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Maui
Check in MINIMUM 15 MINUTES PRIOR at MALA BOAT RAMP, in Lahaina. Find us under the tree on the ocean side of the trailer parking lot. First come, first serve public Parking is available nearby. Late check-ins are considered no-shows and no refund will be given.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Check in MINIMUM 15 MINUTES PRIOR at MALA BOAT RAMP, in Lahaina. Find us under the tree on the ocean side of the trailer parking lot. First come, first serve public Parking is available nearby. Late check-ins are considered no-shows and no refund will be given.
Options you can book
Standard Boarding
Standard Boarding
Priority Boarding
Priority Boarding
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Makai Adventures
Know before you go
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 1,184 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
3 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Traveler reviews
1,184 verified traveler reviews for Maui Whale Watching: WHALES GUARANTEED with Makai Adventures. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great time
Seen a lot of whales. Guide and captain were great and very knowledgeable. Had a great time and would definitely suggest this whale watch.
Response from the operator: Mahalo Nui! We are honored you chose to whale watch on Maui with Makai Adventures - we know there are many options to choose from! Hope to share another adventure with you soon!
via Viator
Our crowd was disappointed
It was a Tuesday during Mud season. They should be grateful for the business. There were 18-20 of us gathering for happy hour. We wanted to be on the patio due to the crowd and noise and were told we couldn't. The one table sat 10 but everybody had to stand around blocking isles to talk. Took forever for him to take drink orders the first time. After that we had to go to the bar if we wanted another. Consequently many didn't. More of us would've ordered food if he'd just asked. You'd think he'd be more attentive to the larger group who were buying more and possibly order more but he was more attentive to a few at the bar and we were left on our own if we wanted anything to go to him. We've had better service here before for sure and many in the group left feeling it was a disappointing experience this time.
Response from the operator: Aloha- This definitely sounds like a disappointing experience but you must have posted this to the wrong business since we specialize in boat tours and not a restaurant/bar. Could you please remove this review so it doesn't negatively affect our rating? Mahalo!
via Tripadvisor
Family Whale Watch
We were a little nervous that we wouldn't see much since it was the last week of whale watches being offered, but were pleasantly surprised to see a large competition group in addition to a couple other one offs. Over a dozen whales all together. Captains were friendly and knowledgeable, boat was comfortable for everyone in our group, ages 16-77. Highly recommend the experience.
Response from the operator: Mahalo for choosing Makai Adventures for whale watching on Maui! Glad to be a part of your family memories!
via Tripadvisor
They make whale watching cool
Great trip that’s not snorkeling. Relaxed and fun with Micah and Krysten as your captains. Highly recommend.
Response from the operator: Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review! Glad to hear you had a fun time, hope to have you back onboard Makai Adventures someday soon!
via Viator
Whale watching
The guides were great, informative and got to actually see whales
Response from the operator: We don't offer whales guarantee for no reason! Glad you not only had a fun experience, but an informative one as well. Mahalo for choosing Makai!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $109 to $128
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 414
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Who runs this experience
Operated by Makai Adventures, who run 4 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 70.2.
See everything Makai Adventures runsWhy this scores 87
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Maui Whale Watching: WHALES GUARANTEED with Makai Adventures: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Maui.
How much does Maui Whale Watching: WHALES GUARANTEED with Makai Adventures cost?
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Prices start at $109 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Maui usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Maui Whale Watching: WHALES GUARANTEED with Makai Adventures take?
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Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Maui is not rushed.
Is Maui Whale Watching: WHALES GUARANTEED with Makai Adventures worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 87 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 1,184 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Maui, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Maui Whale Watching: WHALES GUARANTEED with Makai Adventures?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Maui Whale Watching: WHALES GUARANTEED with Makai Adventures suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Maui Whale Watching: WHALES GUARANTEED with Makai Adventures?
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Around 414 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Maui can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Maui and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Maui Whale Watching: WHALES GUARANTEED with Makai Adventures start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Maui within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Maui?
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Maui's three signature days are the Hana road, the Haleakala summit sunrise and the Molokini snorkel sail, and all three are logistics problems as much as experiences. Sunrise summit entry is permit-controlled, Hana is a ten-hour driving day, and Molokini boats vary wildly in size. Our ranking rewards operators who handle permits and keep boat capacity low. On Outty we rank every Maui experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Molokini Crater + South Maui Coast Adventure from Kihei, Maui, West Maui Snorkeling Experience by Boat from Ka'anapali, Maui Eco-Raft Tour: Eye-Level Whale or Dolphin Watching - Lahaina. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Maui?
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April to May and September to October. Whale season runs December to April. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Maui?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Maui Whale Watching: WHALES GUARANTEED with Makai Adventures?
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Included: Whale Sightings Guaranteed!. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Maui Whale Watching: WHALES GUARANTEED with Makai Adventures?
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Check in MINIMUM 15 MINUTES PRIOR at MALA BOAT RAMP, in Lahaina. Find us under the tree on the ocean side of the trailer parking lot. First come, first serve public Parking is available nearby. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Maui Whale Watching: WHALES GUARANTEED with Makai Adventures offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Maui Whale Watching: WHALES GUARANTEED with Makai Adventures?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
What happens to Maui Whale Watching: WHALES GUARANTEED with Makai Adventures if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Maui Whale Watching: WHALES GUARANTEED with Makai Adventures?
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Across 1,184 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
What booking options are available for Maui Whale Watching: WHALES GUARANTEED with Makai Adventures?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including Standard Boarding, Priority Boarding. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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