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KiheiDolphin & whale watching

Our most recommended Kihei Dolphin & whale watching

South Maui: Whale Watch Kayaking and Snorkel Tour in Kihei

1. South Maui: Whale Watch Kayaking and Snorkel Tour in Kihei

Kayak through Maui's blue ocean on a guided whale-watching adventure. Glide along the water at eye-level with the ocean and get an up-close and personal view of whales and other sea creatures. Learn about the area and native wildlife from your guide and end your tour with a snorkeling excursion. After checking in, your expert guide will provide hands-on instruction on how to manage your kayak, from landing, launching, paddling, and how to get in and out for the snorkeling component. This tour features "sit on top" kayaks which make for easy-on/easy-off access. Your guide will launch each kayak, setting you out into the great blue sea. As a group on the water, your guide will brief you about what's planned and where you will visit. To begin your adventure, paddle out to search for whales. Along the way, your local guide will share island stories, information, folklore, and more. When the whales appear, you will have the opportunity to paddle along at a safe distance. Your guide will explain each behavior that the whales are presenting. After whale watching, paddle back to the shoreline along the reef to enjoy some snorkeling. The highlight for most is Hawaii's "Hono" or Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle. They are abundant in this area, making it one of the best spots in Hawaii to see them. At the end of the trip, your guide will escort you back to the beach.

South Maui: Molokini Snorkeling Adventure

2. South Maui: Molokini Snorkeling Adventure

Embark on a half-day snorkeling adventure on a glass-bottomed catamaran, with breakfast, lunch, and a professional crew included. Look out for all types of Pacific marine life, from dolphins to turtles and coral reefs, in 2 snorkeling spots — the Molokini Crater and Turtle Town.  Begin your tour at Maalaea Harbor to board your boat. Join the crew aboard the Calypso, Maui's newest addition to the fleet, where you can even view the ocean from its glass bottom. Calypso is the only 3-deck catamaran in Hawai'i. Benefit from an easy-to-use stairway in and out of the water, lots of shade, and plenty of Jimmy Buffet music.  Start the day off right with a continental breakfast that includes mixed muffins, pastries, fruit, coffee, tea, and juice. Next, be dazzled by Molokini Crater, located off the south shore of Kihei. Expect pristine conditions as Molokini is a protected marine preserve and bird sanctuary.  See how the extinct volcanic cone provides a home for native Hawaiian marine life such as manta rays, fish, urchins, and sharks, who all swim around the coral through the clear water year-round. Use the provided snorkeling equipment to explore the underwater world.  Take advantage of the 2 water slides to make it more fun, especially for kids. And fret not— a lifeguard is always in the water watching over the snorkelers to ensure their safety. After leaving Molokini, your second snorkeling spot of the day is Turtle Town, where you will swim with Hawaiian green sea turtles amid the calm water and coral. Then, return to the boat for a relaxing deli sandwich lunch. Some of the tour’s top amenities include 2 slides, a jumping platform, 2 freshwater showers, use of snorkeling gear, flotation devices, and restrooms on the boat. There are 11 stair points to get into the water for easy and comfortable access. Wetsuits and underwater digital cameras are available to rent once onboard.

South Maui: Self Guided Clear Bottom Kayak Tour

3. South Maui: Self Guided Clear Bottom Kayak Tour

Leave dry land behind and sail around Makena Landing, also known locally as “Turtle Town”. Feast your eyes on the incredible biodiversity of green sea turtles and reef fish, as well as the occasional manta and spotted eagle rays, octopi, dolphins, monk seals, humpback whales (December through April) and little white-tip reef sharks. The entire rental process takes 2 hours. Normal time to get checked in, waivers signed, provide paddle and safety instruction as well as an overview of the area is 5-15 min depending on your group. You will then have the remainder of your reserved time to paddle the waters far from the tourist crowds, paddling where you want on a steady and easy-to-use kayak. The more you take your time, the more you're likely to see!

From Lahaina: Turtle Town Snorkel Aboard the Quicksilver

4. From Lahaina: Turtle Town Snorkel Aboard the Quicksilver

Spot Hawaii's native marine life in its natural habitat on a snorkel cruise to Turtle Town from Lahaina. Swim past green sea turtles, Moorish idols, and even humpback whales. Enjoy an onboard lunch and drinks. Set sail from Lahaina Harbor towards Turtle Town, aka Mala Wharf (if weather conditions allow). See where, in 1992, a powerful hurricane created an artificial reef and sanctuary where corals and other marine life thrive. Spot Moorish idols, green sea turtles, and saddle wrasse while snorkeling here. If snorkel conditions are not ideal at Turtle Town a.k.a. Mala Wharf, cruise to one of the other premier westside snorkel locations such as Honolua Bay, Airport Beach, or Launiupoko. See Hawaiian green sea turtles, brightly colored tropical fish, and beautiful coral reef formations. During the whale season between December to April, observe humpback whales as they enjoy the warm Hawaiian waters (time permitting). Learn from expert narration about the whales and provide a play-by-play commentary of the whales' behavior as you view them.

South Maui: Whale Watch: Kalama Beach Park Surf Lessons

5. South Maui: Whale Watch: Kalama Beach Park Surf Lessons

After you've checked in for your surfing adventure, your instructor will run through some dry land instruction so you can practice getting up and staying on the board. After this, you will be taken to the water' edge, where you will leash up and splash in. For group lessons, you'll paddle out and line up, and once out in the water your instructor will monitor you to ensure you're safe and off on the right foot. Surf lesson times are at 8:00AM, 10:00AM and 12:00PM, and it is recommended to take the early lesson to allow the most time for learning. Your expert instructor will get you up and surfing quickly and with ease. In no time at all, you'll learn proper techniques, surf etiquette, and how to ride a wave.

From Ma'alaea: Thanksgiving Dinner Cruise Aboard the Calypso

6. From Ma'alaea: Thanksgiving Dinner Cruise Aboard the Calypso

Celebrate Thanksgiving like never before on this Hawaiian dinner cruise which sets off from the Ma'alaea harbor. A dedicated crew will serve you a festive dinner with two drinks included. Aboard the Calypso, you'll have stunning views of the West Maui Mountains and the islands of Molokai and Lanai. Sip on your choice of cocktails, beer, and wine as the crew serves you table-side with a Hawaiian-influenced Thanksgiving day feast, complete with all the traditional fixings. Surrounded by breathtaking sunset views, the atmosphere on board is enriched with live music from local performers. The Calypso is a triple-decker power catamaran with a spacious deck and an open-air design. While you’re taking in the tranquil vista, keep your eyes peeled for a possible sighting of some spinner dolphins and humpback whales, who reside in the calm Maui waters.

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What people are saying about Kihei

Overall rating

5.0 / 5

based on 1 reviews

We booked before we arrived in Hawii and on the day of our excursion all we had to do was check in and when it was time to board they called our name and on board we went. The staff was very friendly and answered all of our questions. One person in our party got sick and while we were in the water they kept an eye on her. We would definitely recommend this excursion. We even got to see a momma whale and her baby.

The crew took great care of us from the moment we boarded until we deboarded. Seats and equipment (including graded goggles for us wearing eyeglasses) are more than adequate making everyone enjoy. The captain knows where to position the boat to get great possibility of successfully seeing whales. The whales put on a show, even breaching from the water. Highly recommended!

Great snorkeling and whale watching trip. Saw turtles, several types of fish in different colors, and most exciting of all, the whales. Staff were very nice and helpful - thank you crews!!! Ended the trip with great memories.

Awesome experience!! Got to see some whales and beautiful fish when snorkeling. Nico was great tour guide and assisted through everything and made us feel safe and comfortable for some non-swimmers

Jeremiah was great. Our trip was fantastic. Miah had a lot on his hands with our group. Some inexperienced kayakers made his work extra hard but he was very good accommodating everyone.