Maui: Alii Nui Whale Watch & Catamaran Sail

Maui’s Alii Nui Whale Watch & Catamaran Sail offers an unforgettable 2-hour adventure on the open waters. Departing from Maalaea Harbor, this immersive experience allows guests to observe majestic humpback whales in their natural habitat. Accompanied by a knowledgeable marine naturalist, participants can listen to the enchanting songs of these magnificent creatures through a hydrophone. With a spacious, shaded cabin, gourmet appetizers, and a variety of beverages, this tour promises an enriching and enjoyable outing. But there’s more to discover about this captivating adventure.

This experience made our list of the 20 Best Whale Watching Experiences In Maui.

Key Points

• The Alii Nui Whale Watch & Catamaran Sail offers a 2-hour whale-watching adventure to observe humpback whales in their natural habitat off the coast of Maui.
• The tour is available seven days a week from mid-December until the whales depart, with a meeting point at Slip #56 in Maalaea Harbor.
• Pricing for the tour starts from KAd3,581 per person, with a flexible booking process and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• The onboard experience includes a spacious, shaded cabin and deck areas, gourmet appetizers, and a selection of alcoholic beverages for guests over 21 with valid ID.
• The educational component of the tour features an onboard marine naturalist who shares facts about humpback whales and the opportunity to listen to their songs through a hydrophone.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Activity Overview

The article provides an overview of the Maui Whale Watch & Catamaran Sail activity.

This 2-hour whale-watching adventure allows guests to observe humpback whales in their natural habitat off the coast of Maui. The experience is available seven days a week from mid-December until the whales depart.

Participants meet at Slip#56 at Maalaea Harbor on the Oceanside Pier to embark on the journey.

The activity caters to visitors seeking an immersive encounter with these magnificent marine creatures, promising an educational and enjoyable outing.

Pricing and Reservations

For the Maui Whale Watch & Catamaran Sail, the cost starts from KAd3,581 per person.

This adventure offers a flexible booking process – guests can reserve now and pay later, without any upfront payment required.

Plus, the tour provider offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, ensuring full refunds for those who need to change their plans.

With these convenient pricing and reservation options, guests can easily secure their spot on this unforgettable whale-watching experience in Maui.

Onboard Experience

Guests aboard the Maui Whale Watch & Catamaran Sail can expect a comfortable and well-appointed onboard experience.

The spacious, shaded cabin and deck areas provide ample room for viewing the majestic humpback whales in their natural habitat. Amenities include access to two oversized, clean bathrooms.

The onboard experience is enhanced with gourmet hot and cold appetizers, as well as a selection of domestic and craft beers, seltzers, premium wines, and top-tier liquors (valid ID required).

The experience is further enriched by the presence of a marine naturalist who shares facts about the whales, and a hydrophone that allows guests to listen to the whales’ songs.

• Spacious, shaded cabin and deck areas for viewing
• Access to two oversized, clean bathrooms
• Gourmet hot and cold appetizers
• Domestic and craft beers, seltzers, premium wines, and top-tier liquors (valid ID required)
• Marine naturalist and hydrophone for enhanced experience

Educational Component

How does the Maui Whale Watch & Catamaran Sail enhance the educational experience for guests?

An onboard marine naturalist provides fascinating facts about humpback whales, their behaviors, and their habitats. Guests can even listen to the whales’ haunting songs through an onboard hydrophone, elevating their understanding of these magnificent creatures.

The naturalist’s expertise, combined with the opportunity to observe the whales in their natural environment, creates an immersive and informative adventure.

Guests leave the tour with a deeper appreciation for humpback whales and a newfound knowledge that enriches their Maui experience.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Parking and Photos

Parking at MaAlaea Harbor costs approximately $1.06 per hour and can be reserved in advance to ensure a spot.

Photos of your whale-watching adventure are available for additional purchase. Guests can capture their memorable moments and share them with friends and family. The onboard photographers are experienced and will work to get the best shots possible.

Some key things to know about photos:

• Photos are available for purchase after the tour
• Prices vary depending on package and number of photos
• Digital downloads and print options are offered
• Photos can be purchased directly from the tour company
• Guests are welcome to take their own photos during the tour as well

Alcohol Consumption

Valid government-issued identification is required for guests over 21 to consume the domestic and craft beers, seltzers, premium wines, and top-tier liquors offered aboard the whale-watching tour. The selection of alcoholic beverages includes:

Beverage	Description
Domestic Beers	A variety of popular domestic beer brands
Craft Beers	A selection of locally-brewed craft beers
Seltzers	Refreshing hard seltzers
Premium Wines	A range of high-quality wines
Top-Tier Liquors	A collection of premium distilled spirits

Responsible alcohol consumption is expected, and the tour operator reserves the right to refuse service to anyone who appears intoxicated or underage.

Whale Watching Details

On the whale-watching tour, guests embark on a captivating journey to observe these magnificent marine creatures in their natural habitat.

The experience lasts for 2 hours and is available seven days a week from mid-December until the whales depart. Guests meet at Slip #56 at Maalaea Harbor on the Oceanside Pier.

The tour includes:

• Spacious, shaded cabin and deck areas for comfortable viewing
• Access to two oversized clean bathrooms
• Gourmet hot and cold appetizers, domestic and craft beers, seltzers, premium wines, and top-tier liquors (valid ID required)
• An onboard marine naturalist to provide facts about humpback whales
• The opportunity to listen to the songs of humpback whales through a hydrophone.

Booking and Cancellation

The cost for the Maui Whale Watch & Catamaran Sail starts from K₭3,581 per person.

No upfront payment is required as you can reserve now and pay later. You can also cancel your booking for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance, ensuring flexibility.

Parking is available at Maalaea Harbor, where you’ll board the tour, and you can reserve it in advance for approximately $1.06 per hour.

Don’t forget to bring a valid government-issued ID if you’re 21 or older, as you’ll have access to a selection of domestic and craft beers, seltzers, premium wines, and top-shelf liquors during the 2-hour whale-watching excursion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the Tours Suitable for Families With Young Children?

The whale-watching tour can be suitable for families with young children. It offers a comfortable, shaded cabin and deck areas, clean bathrooms, and educational activities that could engage both adults and children. However, alcohol service may be a consideration for some families.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Guests are welcome to bring their own food and non-alcoholic drinks on the tour. However, the tour provides gourmet appetizers and beverages, so bringing outside items may not be necessary.

Can I Disembark at Other Locations Along the Coastline?

Guests are generally not permitted to disembark at other locations along the coastline during the whale-watching tour. The tour operates on a set route and schedule to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.

Are There Any Age or Physical Restrictions for the Tour?

There are no age or physical restrictions for the whale-watching tour, though children under 4 can participate for free. The tour is accessible for most guests with ample seating and space onboard the vessel.

Can I Extend My Ticket for a Future Tour Date if Needed?

Guests can’t extend their ticket for a future tour date. However, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, allowing guests to rebook for another available date without penalty.

Recap

The Maui: Alii Nui Whale Watch & Catamaran Sail offers a remarkable 2-hour excursion to observe humpback whales from mid-December to their seasonal departure. Guests can expect an immersive experience with knowledgeable guides, gourmet bites, and beverages. Whether you’re seeking an educational adventure or simply want to marvel at these magnificent creatures, this tour provides an unforgettable opportunity to connect with the beauty of Maui’s marine life.

You can check if your dates are available here: