myst

We will be on Maui 4 nights before off to Kauai.

We would really like to be on the water at least one day to whale watch.

Debating whether to book snorkeling trip and hope to see the whales or just book a whale watching trip?

Do the trips to Lanai or Molokini for snorkeling usually offer good whalewatching?

We are thinking of booking Kai Kanani for whale watch trip. Or booking Paragon or Kai Kanai for snorkeling trip with the hope of catching some whales?

Wanted to snorkel one day as well. But if better not to combine, what is the best place to drive and snorkel on Maui?

Traveler28

A few years ago I took a catarmaran trip from Maui to Lanai through Trilogy. Amazing whale sightings! I have never had such luck with a regular whale watch trip. We also saw spinner dolphins following the catamaran as we neared Lanai. While there is no guarantee of what you'll see, I would recommend that trip.

MaureenB

What time of year? Are the whales always there, or do they migrate by the islands? I love whale watching, too, so good luck.
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ms_go

It all varies from day to day. I've seen whales while snorkeling (from the boat on the way to snorkeling spots), but our best encounter was with Kai Kanani a couple of years ago. It was at the very end of March (end of season) and they told us we might not see any. We were almost ready to come in when we ended up in the middle of a competition pod. A female apparently came from somewhere and positioned herself right below the boat for protection, and then the guys--six of them--started circling, very close to the boat. It went on for about an hour and was unbelievable!

http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/549082273Dvitee

volcanogirl

Maureen, it's seasonal; we went in April, and they said it was the extreme end of the season. The Pacific Whale Foundation is a good group. The thing we thought was funny is that they guarantee that you will see whales or they will give you a coupon for another whale watching trip - I imagine very few of those ever get redeemed.

beth_fitz

It is seasonal and most of the time most the whales are gone by the end of April. When we were in Maui several years ago we sat on the Kama'ole beach and watched the whales.

We normally go to Kauai the beginning of April and always see whales when we go out for the sunset cruise.

trippinkpj

We were on Maui the first week of Feb once. We saw a lot both from land, and our ferry trip to and from Lanai. I would like to go on a a Pacific Whale Foundation trip sometime.

myst

I should have mentioned leaving in two weeks so hopefully its peak whale time!

mauigirl50

It's definitely peak whale time! Check out either www.pacificwhale.org or if you're a little more adventurous, try www.captainsteves.com.

Enjoy!!
Dianne