Before you go · December – April
What to wear and bring on a Maui whale watch
Less than you think. A whale watch on Maui is a couple of hours on an open boat in the sun and wind. Dress for that, protect your phone, and leave the rest behind.
Check Dates & BookThe short list
- Sunglasses
- Water Bottle
- Camera or Smartphone
- Reef-Safe Sunscreen
- Light Jacket or Long-Sleeve Layer
- A Hat That Stays On
- Waterproof Phone Case
- Snacks
- Motion Sickness Medicine, If You Use It
That is all of it. Our trip is 2 hours on the water, so you do not need a day bag.
What to wear
Comfortable clothing, sunglasses, reef-safe sunscreen, and a light jacket — conditions can be breezy on the water.
The jacket matters more than people expect. Our first trip leaves at 7:00 AM, and on a moving boat the breeze is stronger than it is on the beach. A thin long-sleeve layer you can take off is better than a thick one.
Wear swimwear or shorts underneath if you like. On an open boat you may catch some spray. Hats blow off: wear one that fits snugly or has a strap.
Polarised sunglasses are worth having. They cut the glare off the water, which makes it easier to see a whale just under the surface.
Sun protection
The boat has full coverage overhead shade, but the sun also bounces off the water. Put sunscreen on before you arrive, so it has time to settle in.
On Maui, it has to be mineral sunscreen. Since October 2022, Maui County law has allowed only mineral sunscreens — those whose active ingredients are non-nano zinc oxide or titanium dioxide — unless you have a prescription for something else. Check the label before you pack. Mineral sunscreen is easy to buy on the island if yours does not qualify.
Bring water. Two hours in sun and wind dries you out faster than you notice.
What is provided aboard
Safety equipment and life jackets
Onboard hydrophone to hear whale song
Educational whale and marine life commentary
Full coverage overhead shade
Dry bag storage for phones, cameras and small items
What to leave behind
Large bags
There is not much room on a small open boat. Bring only what fits on your lap or in the dry bag.
Anything that cannot get wet
If you would hate to see it splashed, leave it in the car or hotel.
Alcohol
We do not provide water or snacks, so please bring your own. Water, snacks and non-alcoholic drinks are all welcome. Alcohol is not allowed.
A full bladder
There is no restroom on the boat, so use the facilities before you board — the trip is two hours on the water plus the shuttle out and back. It is worth mentioning to children before you leave for the beach rather than after.
Cameras and phones
Whales often come close to the boat. Waterproof phone cases are recommended.
A phone is enough for most people. Use a case with a lanyard, or at least a firm grip. Burst mode helps, because a breach or a tail slap is over in a second or two.
If you are bringing a proper camera, our whale photography guide covers lenses, settings and how to shoot from a moving boat.
Binoculars are optional on the boat. They are far more useful if you are also planning to watch from shore.
If you are bringing children
Ages 2 and up. Pack a warm layer, a snack and water, and use the restroom on the way to the beach.
If your child gets carsick, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about motion sickness medicine before the day, not on the boat. Our seasickness guide explains why timing matters.
More in whale watching with kids, and the rest of the practical detail — parking, check-in, departure times — is in the FAQ.
Packed and ready
2 hours from Kaʻanapali Beach, behind Whalers Village, up to 20 guests. From $79 per guest.
Check Dates & Book