Will whales still be in Maui in March

Question

I’m considering doing a last minute trip to Maui in mid March primarily to see whales. I’m come from Mass-so long and pricy trip. Will they still be around? Thanks for your help.

Answer

Yes! Mid-March is still a great time to see humpback whales in Maui. The humpback whale season in Hawaii typically runs from early December through mid-April, with the peak months being January and February. By mid-March, the whales are still actively present in the waters around Maui, though there may be slightly fewer sightings compared to the peak months. Many whales are still nursing calves, breaching, and socializing during this time.

If seeing whales is a priority, here are some tips for maximizing your experience:

Whale Watching Tours: Most boat tours in Maui operate throughout March, and they offer opportunities to see whales up close. Tours out of Lahaina, Ma’alaea, and Kihei are the most common.
Shore Viewing: Even from shore, you can often spot whales off the west coast of Maui. Popular viewing points include Ka’anapali, Napili, and the beaches near Lahaina Harbor.
Early Morning or Late Afternoon: These times can be ideal for spotting whales, as the water is often calmer and whales may be more active near the surface.

Other considerations:

March weather can be a mix of sunny and occasional showers, so bring layers and rain protection for whale watching.
Even though it’s late in the season, you’ll still have a good chance of seeing breaches, tail slaps, and mothers with calves.
Booking tours in advance is recommended, especially for last-minute trips, as boats can fill up quickly during whale season.

Overall, mid-March is still a very good time to plan a whale-watching trip to Maui, and you should have a memorable experience with these magnificent animals.