Family-Run Whale Watching Out of Lahaina, Maui

Go Whale Watching Maui is a family-owned operation. We run one vessel, Hoku, out of Lahaina. We keep our groups small on purpose. And every winter, we take guests out into the Au’au Channel to be close to some of the most extraordinary animals on the planet.

That’s the whole story, really. But here’s a little more of it.

About Us

Go Whale Watching Maui started the same way most things worth doing start — with people who couldn’t stop thinking about something. For this family, that something is the ocean. Specifically, the stretch of water between Maui and Lana’i known as the Au’au Channel, and the humpback whales that fill it every winter.

We are not a large operator. We are a family-owned business based in Lahaina, and we run one boat, Hoku – with one clear purpose: to bring guests into genuine, unhurried contact with some of the most extraordinary animals on Earth.

Discover Hoku – Your Ultimate Whale-Watching Adventure

Hoku, our 37-foot RHIB (Rigid-Hulled Inflatable Boat) is designed to give you the ultimate whale-watching experience. Powered by twin 300 HP low-emission engines, Hoku offers a smooth and eco-friendly ride across the Hawaiian waters.

With space for up to 20 passengers, Hoku is perfect for group outings, ensuring everyone can enjoy the adventure together. The outward-facing seats come with comfortable backrests, so you can relax and focus on the incredible views around you. A large canopy provides excellent shade, protecting you from the sun while you soak in the scenery.

But the best part? Hoku’s 360-degree view ensures you won’t miss a single moment of the breathtaking marine life around you. From spotting majestic whales to taking in the beautiful ocean vistas, Hoku is the perfect vessel for your unforgettable journey on the water.

Our Commitment to Sustainability at Dive Maui

At Whale Watching Maui, we constantly strive to “be better” and operate our business as sustainably as possible.

We minimize plastic use, offering water refill stations and paper cups instead of single-use plastic bottles. Our boats are equipped with fuel-efficient engines to cut down on greenhouse emissions. We require guests to use reef-safe sunscreen so that toxic chemicals don’t harm marine life.

We also prioritize the well-being of the whales by ensuring our tours do not overcrowd them and strictly adhere to all regulations and guidelines designed to keep them safe.

If you have any ideas on how we can operate better, please let us know. We are open to learning and improving.

Our Mission

Our mission is to foster a deep love and respect for the ocean through intimate, eco-friendly whale watching tours. We are dedicated to sustainable tourism and protecting the marine environment we cherish.

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Small dedicated team

Our passionate, knowledgeable team ensures personalized and high-quality experiences for each guest.

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Owner operated

As a family-owned business, our hands-on approach in every aspect of operations guarantees the best possible product and service. The ocean, its inhabitants, and their protection are a passion and calling for our family. Sharing the ocean with our daughter is one of the highlights of our lives and we are driven to preserve it for her.

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Your booking supports marine conservation

For every customer that joins a trip, we donate $1 to the Captain Paul Watson Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting and defending ocean wildlife.

About the Captain Paul Watson Foundation

The Captain Paul Watson Foundation, founded by renowned marine conservationist Paul Watson (founder of Green Peace and Sea Shepherd), focuses on direct-action, grassroots campaigns to safeguard critically threatened marine wildlife. By supporting this foundation, Dive Maui contributes to effective global action that protects our oceans for future generations.

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