A whale watch is one of the best things to do on Maui with kids. The trick is choosing a smooth boat, a short trip and the right time of day. Here is what we recommend for families.
Choose a smooth, stable boat
Large catamarans are the easiest choice for young kids: they are stable, have shade and restrooms, and give little ones room to move around. Rafts are exciting but bumpy, and many have minimum ages around 8. Our boat guide compares them side by side.
Go in the morning
Morning water is usually calmer, which means fewer upset tummies and happier kids. Two-hour trips are the sweet spot for short attention spans.
What to pack
- Reef-safe sunscreen and hats
- A light jacket, as it gets windy on the water
- Snacks and water
- Motion sickness bands or remedies, if your kids need them
- Binoculars for the kids to take turns with
Make it fun
- Turn it into a game: who spots the first spout?
- Learn the moves before you go: breach, tail slap, spy hop. See the behaviors on our home page.
- Pick a boat with a hydrophone, so kids can hear the whales sing.
Family-friendly tours
Large catamaran whale watches from Māʻalaea are the classic family choice, and many operators let toddlers ride free or at a reduced price. Check each tour’s age rules when you book. You can compare all tours by harbor and boat type.
