Whale Watch & Snorkel Makena

Humpback whale sightings are most reliable from mid-December through mid-April, which is peak season in Hawaiian waters. January, February, and March tend to be the most active months — the whales are here to breed and calve, and on a good day you can see multiple adults breaching within the same hour. Outside of whale season, the snorkel at Makena is still excellent, but the whale watch component is the reason most people choose this tour in winter.

You don’t need to be a strong swimmer — this tour is designed for all skill levels, including beginners. The guides provide hands-on instruction before you enter the water, and snorkeling in calm conditions at Makena is genuinely accessible even for nervous first-timers. That said, you should be comfortable floating on the surface and putting your face in the water; guests who can’t swim at all may want to stay on the boat during the snorkel portion.

Yes — the minimum age is 5, and this is one of the more family-friendly ocean tours on Maui’s south shore. The smaller group size means guides can give keiki extra attention in the water, and Makena’s protected conditions are generally calmer than more exposed snorkel sites. Just make sure younger kids are comfortable in a mask and fins before you go; practicing in a pool beforehand makes a real difference for children who’ve never snorkeled.

The tour departs from the Kihei area on Maui’s south shore, operated by Maui Kayaks. Exact departure point details and directions are confirmed at the time of booking — the operator sends this information with your confirmation. Plan to arrive 10–15 minutes early to get fitted for gear and get your pre-water briefing without feeling rushed.

The main difference is group size and the addition of snorkeling. Large commercial whale watch boats out of Maalaea can carry 100 or more passengers and don’t include in-water time — you watch from the deck, then go home. This Maui Kayaks tour runs smaller groups, combines the whale watch with a real snorkel session at Makena reef, and gives you a guide who’s actually focused on your group rather than managing a crowd. It’s a more personal experience on the water.

Wear your swimsuit under your clothes, bring a towel and a light cover-up for the boat ride back, and pack reef-safe mineral sunscreen — the crew will ask about your sunscreen and non-reef-safe products aren’t permitted in the water. Bring water and a small snack if you like, avoid a heavy meal right before departure, and if you’re sensitive to motion sickness, take your medication before you leave the dock. Underwater cameras and GoPros are great to bring if you have them.