Recommendation for Maui and Kauai Whale Watching Tours [merged]

[jlee2070]

Can folks please make some recommendations for which companies to use for whale watching in late Feb, Early March on Maui and Kauai???

 

[lynne]

We love the Pacific Whale Foundation trips on Maui. I recommend either the 1st or 2nd excursion in the morning. They also guarantee that you will see whales or you can go again for free so try to book them early in your trip. As you are going in February, you should not have any problems see whales from everywhere around Maui.

 

[kmij]

whales

i would second the recommendation of pacific whale foundation. we went two years ago in maui and took three of our kids and their spouses. it was a fabulous adventure. we were able to get some great pictures and even a short video clip of the whales breaching. i used them to show my first grade class when i returned. (we do a unit on whales in the springtime). it was a very informative and interesting tour. (money well spent). you can look them up and book online before you go. google pacific whale foundation and there will be a lot of information there for you. enjoy the trip!!

 

[Kauai Kid]

I'd recommend the Pacific Whale Foundation trips out of Lahina with their smaller catamarans.

They have an enormous boat out of Mailia(sp) harbor near Kihei that wasn't near as good. Boat is just too big.

Sterling

 

[jlee2070]

Thanks for the input so far... If small is the goal, perhaps this is a better option?

http://www.ultimatewhalewatch.com/

18 persons on a 30 feet rigid hulled inflatable raft.

 

[jlr10]

I may be the only one but I disliked the Pacific Whale Foundation. They did a switch on the location on the day of the trip, due to weather, taking the boat to a location that could be accessed better from the road than the boat. They were asked, when it was being booked, if the storm approaching from the south would have an impact on the trip. Their answer was that the storm was only going to hit Oahu (If you aren't familiar with the island locations look at a map for the absurdity of that response.) They advised they would not be going to Molokini but would cruise up the coast "trying to find a good spot." They did not offer the chance to cancel or reschedule.

The boat was overcrowded, without enough seating for the number of people on board and they were stingy with all food and beverage. (Sorry but a 1/4 of a muffin and 4 oz of POG does not constitute a breakfast, lunch was not any more bountiful and was carefully monitored to make sure no one went through the line for more.) The stopped the boat over 150 feet from the nearest fish, requiring a long swim, in choppy water, just to get to the fish, which were still in very deep water. But the worst part was the constant chatter regarding their foundation and the repeated requesting of money for their foundation. Once would have been fine but it was nonstop.

Maybe our experience was unusual but it reminded me a lot of a timeshare presentation, except it was longer and we couldn't leave when we had had enough.

 

[Palguy]

Thanks for the input so far... If small is the goal, perhaps this is a better option?

http://www.ultimatewhalewatch.com/

18 persons on a 30 feet rigid hulled inflatable raft.

Let me second this suggestion. I have been on many whale watches while visiting Maui and this is by far the best. This boat gets you there fast (it is very stable) for more time on whales. The crew is outstanding and very informed as to the whales. First rate all the way.

Here is a link to Captain Eric's website with some outstanding photos. He is a very personable individual and excellent captain.

 

[lynne]

I may be the only one but I disliked the Pacific Whale Foundation. They did a switch on the location on the day of the trip, due to weather, taking the boat to a location that could be accessed better from the road than the boat. They were asked, when it was being booked, if the storm approaching from the south would have an impact on the trip. Their answer was that the storm was only going to hit Oahu (If you aren't familiar with the island locations look at a map for the absurdity of that response.) They advised they would not be going to Molokini but would cruise up the coast "trying to find a good spot." They did not offer the chance to cancel or reschedule.

The boat was overcrowded, without enough seating for the number of people on board and they were stingy with all food and beverage. (Sorry but a 1/4 of a muffin and 4 oz of POG does not constitute a breakfast, lunch was not any more bountiful and was carefully monitored to make sure no one went through the line for more.) The stopped the boat over 150 feet from the nearest fish, requiring a long swim, in choppy water, just to get to the fish, which were still in very deep water. But the worst part was the constant chatter regarding their foundation and the repeated requesting of money for their foundation. Once would have been fine but it was nonstop.

Maybe our experience was unusual but it reminded me a lot of a timeshare presentation, except it was longer and we couldn't leave when we had had enough.

What you are describing does not sound like the whale watch but maybe a snorkel cruise. The whale watch boats that we have been on are stadium seating and only allow the amount of people for the amount of seats available. There is no food or drink. Since we have never done a snorkel trip on Maui, I cannot comment on the experience.

 

[philsfan]

We liked Captain Steve's which is the same type of raft as you see on the 'ultimate' link.

 

[Born2Travel]

Ultimate Whale Watch

Can folks please make some recommendations for which companies to use for whale watching in late Feb, Early March on Maui and Kauai???

We've tried several and Ultimate was the VERY best so far. Fast, and we had a whale swim directly under the raft - it as fantastic.

 

[meatsss]

We've been going to Maui for years and have used Maui Adventure Cruises http://www.mauiadventurecruises.com/ Have always good trips.

 

[mindy35]

We've had 3 wonderful experiences with Trilogy:

http://www.sailtrilogy.com/

There was one time they needed to change the itinerary due to whether at Molokini. They cannot be responsible for conditions and did every thing in their power to make up for it and made it a fun day anyway.

 

[jlee2070]

Any Recommendations for Kauai???

I'm staying at Waiohai near Poipu... So was thinking going with Capt Andy's as I think they port close to Poipu... Any others that are "more" recommended?

 

[Syed]

I live in Maui and, quite often, my wife and I take the Pacific Whale Foundation whale tour during the winter months. I would highly recommend taking the first tour, out of Maalaea Harbor. It is about a 30 minute drive from Kaanapali and about 20 minutes from Kihei. Sometimes the winds pick up in the late morning and early afternoon, which could make it could be a 'bumpy' ride, which is why we take the first tour at 8AM. We think it is a terrific way to spend the morning. The staff will provide informaion about the whales, which can be educational. Yes, the boat can be crowded if you are here in February or March. It is a very busy time in Hawaii. Make reservations early. Watching whales is awesome. Enjoy Maui!

 

[WalnutBaron]

Best Whale-Watching Tours in Kauai?

Can anyone offer advice on the best whale-watching expedition from Kauai? It seems there are two different types of boats available from a whole list of different companies: there are the Zodiac type boats and the large catamarans.

What is the best way to go and which tour company would you recommend and why?

Thanks in advance for your help.