Pacific Whale Foundation
The Pacific Whale Foundation has been a major player in the boating industry of Maui since 1980. They are perhaps best known for their whale watches and for their commitment to the environment, and more specifically to the whales that migrate here seasonally. The Pacific Whale Foundation is consistently involved in local education, research and clean-up projects. On most of their trips you will find a host of Marine Naturalists and Research Interns that are on board working on their projects and when they’re not busy they are available to answer questions from guests. The Pacific Whale Foundation has trips departing from Lahaina as well as Maalaea Harbors. Each of their locations is complete with a retail store that sells a variety of different Pacific Whale Foundation merchandise as well as a variety of different books and other informational resources. The humpback whales migrate to Hawaii annually and at one point in time they were on the brink of extinction. At their low it was estimated that there were as few as sixteen-hundred whales left on the entire planet. Fortunately, due to a great deal of international cooperation to put a ban on whaling and make commercial whaling illegal and different conservation efforts by such groups as the Pacific Whale Foundation the populations of the humpback whales are rising significantly. In recent years it has been estimated that the Northern Pacific is home to over thirty-thousand humpback whales. Researchers estimate that about a third of all humpbacks in the North Pacific migrate to Maui County annually. The humpback whales come here to give birth and mate in the protected waters of the ocean channels that sit between Maui and the surrounding islands of Kahoolawe, Lanai and Molokai. The mating rituals of the humpbacks involve a complicated system where the males prove their dominance over each other. This is often observed in acrobatic display that involve the male whales breaching out of the water and in some cases even landing on each other to prove dominance and earn their mate. Thanks to the work of groups like Pacific Whale Foundation countless visitors to Maui are able to witness these majestic creatures firsthand.…
| Description: Ever wonder what it's like to be a whale researcher? During Pacific Whale Foundation's Ultimate Whalewatch, you'll spend time with researchers on a personally guided, small group tour (maximum of 40 participants) of the research center. Your research adventure begins over a complimentary Continental Breakfast (Muffins, Fresh Fruit, Coffee and Tea) at Porto Restaurant from 7:45 to 8:10am. Your group will receive an intimate presentation about whale behaviors the meaning and an introduction to whale watching. Your small group and your researchers will then join Pacific Whale for a 2 hour whale watch tour. After your ulitimate whale watch, your group will then return to the research lab to recap what you actually saw. This is a special opportunity to interact with PWF researchers and marine biologists and learn about their ongoing research in Hawaii and other locations.*
Departure Point: Please meet at 7:40am for this tour at the Pacific Whale Foundation Store, 300 Maalaea Road, located at the Ocean Center Shopping Complex adjacent to the Maui Ocean Center Aquarium and next to Maalaea Harbor.
Operates: Monday 8:00am to 12:00noon from January 9-April 16, 2012
Duration: 4 hours
(..more info) | Your Price | | Adult Only | $79.95 | $71.96 | | |
| Description: Join Pacific Whale Foundation for a full moon cruise from Lahaina Harbor. Cruise beneath a Maui moon, hear fascinating stories about the moon and space by astronomer Harriet Witt and enjoy tantalizing hot and cold appetizers ...all the ingredients for a truly magical and memorable evening!
Departure Point: Check in 45 minutes prior at PWF Store, 612 Front Street, departs from Lahaina Harbor.
Operates: Departure times and dates shift according to sunset times and moon phase; please verify when you make your reservation. (Jan 10, Feb 9, March 11 at 7:30pm. April 9 and May 9th at 8:00pm
Duration: from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm
(..more info) | Your Price | | Adult | $59.95 | $56.96 | | Child 3-12 | $39.95 | $35.96 | | Infant 2 and Under | $0.00 | $0.00 | | |
| Description: Offers two-hour whale watch cruises on four distinct vessels. Informative narration provided by the research staff of PWF Marine Research Naturalists. Underwater hydrophones let you hear the song of the humpback whale. Guaranteed whale sightings or receive a coupon good for another trip. Special One Free Child under 6 per paying adult.*
Departure Point: Please check in 45 minutes prior at Lahaina Harbor Slip 1 for Ocean Explorer or at the PWF Store at 612 Front Street in Lahaina for Ocean Discovery.
Operates: Daily: 8:30am to 3:00pm
Duration: 2 Hours
(..more info) | Your Price | | Adult | $31.95 | $28.76 | | Infant 0-6 One Free Per Pay Adult | $0.00 | $0.00 | | Child 7-12 | $17.00 | $17.00 | | Under 6 Additional Child | $17.00 | $17.00 | | |
| Description: Offers two-hour whale watch cruises on three distinct vessels. Informative narration provided by the research staff of PWF Marine Research Naturalists. Underwater hydrophones let you hear the song of the humpback whale. Guaranteed whale sightings or receive a coupon good for another trip. Special One Free Child under 6 per paying adult.*
Departure Point: Please meet 45 minutes prior tour at the Pacific Whale Foundation Store, 300 Maalaea Road, located at the Ocean Center Shopping Complex adjacent to the Maui Ocean Center Aquarium and next to Harbor.
Operates: Daily: from 8:00am to 3:00pm - Tentative Schedule is:
Duration: 2 Hours
(..more info) | Your Price | | Adult | $31.95 | $28.76 | | Infant 0-6 One Free Per Pay Adult | $0.00 | $0.00 | | Child 7-12 | $17.00 | $17.00 | | Under 6 Additional Child | $17.00 | $17.00 | | |
| Description: Enjoy Maui"s top-rated Pacific Whale Foundation Whale Watches at special rates provided just a few times each day. The cruise is identical to the regular whale watch cruises in every way except for the price! You will enjoy the same luxury catamarans, the same knowledgeable certified Marine Naturalists, and the same fantastic Humpback whales! All PWF smooth riding state-of-the-art eco friendly catamarans are designed for optimal whale watching views with on board underwater hydrophones so you can listen to live whale song and soak in the breathtaking dramatic coastline of Maui.
Departure Point: Please check in 45 minutes prior at Lahaina Harbor Slip 1.
Operates: Daily (December-May)
Duration: 2 Hours
(..more info) | Your Price | | Adult | $24.95 | $22.46 | | Infant 0-6 One Free Per Paying Adult | $0.00 | $0.00 | | Child 7-12 | $17.00 | $17.00 | | Under 6 Additional Child | $17.00 | $17.00 | | |
Whale Watching Tours on Maui by Pacific Whale Foundation
Ultimate Whale Watch 
