Private Maui Whale-Watching Air Tour — 60-Minute Aerial Humpback Safari
Take to the sky above South Maui for a private, 60-minute aerial whale watch. With panoramic, non-tinted windows and live commentary, this small-cabin flight offers dramatic views of humpbacks, Molokini and the Valley Island from a perspective boats can’t match.
The Experience
Before You Go
Book during peak season
Whale season (Dec 15–Apr 15) offers the highest chance of sightings—reserve early, especially for weekend slots.
Bring motion-sickness meds
Flights are smooth but small cabins can amplify motion—take preventative meds if you’re prone to seasickness.
Accurate passenger weight
Operators require weight at booking to ensure safe weight-and-balance calculations—enter pounds and double-check.
Layer for altitude
Even short flights get cool at altitude; a light windbreaker makes the cabin comfortable for photography.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Bird’s-eye view of Molokini’s crescent rim where aquamarine backdrops highlight whale blow
- •The central Maui valley seen en route, offering photographic context of the island’s volcanic saddle
Wildlife
- •Humpback whale
- •Spinner dolphin
Conservation Note
NOAA protections and local regulations limit approaches and promote reporting; responsible operators minimize disturbance by maintaining approved altitudes and routes.
Humpback migration to Hawaii is an ancient annual event; native Hawaiian chants and stories long reference the whales that visit these islands each winter.
Photographer's Notes
- • Starboard seats for South Maui coastline and Molokini views
- • Above whale aggregation zones off Kihei/Makena
- • Along the flight path over Kamaole Beach parks for coastline context
What to Bring
Polarized sunglassesEssential
Reduces surface glare so you can pick out blows and flukes more easily.
Compact camera with zoomEssential
Fast shutter and telephoto range help freeze breaches and capture distant behavior from altitude.
Light windbreaker
Keeps you comfortable during cooler morning flights and brief exposure on the ramp.
Motion-sickness medication
Useful if you are sensitive to small-aircraft movement; take before boarding.
Common Questions
How long is the flight?
The tour lasts approximately 60 minutes from takeoff to landing.
Are whale sightings guaranteed?
No—sightings are common in season (Dec 15–Apr 15) but cannot be guaranteed; operators will refund if flights are canceled for weather.
How many people per flight?
The private cabin seats up to five people per booking.
Do I need to provide passenger weights?
Yes—accurate passenger weight in pounds is required at booking for safety and weight-and-balance.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Full mobility is required to board this small aircraft; it is not suitable for most wheelchairs.
What happens if weather cancels the flight?
Operators typically cancel for unsafe weather and offer a full refund if canceled at least 24 hours before departure.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
60 minutes
Location
Kahului, Hawaii
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels, but full mobility is required to board the aircraft and move within the cabin.
Ready to Explore Kahului?
Book your guided walking tour and discover the hidden stories of this historic mountain city.
Check Availability & Book Now