Don’t Miss The Boat: 4 Maui Must-Dos Before Whale Season
It’s called shoulder season—roughly from September through mid-December—and if you’re lucky enough to be visiting during this time, you’re in for a treat. The weather’s still amazing, crowds are lighter, ocean conditions are perfect, and some of Maui’s most thrilling tours are still running full speed ahead—but only for a little while longer.
Because once the humpback whales return? Many of these tours hit pause to give our most majestic visitors the space they deserve. So, before we swap speed boats for binoculars, here are a few unforgettable adventures to book while you still can.
🐬 1. Snorkel & Dolphin Watch on a Lanai Adventure
Imagine gliding over electric-blue water, with dolphins spinning in the wake beside your boat. That’s the vibe on a Lanai snorkel and dolphin tour, where you’ll explore remote reefs and maybe even spot some of Maui Nui’s wild spinner dolphins.
These trips often pause during whale season—so if exploring the more untouched coasts of Maui’s neighbor isle is on your bucket list, now’s the time.
Book It!
👉 Hawaii Ocean Rafting Lanai Snorkel & Dolphin Watch Tour
👉 Pacific Whale Foundation Lanai Wild Dolphin Tour
Why it pauses: Because boats that operate at higher speeds or cross open channels are limited during whale season for safety—and many of these tours shift focus to whale watching instead.
Pro Tip: Rent a GoPro from Auntie Snorkel before you go. There are going to be so many spectacular sights you’ll want to document, and you won’t have to worry about losing your phone to the ocean trying to get those pics!
🪂 2. Parasail Above Maui’s Coastline
There’s nothing like floating 1,200 feet above the island with the breeze in your face and Ka’anapali glittering below. Parasailing is a seasonal thrill that literally lifts you off your feet.
But come December? It’s a no-go. Parasailing pauses completely for whale season to avoid potential high-speed collisions.
Book it!
👉 UFO Parasail – Ka’anapali
Why it pauses: Fast boats + big whales = bad news. Local regulations hit the brakes on parasailing to protect the whales in their nursing sanctuary.
Pro Tip: Bring snorkel gear for a before or after dip at one of Maui’s best snorkeling spots: Black Rock in Ka’anapali. Your parasailing trip is a perfect quick thrill, and you’ll definitely have time to go turtle spotting just down the beach from your parasail departure.
🚤 3. Super Express Molokini Snorkel Tours
Yes, you can snorkel Molokini Crater year-round – but some of the best tours (the fast, beat-the-crowds kind) only run outside of whale season.
Once whales arrive, speed limits on the water tighten, and Molokini tours shift to accommodate the new flow of marine life. Plus, you’ll want to slow the boat to do a little bonus whale watching!
Book It!
👉 Blue Water Rafting 2 Hour Molokini Express
Why it pauses: Did we mention this boat moves quickly? As we know now, whales and speed simply do not mix. But don’t worry, you can still take a slightly less express trip to Molokini during whale season – it just moves a little slower and leaves time for whale watching!
Pro Tip: If you’ve always wanted to try Molokini without the crowds, or maybe even get a chance to explore around the backside, this is your tour! It’s timed to arrive right when the morning rush hour at Molokini ends, and the small craft offers flexibility in snorkeling spots around Molokini, depending on the conditions of the day. So roll the dice and hop on the express!
⛰️ 4. Take a Land Adventure, Too
Now, this is a real hot tip. Sometimes fall means waves on all shores at once, making beach hopping a little tricky for snorkelers. That’s your cue to explore Maui by land, and trust us: there’s a lot to see.
From zipline adventures over the jungles of Haleakalā, to sky-high aerial tours in a helicopter, to lush rainforest tours to Hana, fall is a phenomenal time to hit the road (and the air). You’ll get cooler temps, lighter traffic, and plenty of tour availability before the holiday rush.
Our top picks:
👉 Luaus
👉 Road to Hana Tours
👉 Zipline Adventures
👉 Helicopter Tours
These are available year-round, but they pair perfectly with a light itinerary during shoulder season when you’re looking for a break between beach days.
🐋 Why Do So Many Tours and Activities Pause for Whale Season?
Each winter, thousands of these gentle giants migrate from Alaska to the warm, shallow waters of Maui to mate, give birth, and raise their calves. Think of Hawai’i, and especially the channels between Maui, Lana’i, and Kaho’olawe, as the humpback whales’ nursery. These waters are critical to their survival and the vitality of the species. Because of that, federal and state protections go into full swing from roughly December through April.
Here’s how that affects tours and activities:
- 🚫 Speed limits & distance rules are enforced for all vessels to prevent disturbing or injuring whales.
- 🛑 Motorized activities like parasailing and high-speed snorkeling tours pause to avoid interfering with whale movements or mother-calf bonding.
- 🛥️ Many boats and crews dedicate their season to whale watching instead—so if you’re looking to parasail, speed out to Molokini, or explore the Lanaʻi coast, now’s your best window!
Bottom line: Maui gives the whales the space and aloha they need—and we’re proud of our efforts!
🎟️ Ready to Ride the Shoulder Season Wave?
🧭 Need help choosing the right tour or rental?
Stop by our shops in Kihei or Lahaina to chat with a Fun Specialist, get personalized recommendations, and rent everything from snorkel sets to paddle boards.
💻 Or browse all of our Maui tours available to book online here: Auntie Snorkel Activities
Whale season is amazing—we can’t wait! But before Maui’s oceans start to echo with whale songs, this is your time to fly, float, and explore. 🌊💙
