WAILEA-MAKENA GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Paddling with Giants: A Two‑Hour Outrigger Whale Watch from Wailea
A two-hour private outrigger canoe tour launching from Wailea Beach beside the Grand Wailea that brings small groups close to humpback whales during the season; this guide explains what to expect and what to pack.
Paddling with Giants: A Two‑Hour Outrigger Whale Watch from Wailea.
Offshore from the manicured resorts of Wailea-Makena, the ocean opens into a theater of whales and wind. The Grand Wailea Whale Watch Outrigger Tour is a two-hour, small-group canoe outing that slips away from beaches into the whales’ wintering grounds, offering intimate viewing from a traditional Hawaiian canoe under the guidance of experienced paddlers.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Close Encounters with Humpback Whales
The tour is designed to paddle as close as possible to humpback whales in their natural habitat, delivering one of the most enthralling and intimate whale-watching experiences available in Maui.
OC6 Canoes Piloted by Championship Paddlers
Guests ride in OC6 outrigger canoes—each able to accommodate up to six people—guided by personable, knowledgeable staff who are also State Champion paddlers.
A Private, Family‑Friendly Ocean Excursion
Framed as a private/semi‑private adventure, this two-hour paddle is presented as a multigenerational outing—marketed as fun for the whole family, from children to grandparents—and operates away from crowded viewing platforms.
What the day feels like
What the Outing Feels Like
You launch from a beach beside the Grand Wailea, slip into a six-person OC6 canoe and paddle out with a small crew. Over roughly two hours you trade the clamor of shore for the slow rhythm of the ocean, moving deliberately to where humpback whales congregate so the canoe can approach for close, calm viewing guided by experienced paddlers.
THE WILDLIFE
Close Encounters with Humpback Whales
The tour is designed to paddle as close as possible to humpback whales in their natural habitat, delivering one of the most enthralling and intimate whale-watching experiences available in Maui.
THE BOAT & CREW
OC6 Canoes Piloted by Championship Paddlers
Guests ride in OC6 outrigger canoes—each able to accommodate up to six people—guided by personable, knowledgeable staff who are also State Champion paddlers.
THE EXPERIENCE
A Private, Family‑Friendly Ocean Excursion
Framed as a private/semi‑private adventure, this two-hour paddle is presented as a multigenerational outing—marketed as fun for the whole family, from children to grandparents—and operates away from crowded viewing platforms.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this tour is best for and who should consider alternatives.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The outing is a two-hour tour that is positioned for whale viewing; whale season runs from December 20 through March 31.
Bring reef-safe sunscreen, towels, a hat, and sunglasses.
Meet at the beach launch site at Wailea Beach next to the Grand Wailea.
Trips utilize OC6 outrigger canoes; each canoe can accommodate up to six people.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the tour?
The tour lasts two hours.
Where do we meet?
You meet at the beach launch site at Wailea Beach next to the Grand Wailea.
When is whale season?
Whale season runs December 20 through March 31.
How many people fit in a canoe?
Each OC6 canoe can accommodate up to six people.
What should I bring?
Bring reef-safe sunscreen, towels, a hat, and sunglasses.