LAHAINA GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Shoulder-to-Shoulder with Humpbacks: A Two‑Hour Outrigger Odyssey from Andaz Maui
A two-hour private outrigger canoe outing from Mokapu Beach beside the Andaz Maui that aims to bring small groups close to humpback whales—this guide explains what to expect and how the tour runs.
Shoulder-to-Shoulder with Humpbacks: A Two‑Hour Outrigger Odyssey from Andaz Maui.
Out beyond the reef off Lahaina, a six‑person OC6 canoe threads the blue, skimming the same swell lines as migrating humpbacks. The Andaz Whale Watch Outrigger Tour is a two‑hour, private outrigger experience run by Maui Pacific Tours that pairs up‑close whale watching with the cultural weight of the Hawaiian canoe—designed for small groups and families who want an intimate, departure‑from‑the‑crowds perspective on Maui’s marine giants.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Close, Small‑Group Whale Viewing
The tour is built around intimate, close whale watching from an outrigger canoe, delivering one of the most enthralling viewing experiences available on Maui.
Six OC6 Canoes, Up to Six People Each
The operator uses six OC6 canoes that accommodate up to six people each, keeping groups small so families can share an ocean experience away from the crowds.
State‑Champion Paddlers and Cultural Stewards
Guides are described as fun, personable and knowledgeable—many are State Champion paddlers—and they pair whale watching with an introduction to the canoe as an important symbol of Hawaiian culture.
What the day feels like
What the Two‑Hour Outrigger Experience Feels Like
After a beach launch at Mokapu Beach next to the Andaz Maui, participants paddle out in a six‑person outrigger for roughly two hours, trading shorelines for the rhythm of the canoe as guides lead small groups toward the whales. The focus is on close, respectful approaches to humpbacks during Maui’s whale season and on sharing the cultural context of the canoe while keeping the outing accessible for families.
THE ENCOUNTER
Close, Small‑Group Whale Viewing
The tour is built around intimate, close whale watching from an outrigger canoe, delivering one of the most enthralling viewing experiences available on Maui.
THE CRAFT
Six OC6 Canoes, Up to Six People Each
The operator uses six OC6 canoes that accommodate up to six people each, keeping groups small so families can share an ocean experience away from the crowds.
THE GUIDES
State‑Champion Paddlers and Cultural Stewards
Guides are described as fun, personable and knowledgeable—many are State Champion paddlers—and they pair whale watching with an introduction to the canoe as an important symbol of Hawaiian culture.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this tour suits—and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Whale season on Maui runs from December 20 through March 31; the tour is a two‑hour outing available daily.
Meet at the beach launch site at Mokapu Beach next to the Andaz Maui.
The outing lasts two hours.
The operator uses six OC6 canoes; each canoe accommodates up to six people, keeping groups small and semi‑private.
The tour is operated by Maui Pacific Tours.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the tour?
The Andaz Whale Watch Outrigger Tour is two hours in duration.
Where do we meet for departure?
The meeting and beach launch site is at Mokapu Beach next to the Andaz Maui.
When is whale season for this tour?
Whale season for this outing runs from December 20 through March 31.
How many people fit in each canoe?
Each OC6 canoe accommodates up to six people; the operator has six OC6 canoes.
Is the tour suitable for children and older adults?
The tour is presented as fun for the whole family—stated to be suitable from kids to grandparents.
Who runs and guides the tour?
Maui Pacific Tours operates the outing; guides are described as fun, personable, knowledgeable and include State Champion paddlers.