Is gratuity included?

No. Plan on an extra gratuity cost; the amount isn’t listed, so clarify it with Greetwell before booking.

Do you guarantee whale sightings?

The operator states they guarantee you’ll see whales or your next trip is free.

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Text or call 1-877-GREET-WELL

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Humpback Whale Watch Adventure in Kihei

Name: Humpback Whale Watch Adventure in Kihei
Brand: Kai Kanani
Price: 169.97 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.9 (2796 reviews)

Sail with naturalists to see Pacific humpbacks in their winter home, December to April

4.9 stars• 2.8K reviews

Duration

2 hours

Includes

Attentive crew, Naturalist guides

Highlights

Join our attentive crew and naturalists to watch Pacific humpback whales in their winter home. Experience their songs and behaviors as they play, bask, and nurture calves.

Sail with an attentive crew and onboard naturalists
Watch Pacific humpbacks during the winter season
Learn about whale behavior and songs from experts
Spot whales as they play, bask, and care for calves
Check in at 1:00 PM for a prompt 1:15 PM departure
Return to the Kai Kanani Store after the tour

What's Included

Guidance from naturalists and crew
Transportation to Maluaka for beach loading

Things to know

This experience is available December through April. Beach loading may get guests wet. Tours operate based on weather and ocean conditions at the captain’s discretion. Guests should bring a valid ID, a bag for personal items, and spending money for merchandise such as hats, T-shirts, and gratuities. This is a self-drive experience, and complimentary parking is available at the meeting point.

Cancellation Policy

Full refund for cancellations made at least 48 hours before for 1–4 guests, 7 days for 5–9, and 14 days for 10+. Full refund if the operator cancels due to weather or unforeseen circumstances. No-shows are charged in full.

Product ID: NTK9Y6

FAQs

Yes. You load on the beach, so wear clothes you don’t mind getting wet.

Bring a valid ID, a bag for personal items, and spending money for hats, T-shirts, and gratuities.

Yes. Tours and locations depend on weather and ocean conditions and run at the captain’s discretion.

Review summary

4.9

Excellent

2.8K reviewsGoogle Maps

Kai Kanani's sunrise snorkel tours to Molokini Crater consistently deliver memorable experiences, with the crew earning special praise for their friendliness and professionalism. The early departure times mean you'll often be first at the crater, enjoying crystal-clear water and abundant marine life before the crowds arrive. Guests rave about the food service, from fresh cinnamon rolls en route to a full breakfast with drinks on the return trip. The crew clearly knows how to make everyone comfortable, particularly first-time snorkelers who appreciate the thorough instruction and attention to safety. The logistics run smoothly most days, though beach loading can be challenging in rough conditions. One cancellation due to unsafe waves highlighted the company's commitment to safety, though it revealed gaps in their backup plan for handling difficult conditions. A couple reviewers mentioned crowding on the sunset sails and slightly disjointed check-in procedures. These occasional hiccups aside, the overwhelming majority describe well-organized trips with attentive staff who go out of their way to ensure guests have fun. The GoPro rental option is popular since you keep the SD card, and the Wailea hotel pickup adds convenience for those staying in the area.

What people are saying

The early worm 🪱 gets the best views… and the warm cinnamon rolls! 😂 We had to wake up at 3:30 AM and leave the Ritz around 4:15 to make our early morning Kai Kanani sailing trip, and I’ll admit that alarm hurt — but it was 100% worth it. There’s something pretty magical about arriving at the beach before most of Maui is even awake and heading out on the water as the morning begins. Check-in was an absolute breeze. Before heading out we were able to use the restroom, buy reef-safe sunscreen and little floating holders for our sunglasses, and rent a GoPro for the trip. One thing to know: you board the catamaran directly from the beach, which is such a cool way to start the experience. The area is gorgeous, but you WILL get wet! Shoes and sandals come off before boarding, so dress accordingly. The crew was fantastic — fun, helpful, knowledgeable and genuinely seemed to enjoy what they do. The boat also has SPF 50 sunscreen available, which was a nice touch. After our second snorkeling stop they served lunch and opened the bar, making for a perfect relaxing ride back. And yes, those warm cinnamon rolls in the morning absolutely hit the spot! We made sure to tip both the captain and crew because they really made the experience special. One BIG tip for the gentlemen: if you have a mustache or substantial facial hair, shave it or trim it down before snorkeling! I learned the hard way that facial hair can prevent the mask from getting a good seal. 😂 Beautiful boat, gorgeous scenery, great snorkeling and an awesome crew. The painfully early wake-up is completely worth it — book the early trip!

Josh Jones

August 22, 2026

Josh Jones

August 22, 2026

Meeting details

Kai Kanani Store, 108 Wailea Ike Dr., Suite 1203, Wailea, HI 96753

Experience provided by Kai Kanani

Related locations

Why book through Greetwell?

No Added Fees
No booking or service fees, ever
Concierge Support Included
Real humans ready to help with timing, questions, or special requests
Free Cancellation Available
Most experiences can be cancelled for a full refund