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Auau Channel | Lahaina Roads (Whale Watching)

Auau Channel | Lahaina Roads (Whale Watching)

Suitable for:
Everyone, nature enthusiasts
Insider tip or tourist spot?
Known and much going on
TouriSpot
Insider Tip
Time needed:
3 hours
Optimal arrival time:
Does not matter
Cost:
Ok
Suitable for:
Everyone, nature enthusiasts
Insider tip or tourist spot?
Known and much going on
TouriSpot
Insider Tip
Time needed:
3 hours
Optimal arrival time:
Does not matter
Cost:
Ok

Auau Channel | Lahaina Roads (whale watching) - description

The Hawaiian word Au'au means as much as "to take a bath". This name developed in the Auau Channel due to the Kohola, of humpback whales that visit the shallow waters between November and May to mate and give birth to their calves. The centre of the Auau Channel is also known as Lahaina Roads since Lahaina was the centre of the whaling industry on Maui until 1860.

The more than 15 km long canal lies between Maui in the east and lanai to the west. It is bordered by Molokai to the north and protected by Kahoolawe in the south. The channel is just under 80 meters deep and is visited by many whale-watching boats in the winter months.

Those who want to marvel at the up to 15-meter-long marine mammals up close ideally book a tour, which is usually offered from Lahaina or from the Ma'alaea harbor but there are also tours from Kihei or Kanaapali Beach available. There is a choice between motorboat and sailboat tours. Tours include meals and morning as well as afternoon tours are usually offered.

If you are interested in a whale-watching tour, we will be happy to help you with booking for the appropriate time period.

What we say

Tommy
Watching the whales poke their huge fins out of the water or have the water shoot up from their blowhole like a fountain is an incredible experience not to be missed.
Our checklist & tips:
  • Be at the departure port 45 minutes before the tour
  • Pack a camera
  • Best time: January - March

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Map and contact data

Longitude: -156.75916287355184
Latitude: 21.012103399079614

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