The Maui Nui Basin lies between the islands of Maui, Molokai, Lanai, and Kahoolawe, forming a large, protected stretch of ocean that serves as a critical habitat for marine life. Its shallow waters—averaging around 300 feet deep—offer a safe, calm environment that attracts thousands of North Pacific humpback whales during their annual migration. This geography makes the basin one of the most reliable places on Earth to observe humpbacks in the wild.
From December to April, these whales travel thousands of miles from Alaska to reach this sanctuary, where they breed, give birth, and nurse their young. The warm, tranquil conditions and absence of natural predators allow for close encounters with whales—often just beneath the surface. It’s one of the reasons Maui Nui Basin whale watching is such a world-renowned experience.
Much of the basin falls within the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, a federally designated area established to protect this essential breeding ground. Strict regulations help minimize disturbances to the whales and preserve the basin’s natural beauty. Tour operators in the area are required to follow responsible wildlife viewing practices, ensuring a respectful and educational experience for visitors.
Thanks to these protections, the Maui Nui Basin remains one of the best whale watching spots in Maui—not just for the volume of sightings, but for the sustainability of the experience. Here, conservation and tourism work hand-in-hand to protect a natural wonder that inspires awe year after year.