This was the absolute best boat tour! We come from California where we whale watch all the time, but this experience was by far way better than any other experience we have had! Both Jack and Bre were so friendly and interactive. I have a 3 year old and he loved it as well! We spent time just hanging out with the dolphins and enjoying the scenery. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a boat tour! read more

We saw so many dolphins and the crew was amazing!!!!! They served snacks and did some cool history lessons along the way!!! 10/10 read more

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This place was very confusing and hard to find if you're not paying attention. The boat ride is very nice, but it is not guaranteed that you will see whales and dolphins in this tour. We did not see not one wheel on one on the tour, which is understandable since it is a wheel and dolphin tour we saw flying fish and sea turtles. Captain Jack was amazing and he took time to explain everything to us and tell us about the Hawaiian culture during the boat ride the waves were very high, including the tides and it made it really fun riding through them. Overall, I would give Hawaii ocean rafting 4.5 out of 10. read more

Hawaii Ocean Rafting - Boat Tours Near Me - Lahaina, Hawaii

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Located in Maui, HI, the dock is in Lahaina. I came in the middle of February 12, 2026. I hear that whale season is end of December to April, with February being the peak month. Surely, we were surrounded by whales. I went on the 6:45am 2 hour Eco Raft tour. One boat tour holds around 12 persons. The temperature in Maui in February was fantastic, about 65F at night, and 75F at peak of day. It was great value, costing about $111 for the 2 hour tour. Keep in mind, you need to show up 30 minutes before the actual time to fill out waivers, etc. Many whales were a few feet away. There were so many whales! We must have seen 50+ individuals. See my video of baby whale breaching. I didn't capture alot of photos, because I would rather see it with my own eyes. Tip for those traveling in February: it's a peak travel season for Maui, so book your rental cars well in advance 10-12 months ahead. If you book 5-6 months ahead, you won't get any. You may try rental car with Turo, or have to rent E-bike, bike or take Lyft, Uber, etc. Clothing suggestions: depends on the time of day you go. For early mornings, you may wear shorts or long pants, something warm like sweatshirt or I did Patagonia fleece with lightweight Outdoor Research rainjacket on top. Shoes come off, so you will be barefoot on the boat and you will get the shoes back afterwards, so that won't matter. It's kind of windy, so hold on to or get a hat with a string that goes around your neck. Bring sunglasses, and put on sunblock while you're signing the waivers. You will not regret it if you come during whale season! read more

Fantastic first class experience!!! So great on a smaller boat, saw soooo many whales!! Great job captain H and Bree! Yay for an amazing experience and awesome staff!! We saw lots of whales!!! (From my eleven year old) read more

Hawaii Ocean Rafting - Boat Tours Near Me - Lahaina, Hawaii

Awesome, awesome experience! We had so much fun and saw so many whales. The staff was very nice and super knowledgeable of whales and how they interact with each other. We saw lots of whales and followed them in the water. Recommend definitely 10/10! The boat was brand new and we were very fortunate with the weather and the lack of wind. Overall, such a fun experience and was 100% worth the visit. Btw we booked on viator as it seemed the best price. read more

Hawaii Ocean Rafting - Boat Tours Near Me - Lahaina, Hawaii

This was a great trip! We all boarded the "raft" which is much more of a boat than a raft. Headed out to the ocean and the captain and crew educated us on the local sea life and the whale migration. We then got to listen to the whales singing using a hydrophone, it was amazing. Shortly into the trip we saw a pod of dolphins, it was amazing. That's about the time we saw the whales spouting up in the distance. We quickly sped that way. When we got close we saw not one whale, but a group of 7 or more! It was amazing!! I highly recommend this tour if you're able to attend. read more

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Great time with Captain Jack and Meredith for dolphin watching. The dolphins made a great show for us. Captain Jack and Meredith were knowledgeable about the dolphins, land, and ocean life. They ensured we had ample time to take pictures and truly witness the playfulness of the dolphins. They also provided light snacks of fresh fruits, chips, and cookies. TIP: you will board the boat based on your checkin time. So the earlier you get there the better. Also, you will be barefoot inside the boat. You'll remove your shoes prior to boarding. read more

I'll say the same thing as I did for Makai - wildlife adventures are very random and so review is based on service and overall trip not how many whales I saw (number is 8-10 btw) The raft is very comfortable. You can sit on the pontoons while taking pictures. There's nothing major obstructing if the animal is on your side. Whales aside, you get epic views of ocean and Lahaina and even the mountains. People are great and check in was super smooth. They have water and porta potties at their location so super convenient. Please carry cash for tipping but they also have Venmo. We did see many whales so that's always a plus!!! Tip: early morning or sunset tours are better as that way you get great views too read more

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My wife, daughter, son-in-law and grandkids came to Maui for Christmas. one of our must-do items was whale watching, and we selected Hawaii Ocean Rafting based on other revies, and we are sure glad we did! The office staff was great, and once onboard, Cattain Mark and First :Mate Brie were sensational! friendly,funny, knowledgeable and accommodating all the way, The 40' Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB) with twin 300 HP Yamaha outboards was fast, maneuverable and comfortable just n excellent experience, and lots of whales up-close and personal! read more

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We had a great time on the whale watching tour with Jill and Olivia. They were both knowledgeable and helpful, and gave us wonderful whale encounters. The boat itself is a pontoon, seating about 16 passengers. We had to be barefoot onboard. Seats were comfortable and the boat itself was quite maneuverable. Do take Dramamine if you are prone to sea sickness. We saw some great sightings! Support local businesses by booking with them. read more

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We saw so many amazing whales!! Toni and Peter were fantastic! Fun, easy-going and so knowledgeable. Loved being on the raft versus a big boat as it created an amazing intimacy with the water and the whales. The best part is they were truly invested in us having a great time. We were supposed to head back and kept seeing whales, so they kept us out even longer. Great people, great crew and a one of a kind experience!! I can't recommend them enough!! They are a local Lahaina family and were hit beyond belief during the fires and are still here, honoring the island, the spirit, and giving back. Please help support them! You will have a great time, help the locals stay a float and rebuild, not to mention and having fun... it will fill your heart. read more

Hawaii Ocean Rafting - A breach! - Boat Tours Near Me - Lahaina, Hawaii

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It was a fantastic experience that I highly recommend. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable. We went towards the tail end of whale season on April 12, but we still saw 10 different whales. They found a group of 3, 2, a mom and calf, and another 3 males. The mom was very curious and pushed her calf towards our little inflatable raft boat. We went all the way across the 'Au'au Channel toward Lānaʻi. The captain would spin the boat around taking turns to ensure each side of the boat got to have a whale on it's side every other time. The closer side would sit and the further side could stand. We stood still and floated when we spotted the whales and zoomed towards the destination when we couldn't spot on. We saw them breathing and their tales. The calf breached for us and showed off. We were so close. The mom and calf swam right under us and hung out for a bit. The captain tried to put a hydrophone in the water, but we couldn't hear anything. Brie explained a ton about their behaviors, habits, diets, migration, etc. We spotted a rare whale that looked white and speckled. It was unlike any I'd ever seen before. Heading back we bounced back quickly over the waves and understood why they asked if you had back or neck problems. It was very bumpy and rough, which made for a fun ride, but with only a metal backrest, it was a bit painful. We got lucky to be able to book a ride on the same day. We explored for about 2 hours before our ride. They ask you to arrive 30 minutes early and you wait in a slightly shaded area outside for everyone to arrive. Once they do they give you a couple of minutes to use the portapotties, put on sunscreen, and change your shoes to go barefoot on the boat. You definitely need sunscreen, even if it's cool and overcast, you will get burnt because there isn't really any shade on the boat. It was a short and easy walk to the boat ramp and not difficult to come aboard. Don't forget to bring water. You get thirsty out there. And bring an underwater camera because you can dip on off the side of the boat to capture them below the surface. It was a lovely 2 hour tour and worth the money. You were eye level to the whales and didn't feel overcrowded. read more

We loved our first trip so much we scheduled another one! Both were amazing. The crew is exceptional and the whales didn't disappoint. read more

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These guys are AMAZING! I would give them 10 stars if I could. We have been out with them to watch the whales many times. This year we had captains Mark and Sy. Such a good time! They were very informed about the whales and answered every question we asked. NOTE: we always do a private boat. Yes, it is more expensive, but totally worth it! read more

Hawaii Ocean Rafting - Whale tail - Boat Tours Near Me - Lahaina, Hawaii

Such an amazing experience! We saw 6 whales total and there was only 10 of us on the boat with two amazing captains Zach and Nicole! We were so lucky that the first whale we saw, Umi, was super social and wanted to come say hi to the boat! read more

Hawaii Ocean Rafting - Boat Tours Near Me - Lahaina, Hawaii

Great experience with Jack and Mer! They were so kind to us and educated. Loved seeing the whales - highlight of our trip to Maui! read more

Hawaii Ocean Rafting - Whale tail - Boat Tours Near Me - Lahaina, Hawaii

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Just did the snorkel trip to Lanai, and it was awesome! But we've also gone out on many whale watching trips with Hawai'i Ocean Rafting, and they've all been amazing too! Especially if you're lucky enough to go out with Captain Jack and Jess. Jack has an incredible talent for finding whales, and he has a genuine love and respect for Maui and the ocean. And Jess, who serves as first mate and naturalist, really knows her stuff. I don't think I've been able to stump her with a question yet. Not to mention she is super friendly and very passionate about her work. 10/10 - highly recommend! read more

Enjoyed the two hour whale watch. Saw lots of whales and learned so much from the Captain CJ and guide Joy. It was a great way to start our Hawaiian vacation read more

Hawaii Ocean Rafting - Double tails - Boat Tours Near Me - Lahaina, Hawaii

We did 26 whale watches with these guys in 2026. They are our favorite crew when it comes to whale watches. They have such respect for the whales and do their best to keep everyone safe and having a good time. Our favorite team is Jack and Jess. Jack is just a spectacular captain and seems to have his own relationship with the whales. My favorite thing is when he thanks the whale as he is leaving from a fun experience. Not even sure he realizes he does it. My husbands favorite is that Jack can make a quiet day on the water seem like the best day you've ever encountered. The dad jokes are on point, and his 43 seconds to get through what needs to be said puts a little fun spin on the boring stuff. Some day I'll be able to afford corruption. Jack is adamant about safety of both the people and the whales. He's going to find you a good day. Jess and her excitement for research and info and just her bubbly personality and caring attitude has us loving our experiences with her. She really interacts with everyone. Nicole and Olivia were also fantastic. Nicole also is full of fun facts and research information and it's lovely to hear all the facts. Nicole was one of the best at making sure each individual was doing ok. Olivia we only got to experience on one trip but was wonderful too. Zach is pretty good at keeping the conversation going. You can tell he enjoys what he does. Si was also a fav. Lots of info, kept the conversations going( great interaction, really good at finding the action. Henore keeps you dry on a wet and windy day. If going into the wet zone isn't something you want he's your guy. And Clint made a wet and windy day still fun on the whale search. I know the others are great but that's who we experienced this year. A huge shout out to Mandy, Sam and Jason. You guys are so patient with everyone, including those who came 5 mins after the boats pulled out and treat you awful. Thank you for making all the schedule changes and treating us with kindness and grace. Your smile first thing is much appreciated. And to HOR- thank you for having the membership passes. Without them; we could not truly be a crazy person and see the whales so often. It truly makes us loyal. read more

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Amazing , one of our best outings we've experienced. Loved the crew , they are always awesome. Mahalo , can't wait for our next outing! read more

1/18/2026 we were all so happy to be able to see whales in action at such a close distance. Watching them slap their large fins against the water--and hearing that powerful sound--was truly amazing. Seeing them swim straight toward us and then pass right beneath the boat was an incredible and unforgettable experience, unlike anything we had ever had before. We truly owe this wonderful experience to Jack and Briss. Their enthusiasm in searching for the whales, along with their professional knowledge, helped us learn so much about whale sounds and their way of life. Although the tour lasted only two hours, it was packed with rich and fascinating information. Their passionate, engaging way of speaking and their genuine dedication made the entire experience even more enjoyable for all of us. John read more

Such a great whale watching trip! Loved the raft experience and the staff were extra special! The raft has great seats and handles that made the trip comfortable. Highly recommend! read more

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Jess and CJ were great!! We had a great experience. We saw a bunch of behaviors, breaching, fin slapping, and had a curious calf approach us. read more

Very efficient check in and getting to boat. Extremely friendly captain ZACH and naturalist MEREDITH so fun and informative to be on the water with these two. We were lucky enough to see a competition group of humpbacks vying for a female. We also saw a dolphin in the mix! read more

Hawaii Ocean Rafting - Humpback whale breach - Boat Tours Near Me - Lahaina, Hawaii

Guides & staff were professional, friendly & knowledgeable about whale migration. The raft was a great way to feel close to the water. It was clean and spacious for size of group. Easy to sign up for tour. Tour very organized & started on time. read more

Best Whale Tour I have been on. We did also come during the month of February and the whales were very active. The captian and his assistant were terrific and very informative about the whale's activities. I will definitely come back and will refer them to my friends and family. It truly was a great experience....unforgettable for sure. Beautiful whales in the ocean with their calves. read more

AMAZING!! We had captain jack, first time and would absolutely book with this company again. Felt very safe , whales were everywhere and very close. Extremely knowledgeable crew and explained as we watched a whale fight. Incredible experience, thank you : ) Boat felt very safe and at no time did I feel worried, even in the larger swells far out. read more

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What a trip!!!! Saw so much whale behaviors!! All while the boat and CJ and Sy were incredibly respectful of the whales! If you get a chance TOTALLY RECOMMEND this company!!!! read more

This is a great trip because the boat's not too big, and you're down low near the water. The captain is super capable and safety-conscious, and there was a marine biologist on board who clearly knows her stuff and loves what she does. If a passenger spots a spouting blowhole in the distance, the captain will likely head right on over to that area. Two hours is just the right amount of time to be on the water. read more

Hubby and I took the "eye level" dolphin tour in hopes of getting up close and personal with some gorgeous dolphins-and we were NOT disappointed! Jack and Jace were wonderful and knowledgeable guides, keeping it light with humor, while we searched for the aforementioned magical creatures. In very little time at all, we found ourselves in the middle of a pod of at least 200 dolphins! They leapt out of the water, showing off their spinning technique that gave them their name. (Hawaiian spinner dolphins). They swam right next to us, playfully surfing our wake. It was definitely an experience to remember! read more

Captain Jack and crew, Nicole and Brie were wonderful. We joined them on a snorkel cruise to the Island of Lanai. It was not whale season, unfortunately, but we saw literally every thing else!! A monk seal , turtles , bottle nosed dolphins, spinner dolphins , flying fish, and lots of tropical fish . Captain Jack also brought up an octopus and allowed us to touch it! Very cool how he suction cups to your hand as you touch him. Amazing experience all around. We have sailed with Captain Steve in the past, but he lost his home and boats in the 2023 Lahaina fire, so may not be back. Very sad. Please come to Maui and help tourism by supporting this great group of people! I highly recommend this rafting trip by Hawaiian Ocean Rafting Rebecca B read more

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We just had the most amazing dolphin watching trip with Captain Jack and Val! We went out on the 9am tour and they started by taking us over towards Lanai to try to find that pod of Hawaiian spinner dolphins. While on the way there we saw some sea turtles and flying fish. When we got to Lanai, we couldn't find any dolphins, but the guides shared with us some history and legends of Lanai and pointed out some things on shore. When we turned to head back, however, we had to pass through a small storm, so it was raining, wet, and a bit of a bumpy ride! Throughout this though, the guides were very calm, informative, and funny. They were going to refund us our trip due to the weather, but as we approached Maui, the sun came out and we stumbled upon a pod of dolphins! They extended the time of our tour so we got to spend time with this pod of about 200 dolphins all around us! While we were there, Val taught us about the Hawaiian spinner dolphins and they even put a Hydrophone in the water and we got to hear the dolphins clicking to each other! The guides were great and made the most of the weather, but then we got lucky with dolphins too, so we thoroughly enjoyed the trip! This will be a Maui vacation highlight for me for sure! read more

Hawaii Ocean Rafting - The most beautiful blue ocean water off the coast of Lanai - Boat Tours Near Me - Lahaina, Hawaii

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Captain jack & Bree were absolutely amazing! We had an incredible tour. They were knowledgeable and super funny! Definitely will be back!!

I think Jack and Olivia did a great job, even if the whales were not cooperating which is beyond their control. Mahalo!

Zack & Sam were awesome! One word of caution - you will get wet! Bring a dry bag and lots of questions about the whales. We had a spectacular watch with male a competition pod battling the female's escort. It last at least 15 minutes and there were several breaches. Enjoy and Mahalo to our captain and first mate! Oh and make sure you tip them! read more

we love going out with Hawaiian Ocean Rafting. always our first option. And Capt Jack is the best.

This was such a great experience. Marc and Olivia were outstanding in their explanation of things. Just simply great personalities. Saw tons of whales. Would highly recommend this company and if you're lucky enough to get them as your captain and cocaptain, you'll not be disappointed! read more

Captain H and SY were great and took us on an amazing tour! I can't say enough about how great it was and how many whales we saw up close.

It was a great trip! Staff friendly and knowledgeable it was a great time i could have been out there all day!