December in Maui is distinct. The crowds start pouring in for the holidays, the North Shore surf starts firing, and—most importantly—the Humpbacks are back.
I’ve spent the last decade working the decks out of Lahaina and Maalaea, and I can tell you that Maui whale watching in December has a different energy than the peak months of February or March. The whales are fresh from their 3,000-mile swim from Alaska. They are energetic, they are massive, and honestly, they seem just as happy to see us as we are to see them.
But, Maui whale watching in December also brings variable weather. If you book the wrong tour time or show up expecting a calm lake, you might end up wet and miserable. Here is the honest, no-fluff breakdown of what it’s actually like on the water this month.
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It’s Colder Than You Think During Maui Whale Watching in December
Ignore the weather app on your phone that says “Lahaina: 82° and Sunny.” That is the temperature on Front Street. It is not the temperature on a rigid hull raft moving 20 knots two miles offshore.
During Maui whale watching in December, we deal with the “transition” weather. We get intermittent passing showers and cloud cover that can drop the ambient temperature quickly.
The Wind Chill Factor
When you are on the water, you have to account for wind chill. If the air temp is 75°F, but we are punching into a 15-knot trade wind, the “Real Feel” is going to be closer to 60°F-65°F. If you get sprayed—and on the smaller boats, you will get sprayed—you are going to freeze.
The Naturalist’s Take: I see tourists shivering in bikinis and board shorts every single Maui whale watching in December tour. Do not be that person. The sun is intense, but the air is crisp.
Sea Conditions (The Vomit Meter)
December ocean conditions are a mixed bag. This is when our winter swells really start kicking in. While the big waves are mostly hitting the North Shore (places like Peahi/Jaws), that energy wraps around the island and can unsettle the channels where we watch whales.
Trade Winds vs. Kona Winds
- Trade Winds (Normal): These blow from the Northeast. They typically keep the Lahaina side (West Maui) relatively protected, but Maalaea Harbor can get extremely windy in the afternoon.
- Kona Winds (The “Sick” Winds): During Maui whale watching in December, we occasionally get “Kona” storms. The wind switches and blows from the South/Southwest. This brings vog (volcanic smog) up from the Big Island and makes the usually calm leeward waters choppy and gross.
My Recommendation for Motion Sickness
If you are prone to seasickness, December requires prep. The water is rarely “glassy” flat this time of year unless you are out at sunrise.
- Take preventative meds 1 hour before boarding. Taking it once you feel sick is too late.
- Look at the horizon. Do not look at your phone.
- Sit in the back. The stern has the least amount of vertical movement.
Find out more about how you can plan for Motion Sickness during your Maui whale watching in December tour.
What You Will See While Maui Whale Watching in December
Is December “peak” season? No. That’s usually February. But December is my favorite month for energy.
The whales arriving now are the “scouts” and the energetic males. They just swam a marathon without eating, yet they are full of testosterone and adrenaline.
Competition Pods (Rowdy Groups)
This is the most common behavior we see in December. A female whale is being chased by 3 to 15 male whales trying to establish dominance.
- What it looks like: A lot of white water. Head lunges, chin slaps, and massive bodies colliding. It is aggressive and fast-paced.
- The “Mugged” Experience: This is the term we use when a whale approaches the boat and “traps” us. By law (federal regulations), we cannot approach closer than 100 yards. But if the whale turns off its engine (so to speak) and drifts over to us, we have to put the boat in neutral and wait. In December, curious juveniles often “mug” us, floating right alongside the hull to check out the tourists.
What You Probably Won’t See Yet
You likely won’t see many newborn calves in early December. Most moms give birth in January or February. If you see a small whale now, it’s likely a “yearling”—a teenager causing trouble.
What to Wear for Maui Whale Watching in December
I cannot stress this enough: Dress like a sailor, not a sunbather.
Because December brings passing rain squalls, you want a waterproof or water-resistant layer. You can always take it off, but you can’t put on a jacket you left at the hotel.
- Top: A light windbreaker or rain shell is non-negotiable.
- Bottom: Quick-dry shorts or leggings. Denim is a terrible idea on a boat.
- Feet: Wear shoes you don’t mind getting wet, or go barefoot if the captain allows.
- Eyes: Polarized sunglasses. They cut the glare on the surface so you can see the whale under the water before it breaches.
Visit “Spectacular Maui Whale Watching: Your Essential Packing Guide“
Sunrise vs. Sunset Tours: The December Verdict
I get asked this every day at the harbor: “Captain, when should we go?”
The Morning Strategy (07:00 AM – 10:00 AM)
Winner for Comfort. In Maui, the trade winds operate on a clock. They usually sleep in and wake up around 11:00 AM. If you want the smoothest ride and the lowest chance of getting seasick, book the earliest boat available. The lighting is harsh for photos, but the ride is easy.
Book the earliest boat available. Check availability below:
The Sunset Strategy (04:00 PM – 06:00 PM)
Winner for Drama. Sunset tours in December offer incredible lighting for photography—the golden hour hitting the West Maui Mountains is unbeatable. However, you are gambling with the wind. By 4:00 PM, the wind chop is usually up. It will be a bumpier, wetter ride.
Book your evening adventure. Check availability below:
The Verdict: If you have kids or grandparents, go in the morning. If you are a photographer or an adventure seeker, go at sunset.
Conclusion
December in Maui is the opening ceremony of whale season. We don’t have the sheer volume of whales that we see in February (where you can walk across the water on their backs), but the whales we do have are active, surface-oriented, and spectacular.
Don’t let the weather scare you off. Just respect the ocean, bring a jacket, and keep your eyes on the horizon. Seeing a 40-ton animal launch itself out of the Pacific is worth a little wind spray.
See you on the water.