Whale Watching
2 hours
Free cancellation
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Recommended by 90% of travelers
90% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
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$49
per adult
Hawaii Ocean Project
Hawaii Ocean Project
4.3
This location was reported permanently closed
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About
Hawaii Ocean Project hosts whale watches and other exciting excursions aboard the Lahaina Princess, and the Kaulana. Our vessels are large, stable, fast and comfortable, and they offer the best viewing available. We're now operating tours from Waikiki Beach, Oahu. We have been displaced from our home harbor in Maui after the Lahaina Fire. We thank you for supporting our locally owned and operated business during this time - Mahalo to you all! Our Mission is to provide you with the finest Maui Ocean Activities available. We are proud our whale watching adventures have promoted and supported legitimate marine research for over twenty years. Aloha, Capt Dave.
Lahaina, Hawaii
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.3
1,219 reviews
Excellent
792
Very good
187
Average
97
Poor
73
Terrible
70
Jrtm2014
Seattle, WA391 contributions
Oct 2022 • Family
We went on the dinner cruise to watch the sunset. The majority of people on the boat were couples but it was not uncomfortable at all. We were told they were the only boat that does their own dinners. The staff was nice and we started with a mai tai.
We ended up leaving a little late because another boat was delayed and they go out in a particular order. This boat was last. Therefore, the sun had gone down before we started the cruise. However, the colors in the sky we're gorgeous.
The music on the boat is directed towards those in their 50s and 60s. I had force-fed these songs to my college daughter over the years so she could sing along and enjoy them. The food was actually OK but was served cold. This will not be the best meal you've ever had but for a commercial tour boat it was decent just not very warm. Your initial drink is a little water down because by the time you drink it the ice is melted.
The staff was nice and the captain was informative. Both my daughter and I had a good time. I wouldn't do this twice but I was glad I did it once. The view was spectacular.
We all sat on the top deck on rather hardwood benches. It's not the new boat I've seen but I don't think it was the oldest either. People from various tables all chatted with each other and participated in the fun as a group.
We ended up leaving a little late because another boat was delayed and they go out in a particular order. This boat was last. Therefore, the sun had gone down before we started the cruise. However, the colors in the sky we're gorgeous.
The music on the boat is directed towards those in their 50s and 60s. I had force-fed these songs to my college daughter over the years so she could sing along and enjoy them. The food was actually OK but was served cold. This will not be the best meal you've ever had but for a commercial tour boat it was decent just not very warm. Your initial drink is a little water down because by the time you drink it the ice is melted.
The staff was nice and the captain was informative. Both my daughter and I had a good time. I wouldn't do this twice but I was glad I did it once. The view was spectacular.
We all sat on the top deck on rather hardwood benches. It's not the new boat I've seen but I don't think it was the oldest either. People from various tables all chatted with each other and participated in the fun as a group.
Written October 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lupe M
El Mirage, AZ10 contributions
May 2021 • Couples
My husband and I did the Maui Princess Sunset Dinner cruise. It was a wonderful time. You get dinner and two drinks included (alcoholic beverages if over 21) with the price of your ticket. I only had the two and that was plenty. The dinner choices were Mahi Mahi and ribeye, they were decent meals and portions. However, we went on this dinner cruise for the sunset and it did not disappoint, just breathtaking. There was also live music and some dancing on board the ship. I would recommend this to a friend.
Written May 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mary M
Middletown, RI9 contributions
Mar 2021 • Family
We loved our experience on the Maui Princess today! The whale watch was 2 hours and extremely informative. Our captain was funny and we saw about 25 whales including some nursing calfs and breeching! We felt very safe as there were only 70 people aboard the giant vessel which could fit about 150 people. Social distancing and mask wearing was abundant. Our two kids (4 and 2) loved the whale watch and even got to touch a baleen! The crew was super nice and they even had pastry snacks, drinks and cookies for sale. Don’t forget to tip!!!!
Written March 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
G Y
2 contributions
Dec 2021
This is a review for the Maui Princess.
Wish I read the reviews on Trip Advisor before wasting our money. Cost was highway robbery and we didn’t even get to see the sunset because the boat arrived 45 minutes after our scheduled 5:30 departure.
We should have asked for a refund, like 14 other couples did. Since we were already there we decided to just continue as planned. To compensate for the delay, the capt offered an "open bar" free of charge and extra helpings of dinner. However, The food was subpar and the cocktails were watered down. The dinner rolls and salad were the only somewhat appetizing things. My husband's prime rib was so-so, my mahi mahi was dry and not much of a taste. The cheesecake tasted pre-packaged.
The only positives: We didn't have to sit with strangers since several bowed out and there were lots of empty tables. The waitstaff were courteous and attentive w/o being intrusive. Music was decent. She sang a mix of songs from diff genres and encouraged the small crowd to dance.
I cannot imagine a single reason anybody should go on this Maui Princess sunset dinner cruise.
Wish I read the reviews on Trip Advisor before wasting our money. Cost was highway robbery and we didn’t even get to see the sunset because the boat arrived 45 minutes after our scheduled 5:30 departure.
We should have asked for a refund, like 14 other couples did. Since we were already there we decided to just continue as planned. To compensate for the delay, the capt offered an "open bar" free of charge and extra helpings of dinner. However, The food was subpar and the cocktails were watered down. The dinner rolls and salad were the only somewhat appetizing things. My husband's prime rib was so-so, my mahi mahi was dry and not much of a taste. The cheesecake tasted pre-packaged.
The only positives: We didn't have to sit with strangers since several bowed out and there were lots of empty tables. The waitstaff were courteous and attentive w/o being intrusive. Music was decent. She sang a mix of songs from diff genres and encouraged the small crowd to dance.
I cannot imagine a single reason anybody should go on this Maui Princess sunset dinner cruise.
Written December 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Randy B
1 contribution
Aug 2022
The event was Maui Princess Sunset dinner cruise and dance on August 19th, 2022. The only entertainment on board was solo singer with guitar. The event price included 2 alcoholic beverages of your choice, per person. When the boat left the harbor, servers went to each table carrying trays of Mai Tai cocktails. We declined them, because not our choice of drink.
We went to bar to order our drink selections. A ticket was taken from each of us for the drinks. After dinner we returned to bar for another round of drinks. When order was placed, the server asked us for $8.00 per drink. Informed the person, we were intitled to second drink. The person informed us that the MaiTai was our first drink, it was not free to us. So we were refused the second drink we paid for upfront. We were not happy about it. The price of the event totaled $336.00 for two. Only other beverages offered on cruise was water.
We went to bar to order our drink selections. A ticket was taken from each of us for the drinks. After dinner we returned to bar for another round of drinks. When order was placed, the server asked us for $8.00 per drink. Informed the person, we were intitled to second drink. The person informed us that the MaiTai was our first drink, it was not free to us. So we were refused the second drink we paid for upfront. We were not happy about it. The price of the event totaled $336.00 for two. Only other beverages offered on cruise was water.
Written August 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cheryl G
2 contributions
Aug 2022
Sunset cruise and dinner, meh! Would have had a better time if music was better, the hired karaoke singer was terrible and made me want my AirPods! Terrible well drinks and cheap wine! Service was a big miss, crew seemed lost and confused. I asked our waiter for horseradish twice and never came so I asked the bartender and she couldn't remember who or where I was when she got back. So funny, she was asking several people on the opposite side of the boat if they were the ones who asked for it. I started waving my arms in the air and she didn't even notice me until the back half of the boat directed her in my direction. wow! Anyway not sure if I should expect more or not, seems like a decline in quality everywhere in Maui these days!
Written August 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rsealana
1 contribution
Oct 2021
We told when we booked the dinner cruise, that the main boat was at another island and that the replacement boat did not have its liquor license. Therefore, we were told that the cruise would be a BYOB cruise where the boat would provide mixers but that the customers would have to bring their own liquor. When we got on board, we were seated at very small tables with minimal space to stand up (let alone to dance). The food was okay. They never brought the drink mixes around. We had to go down to their galley area to get the mixers. At a minimum, they should have made that announcement.
While eating dinner, the captain cruised up and down the coast. This was very pleasant. However, during the last hour, the captain would idle (in one place) for long periods of time while we (the customers) got our fill of diesel fumes. This got worse during the last half hour of the cruise as the Captain kept looking through his binoculars towards the harbor area (as if waiting for another boat to depart). The other concerning issue was that it was "pitch black," and (as a boat owner) I saw no evidence of radar on the boat.
I will say that the crew worked hard and the musician was excellent.
While eating dinner, the captain cruised up and down the coast. This was very pleasant. However, during the last hour, the captain would idle (in one place) for long periods of time while we (the customers) got our fill of diesel fumes. This got worse during the last half hour of the cruise as the Captain kept looking through his binoculars towards the harbor area (as if waiting for another boat to depart). The other concerning issue was that it was "pitch black," and (as a boat owner) I saw no evidence of radar on the boat.
I will say that the crew worked hard and the musician was excellent.
Written October 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Greg M.
1 contribution
Jul 2021
I don't know what the people who gave this trip 5 stars was smoking.
My wife and I took the dinner cruise the last night of our honeymoon. No lie, at first I thought we were on punk'd or the like. Holy cow, we spent $240 and what we got did not add up.
First off, props to Ivory who both waitressed AND served as first mate. Girl shoved us off the dock and secured the boat when we arrived back.
Below are suggestions for improvement:
1. The meal was OK. I actually thought the Mahi Mahi was decent.
The trouble is that they packed four people into a table most likely suited for two people. If you don't mind sitting with two strangers (if you are of course a party of two), then no biggee.
2. The bathrooms were pretty gross. I get it, we are on a boat - but it was pretty stinky below deck where they were located.
3. The music was kind of terrible. I respect musicians and putting yourself out there is not easy, but the dude singing was basically doing karaoke with a Keytar, and his voice left something to be desired. And, for the first three songs he had his back turned to the audience, I think reading the lyrics from an iPad he had stashed.
4. There seemed to be a bit too many people on board for a state that is trying to make sure COVID stays away from their island. No one was asked to wear masks, and as mentioned people were pretty packed. I know that being outside makes transmission difficult but...
5. The captain should chill on the misogyny. He referred to one of the waitresses as "our resident barbie doll". Cringe!
I would not take this cruise again, and if you have the money, I would spend more on a smaller boat with perhaps better reviews.
My wife and I took the dinner cruise the last night of our honeymoon. No lie, at first I thought we were on punk'd or the like. Holy cow, we spent $240 and what we got did not add up.
First off, props to Ivory who both waitressed AND served as first mate. Girl shoved us off the dock and secured the boat when we arrived back.
Below are suggestions for improvement:
1. The meal was OK. I actually thought the Mahi Mahi was decent.
The trouble is that they packed four people into a table most likely suited for two people. If you don't mind sitting with two strangers (if you are of course a party of two), then no biggee.
2. The bathrooms were pretty gross. I get it, we are on a boat - but it was pretty stinky below deck where they were located.
3. The music was kind of terrible. I respect musicians and putting yourself out there is not easy, but the dude singing was basically doing karaoke with a Keytar, and his voice left something to be desired. And, for the first three songs he had his back turned to the audience, I think reading the lyrics from an iPad he had stashed.
4. There seemed to be a bit too many people on board for a state that is trying to make sure COVID stays away from their island. No one was asked to wear masks, and as mentioned people were pretty packed. I know that being outside makes transmission difficult but...
5. The captain should chill on the misogyny. He referred to one of the waitresses as "our resident barbie doll". Cringe!
I would not take this cruise again, and if you have the money, I would spend more on a smaller boat with perhaps better reviews.
Written July 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jason A
2 contributions
Aug 2022
This dinner and dancing cruise was a joke and not worth the money. The photo of the ship is not up to date with the current condition of the vessel. It's an old rust bucket that on its last leg of life. The exhaust smoke and fumes are a great indication that this ship is well past its prime, and great to joke on while you're trying to eat the over cooked food. The music was terrible as in something straight out of the movie Wedding Singer, the guy was play a keyboard guitar, and had horrible tracks to sing over. There we're four people crammed into small tables, the food we a negative 10, and the liquor was bottom shelf with no option to upgrade. The stain on the bench seats at the table ruined my white button down shirt. I don't recommend this company or this cruise.
Written August 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brad P
1 contribution
Sep 2021
This was pertaining to the Sunset Dinner Cruise - 5:30pm to 8pm. Totally over priced for what you got. Sound system was that of the 1960. Hard to here. Food was not that good. The fish was terrible. Not only my opinion but others who had it. After the 2 drinks included you paid $8 for additional drinks each. Being setting sail at 5:30pm you were in the dark for 1/2 the time and could see nothing of the coast line. There are other dinner cruises that are far better than this one.
Written September 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cgubow
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Did anyone who booked this online get a confirmation email? I booked today but I didn't get a confirmation number of any sort. Just a page saying the reservation was confirmed.
Written May 6, 2018
i dont remember getting confirmation email but if you screen shot the page you got, that should be good enough. if you are worried call the kiosk when they are open
Written May 7, 2018
Does anyone know if they allow pregnant passengers? I will be 6 months, but am used to being on a boat. I can't find anything on their website and haven't heard back from contacting them. thanks
Written April 2, 2017
Aloha Stonica!,
Excellent question -- Our boats are large, stable catamarans, so they don't rock/bounce like the smaller rafts. That is why we do not have any limitations on pregnant passengers joining us, as long as you think you will be comfortable.
Along that same vein, I would like to mention that most of our trips have food and beverages included, however, you are more than welcome to bring water and snacks on board to ensure that you have everything you need to maintain your comfort levels, as well as we always encourage sunscreen, cover-ups, etc. Don't forget a camera!
Hope to see you on-board soon!
Written April 8, 2017
Will you pick up and drop off at my hotel?
Written February 10, 2017
Aloha,
We do have limited transportation available for our Sunset Dinner Cruise. I do apologize, but TripAdvisor will not let me link directly to our website, however, if you look under "About Us", then "Bout Tours" our West-side (Ka'anapali hotels) and south-side (Kihei) pick-up schedules are available.
West-side transportation is available seven days a week.
South-side (Kihei hotels) transportation is available on Thursdays only.
At this time, we do not have transportation available for snorkeling or whale watching, however, that may change in the future. If you are staying in Ka'anapali, the bus does drop off a short walk (one block) directly across from the harbor at the Wharf Cinema, and is $2 for the day. To find the schedule, please look up "Maui Bus Ka'anapali".
Also, many of the hotels on island have guest shuttles. I would ask if they could take you to Lahaina Harbor.
Written April 8, 2017
are there cocktail and drink options on any of the tours?
Written November 21, 2016
Yes! On our Lanai snorkel, one complimentary cocktail is included, and may be enjoyed after you have finished snorkeling. Additionally, on our Sunset Dinner Cruise, a welcome Mai Tai is served, after the boat has departed from the harbor (Maui County law), along with two additional complimentary cocktails of your selection. For both trips, additional alcoholic beverages are available for purchase thereafter.
Written December 16, 2016
We are interested in booking a tour on 3/18/2015. We have 3 kids (11,11,13) an two adults,how much does it cost for the tour?
Written January 24, 2015
Whale Watch--straight from their website.
Adult
Child
Retail $37.40 $22.42
Internet $33.66 $20.17
Early Bird $19.21 $17.07
Sunset Whale Watch Cocktail Cruise
Adult
Child
Retail $49.95 $22.42
Internet $45.95 $20.18
Written January 26, 2015
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