Experiencing the ocean around Maui is unforgettable,but choosing how you explore it can make a meaningful impact.
Born from decades of hands-on marine research, PacWhale Eco-Adventures grew out of the early educational whale watches that helped fund critical science and that pioneering model continues today. As the social enterprise wholly owned by Pacific Whale Foundation (PWF), PacWhale Eco-Adventures, along with the Maʻalaea Ocean Store and Online Ocean Store, operates with a singular purpose: to support PWF’s nonprofit research, education, and conservation programs.
Every ticket purchased directly fuels science-based conservation, community education, and advocacy efforts that protect whales, dolphins, and our shared ocean home, ensuring each journey on the water leaves a lasting positive impact well beyond the horizon.
Education at Sea: Turning Vessels Into “Floating Classrooms”
PacWhale’s tours are designed as extensions of PWF’s mission, to immersive learning spaces where passengers connect directly with marine wildlife and the science that protects them. Each trip functions as a “floating classroom,” offering interpretation grounded in ongoing research and enriched by Hawaiʻi’s cultural context.
Young learners benefit from dedicated programs such as the Jr. Naturalist experience and the Keiki Whale Watch, which gives local students the chance to see whales in the wild, often for the first time. These experiences nurture curiosity, encourage environmental stewardship, and strengthen community connection to Maui’s Ocean heritage.
In a place defined by its marine life, this connection between tourism and mission is not an add-on it’s the heart of what makes PacWhale different.
Certified Marine Naturalists: Guided by Science, Shaped by Passion
Grounded in peer-reviewed science, PacWhale Eco-Adventures’ experiences are shaped by a direct, working connection between ongoing research and a set of foundational principles shared by every crew member and organizational staff. The science and best-practice standards developed by Pacific Whale Foundation are implemented daily aboard PacWhale vessels, guiding responsible wildlife viewing and research-informed interpretation and reinforcing PacWhale Eco-Adventures’ leadership in ocean-based interpretation in Hawaiʻi.
Every trip out to sea is led by a Certified Marine Naturalist, each bringing a distinct voice and perspective shaped by rigorous training in marine biology, ecology, ocean safety, cultural understanding, and active field research. Among them, senior naturalist Richard W. Dolan stands out as both a wealth of knowledge on humpback whales and a gifted artist, creating interactive whale sculptures that connect art, science, and conservation.
“Nature is a mirror to our character; how we treat animals defines us as individuals and as a human species,” says Dolan. Together, this depth of expertise transforms every journey into a thoughtful, engaging experience rooted in respect for wildlife and a genuine sense of ocean wonder.
“Experience Whales. Protect What You Love.”
For travelers seeking wildlife encounters grounded in authenticity and responsibility, the choice of operator is as consequential as the destination itself. PacWhale Eco-Adventures operates within a framework shaped by marine research and conservation practice in Hawaiʻi and beyond, placing education and stewardship at the core of every experience.
This approach traces back to founder Greg Kaufman, whose early vision challenged conventional wildlife tourism. He believed encounters should never be rushed, staged, or imposed, but instead should foster understanding. By pairing responsible tourism with public education, his model encouraged guests to observe whales and dolphins on their own terms while learning why respect and protection are essential.
That philosophy continues today through leadership in initiatives such as Go Slow – Whales Below, a best-practices program that establishes standards for responsible vessel operation, reducing disturbance and the risk of collisions. It reflects a broader principle: meaningful wildlife experiences are not defined by proximity, but by restraint and awareness.
Rooted in more than 45 years of science-based practice, our mission is to inform and inspire while advancing the protection of wildlife and a shared future where communities and oceans thrive together.
With something for every kind of traveler, PacWhale Eco-Adventures offers one of Maui’s most diverse whale-watching experiences. Guests can choose from intimate small-group excursions, dedicated photo safaris, and Sounds of the Ocean—an exclusive VIP experience not offered anywhere else. This premium option directly supports Pacific Whale Foundation programs dedicated to protecting humpback whales and Maui’s ocean environment. Sail aboard a versatile fleet that includes small vessels like Ocean Explorer, the smooth-sailing catamaran Ocean Spirit, the newest addition Kai Kō, and larger, easy-access catamarans designed for comfort. Whether you’re a first-time visitor, photographer, or seasoned ocean lover, PacWhale truly offers something for everyone.
Choose Maui’s #1 whale watch and experience humpback whales in their natural habitat an unforgettable adventure guided by marine experts who put conservation first.
