January brought an unforgettable pulse to Maui’s waters as the island emerged as the leader in humpback whale sightings during the first coordinated count of the 2026 season. During the annual Great Whale Count, volunteers tallied 694 majestic humpback whales off Maui’s shores, more than any other Hawaiian island in the January survey. This lively tally came as part of a statewide total of 1,954 whales counted on January 31, with Maui Nui easily outpacing neighbors like Lānaʻi, Oʻahu, Kauaʻi, and Hawaiʻi Island in whale presence.

This heartening news delighted locals and visitors alike, as humpback whales, or koholā, are one of Hawaiʻi’s most beloved marine treasures. These gentle giants had already migrated to Hawaiʻi’s warm winter waters to mate, calve, and nurse their young. Clear skies and calm seas made shoreline spotting especially rewarding during the peak morning viewing windows.

For travelers who cruised Maui’s coastal roads in one of our rentals, beaches and lookouts along South and West Maui became daily stages for whale song and breeches. Even those just driving along the shoreline couldn’t help but pause, binoculars in hand, soaking in moments of ocean splendor. Whether you were exploring upcountry roads or rolling into a beach park for sunset, January’s whale sightings added a magical chapter to your Maui story.

Whale Hotspots Near Kihei:

• Kamaole Beach Parks I–III

• Keawakapu Beach

• Maʻalaea Harbor

• McGregor Point Lookout

Best viewing occurred during calm mornings. Pull over safely, bring binoculars, and enjoy the show.