Where to See Maui Wildlife on Vacation

Feb 14 2024

The Hawaiian Islands are one of the most biologically diverse regions on the planet, home to plants and animals found nowhere else in the world. From the abundant marine life of the Pacific to the endemic birds of Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge, there is abundant Maui wildlife to be seen during your vacation. Book your stay with Epic Realty and discover wildlife on the island through adventures like hiking, kayaking, and snorkeling. Or embark on a guided tour and let a local expert show you the best wildlife-watching spots on Maui.

Please remember that West Maui is recovering from the effects of the August wildfire. During your visit, consider volunteering or donating to help our community rebuild!

Maui Wildlife Guide

Maui is home to several endemic species, which are species native only to Hawaii. The only endemic mammals on the island are the Hawaiian Monk Seal and Hoary Bat; all the other mammals were introduced to the island. The Pacific Ocean is also home to an abundance of endemic species, with 20% of fish species unique to the Hawaiian islands. Here are some of the most common wildlife species that call Maui home:

Pueo Owls
Hawaiian Monk Seal
Leatherback Sea Turtles
Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles
Humpback Whales
Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins
Mongoose
Nene Goose
Jackson Chameleons
Geckos
Sharks

Where to See Maui Wildlife

Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge

Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge is a coastal salt marsh and protected wetland for endemic and migratory bird species. During the peak season, from August to April, it is the perfect place to enjoy an afternoon of bird watching.

Maui Nature Reserves

Ten nature reserves exist on Maui, each offering a unique perspective of the island’s flora and fauna. Explore the great outdoors at destinations like Kahikinui State Forest Reserve, and look for birds, mammals, and arthropods!

Embark on a Maui Wildlife Tour

Explore Maui Nature offers the only birding tour on the island. Sign up for this exclusive tour to see the endemic birds of Maui!
PacWhale Eco Adventures provides a way to explore the ocean while supporting local research, education, and conservation efforts. Sign up for one of their whale-watching tours and watch for whales with a certified marine naturalist!
Pride of Maui offers snorkel tours at top destinations like Molokini and Turtle Town. Dive in and swim with more than 250 species of marine life!
The Maui Butterfly Farm is the only walk-in butterfly flight house in Hawaii. Sign up for the tour and marvel at these colorful insects while learning about Hawaii’s declining butterfly population.

Papakea K406 OceanView Maui vacation rental

Book Your Maui Vacation Rental with Epic Realty

Discover the top Maui wildlife experiences during your visit with Epic Realty! We offer a wide range of Maui vacation rentals to accommodate your stay, ranging from one to three bedrooms. Find the perfect property for your getaway in Ka’anapali, Napili, Kahana, & Honokowai, or Kapalua. Book directly on our website and save on your Maui vacation!

Jan 16 2024

The Hawaiian Islands are some of the most biologically diverse areas of the planet, offering a unique culinary scene unlike anywhere else. Our cuisine reflects Maui’s unique tapestry of flavors and traditions, utilizing fresh seafood and locally grown produce in every dish. Stay with Epic Realty in the areas of Napili, Honokowai, Kapalua, or Ka’anapali and embark on a gastronomic journey at our West Maui restaurants.

Please keep in mind that many Lahaina restaurants remain closed after the August wildfire. Use this resource from What’s Open Maui to see which restaurants are open on the West side during your visit:

Ka’anapali Restaurants

The Ka’anapli Beach area offers exceptional condo rentals and amazing food options located steps away from the water! Enjoy the area’s breathtaking sunsets and walk to some of the most amazing restaurants on the island. Some of the most popular places to dine include:

Kihei Caffe Lahaina: Classic breakfast restaurant
Maui Brewing Co: Hawaii’s largest craft brewery
Hula Grill: Hawaiian restaurant featuring locally sourced ingredients
Leilani’s on the Beach: Hawaii restaurant featuring locally sourced ingredients
Monkeypod Kitchen: Hawaiian restaurant supporting local farming, ranching, and fishing.

Napili, Kahana, Honokawai Restaurants

We offer a number of beautiful, fully-appointed vacation rentals in Napili, Kahana, and Honokawai. This area is best for groups who want to avoid the crowds and experience some of the best hiking, swimming, snorkeling, and whale watching. When you have worked up an appetite, enjoy one of these West Maui restaurants:

The Fish Market Maui: Seafood market with fresh fish caught daily
Joey’s Kitchen: Hawaiian-inspired Filipino Asian restaurant
FOND: New American Restaurant with exclusive weekly tasting menus
Dollie’s Pub & Cafe: Casual sports bar known for their pizza and happy hour
Miso Phat Sushi: Sushi restaurant serving some of the freshest sushi on the island

Kapalua Restaurants

Stay in our Kapalua vacation rentals and enjoy easy access to world-class golf courses, pristine white sand beaches, and upscale restaurants such as:

The Sea House: Beachfront sea-to-table restaurant
Merriman’s: Hawaii regional cuisine restaurant featuring farm-to-table menus
The Plantation House: Hawaiian restaurant with breathtaking views of the ocean and Plantation Golf Course
Sansei Seafood & Sushi: Fusion seafood and innovative sushi restaurant
Gazebo Restaurant: American breakfast and brunch restaurant

West Maui condo rental with Epic Realty — Kaleialoha 106

Book Your West Maui Vacation with Epic Realty Today

Try our favorite West Maui restaurants for yourself during your vacation with Epic Realty! Whether you want to stay in Ka’anapali or Kapalua, we have the perfect West Maui vacation rentals for your getaway. If you need assistance planning your Maui getaway, please don’t hesitate to contact us at 808-346-3136.

Dec 14 2023

Maui whale watching season is one of the most spectacular times of the year to plan your vacation! Every winter, over 10,000 humpback whales migrate to the warm waters of Maui, offering a one-of-a-kind opportunity to see these marine mammals in their natural habitats. Epic Realty invites you to join the winter migration to witness thousands of humpback whales surfacing, tail slapping, and blowing spouts in the water.

Please keep in mind that Lahaina Harbor, the most popular whale-watching spot on the island, is still in the process of rebuilding after the August wildfires. Check updates and support our recovery by signing up for a whale-watching tour!

5 Maui Whale Watching FAQ’s:

When is the Maui Whale Watching Season? The whale watching season lasts from December through March, with the peak month in February.

What kind of whales are in Maui? North Pacific humpback whales are the most common in our waters, weighing 25-40 tons.

What are the best spots for whale watching? Maui Nui Basin, a shallow ocean channel between the islands, is the prime spot for whale watching. We recommend finding a spot along the stretch of Highway 30 between Ma’alaea and Lahaina.

Are there any regulations for whale watching? Yes, all visitors should be familiar with the 100-yard or close approach rule. It is illegal to approach humpback whales within 100 yards.

What can I expect on a whale-watching tour? Most whale-watching tours include guaranteed sightings, naturalist guides, professional Captains, hydrophones to listen to whale songs, beverages, and snacks.

Where are the Best Maui Whale Watching Tours?

Many of Maui’s whale-watching tours are based at Lahaina Harbor and have relocated for the 2024 season due to the August wildfires:

PacWhale Eco-Adventures

Sign up for an eco-tour led by a marine naturalist at PacWhale Eco-Adventures! All profits from the tours support research, education, and conservation for our whales and oceans. They offer a range of whale-watching tours departing from Ma’alea Harbor!

Makai Adventures

Help Makai Adventures recover by signing up for a whale-watching tour! Due to the August wildfires, they will be providing whale-watching tours from a temporary location with an alternative boat. Please call 808-495-1001 for more information!

Ultimate Whale Watch & Snorkel

Ultimate Whale Watch has recently reopened their whale-watching tours in West Maui. Please call 808-667-5678 for more information on current tours and meeting locations.

Hawaii Ocean Rafting

Hawaii Ocean Rafting offers small-group eco-tours to experience up-close and eye-level whale encounters. This eco-friendly tour will operate with temporary vessels for this season and depart from Dive Maui Shop on Front Street.

Lodging at Epic Realty for Maui whale watching season

Book Your Winter Getaway on Maui Today!

Book your winter getaway with Epic Realty and experience the magic of Maui whale-watching season. Browse our collection of West Maui condo rentals and find the perfect basecamp for your getaway!

Nov 15 2023

It has been just over three months since the devastating West Maui wildfires, resulting in the loss of loved ones, homes, cultural and historical sites. As of November 1, 2023, West Maui enters its third phase of reopening, welcoming visitors to explore the areas from Kahana to Ka’anapali as well as the rest of the island. Please be respectful of the locals as you discover all the things to do in West Maui, from our beautiful beaches to mouthwatering restaurants. Join us on the road to recovery and help support our local communities by visiting Maui with Epic Realty!

Respectfully Visiting Maui

Visiting West Maui is a bit different from what you may be used to. Please read our blog, How to Help Maui Recover from the Wildfires: Respectfully Visiting the Island for reference.

Things to Do in West Maui

The west side of Maui comprises areas such as Ka’anapali, Lahaina, Napili, Kahana, Honokōwai, and Kapalua. While Old Town Lahaina remains closed, there are plenty of other things to do in these areas of West Maui, including:

Visit West Maui Beaches

Kaanapali Beach: Located in one of the most popular resort areas on the island, Kaanapali Beach offers a fantastic setting for swimming, snorkeling, and whale watching in the winter.
Kapalua Bay Beach: Kapalua Bay is a gem of northwest Maui, offering an excellent destination for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving.
D.T. Fleming Beach Park: If you are looking for a West Maui beach to enjoy surfing and bodyboarding, we recommend D.T. Fleming!

Explore West Maui Hiking Trails

Visit the West Maui Nature Reserve and explore the hiking trails winding past verdant valleys and towering peaks. One of the most popular hikes is the Waihee Ridge Trail, a 2.5-mile path offering panoramic views of the valley.

We also recommend the Kapalua Coastal Trail for a fantastic hike along the coast through lava fields and wilderness with incredible views.

Eat at West Maui Restaurants

Support local businesses and enjoy the unique flavors of West Maui at these local restaurants:

We encourage you to support local businesses during your Maui getaway. Use the resources on Maui Nui First to find the best places to eat, shop, and play. And consider volunteering your time while you’re here to help provide direct relief!

Book Your West Maui Getaway Today

Enjoy all the things to do in West Maui and help our community recover by visiting the island. Epic Realty offers vacation rentals throughout West Maui, including Ka’anapali, Napili, and Kapalua. If you have any questions or need help planning your Maui vacation, please feel free to call us at (808) 346-3136 or email epicmauivacations@epicmauirealty.net.

Oct 16 2023

On August 8th, 2023, wildfires devastated West Maui, resulting in the tragic loss of loved ones, homes, cultural and historical sites. Two months later, West Maui has enacted a phased reopening and is inviting tourists back to the island. While we are encouraging people to come to Maui to stimulate the economy, it’s imperative that visitors are respectful and sensitive about the current conditions on the island. The people here are still recovering from a devastating tragedy, and our team at Epic Realty asks that everyone who visits do so with compassion and consideration.

Wondering how to help Maui recover and rebuild? Visit Maui and help our citizens recover by supporting local businesses, donating, and volunteering your time. Tourism is vital in sustaining local livelihood.

What to Know About Traveling to Maui After the Wildfires

The Hawaiian Government asks that tourists respect the locals and their private space during this time. Read through the Maui Travel Updates and the articles on Maui Now to learn more about current information on visiting the island.

Please watch the videos by the County of Maui, which provides both instruction and messages to visitors traveling here after the fires.

Do NOT ask locals what they have lost or what happened during the fire
Do NOT take pictures of the devastation in West Maui, and respect the areas that have been lost. Lahaina is completely closed, and there are police stationed on various parts of the main road to discourage people from pulling over to take pictures
Adhere to posted signage and instructions
Many families who have lost their homes are staying in the resort areas. As you share this space, please show the locals kindness and compassion

What Can You Do to Help Maui?

Support Local Maui Businesses

The best way to help Maui during this time is to shop locally to help us stimulate the economy. Maui Nui First offers a comprehensive list of local businesses where you can eat, play, and shop. Please come and enjoy all of what Maui has to offer, including excellent restaurants, wildlife, ocean activities, hiking, surfing, snorkeling, and some of the best beaches in the world. Tourism is vital in sustaining local livelihood, and we need your help to recover!

Volunteer and Donate

The road to recovery has just begun; please consider volunteering your time while visiting Maui. Maui Nui Strong offers helpful resources on volunteer opportunities and ways to donate. Donate funds to help provide direct relief to impacted families.

Book Your Trip to Maui with Epic Realty and Help the Island Recover

Epic Realty invites you to help Maui and its citizens recover by respectfully visiting the island and supporting local businesses. Browse our West Maui condo rentals today, and please feel free to call us at 808-346-3136 with any questions. We look forward to hosting your stay!