The trip
Check in at noon on Kāʻanapali Beach, where the catamaran noses up onto the sand and you climb the bow stairs with your feet in the water. The crew gets everyone settled, the lines come in and the boat backs off the beach into the channel. Lunch comes out early: a Kalua pork sandwich, sides, a cookie, a vegan Beyond Burger if you asked 24 hours ahead. The bar opens. Then the naturalist starts calling blows, the captain picks a pod, and for the next two hours the boat works the ʻAuʻau Channel, under sail when the wind allows, with the hydrophone over the side between whales. You are back on the beach at three with the whole afternoon still ahead of you.
Why the Premium trip
- Limited load. Teralani's catamarans carry far more on their snorkel sails. The Premium Whale Watch caps at 35, so there is rail space and net space for everyone.
- Height. From the catamaran's deck you see pods coming from a long way off and you get breaches with the West Maui Mountains behind them.
- Stability. Two hulls and sails. It is the right boat for anyone who worries about seasickness, and it has a restroom.
- The food and the bar. A real lunch, and a bar with Mai Tais, beer, wine, sparkling rosé, Champagne and the house Teralani Sunset cocktail. Sodas, juice and filtered water for everyone else.
- The naturalist and hydrophone. Same as the raft: someone who knows what the whales are doing, and the singers piped over the speakers.
- From the beach. Whales within minutes, no harbor drive.
The boats
Teralani runs two custom-built sailing catamarans, Teralani 3 (2005) and Teralani 5 (2020), both built in the United States and designed for beach loading at Kāʻanapali. Wide decks, big bow trampolines, shaded cabin seating, fresh-water rinse and a restroom. They are the best-kept boats on the beach.
Teralani's other whale watches
| Tour | Length | Departs | Price | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premium Whale Watch | 2.5 hours | 12:30 PM daily | From $154.95 | Lunch, open bar, naturalist, hydrophone; max 35 guests |
| Classic Whale Watch | About 2 hours | 7:30 and 10:00 AM | From $94.95 | Snacks, drinks and open bar, naturalist, hydrophone |
| Discount Whale Watch | 2 hours | 1:00 PM, select days | Lower | A no-frills afternoon sail |
| Express Whale Watch | Shorter | Varies | Lower | A quick look for tight schedules |
Season: early November to April 15, daily. Whale sightings guaranteed on the Premium trip or you sail again free on a Classic Whale Watch. Parking at the Outrigger Kāʻanapali Beach Resort is a flat rate with Teralani validation.
Good to know
- Bring photo ID if you are 21 or over and want the bar.
- Vegan lunch needs 24 hours' notice.
- The 12:30 sail sees a bit more wind than the morning trips. The catamaran handles it well; it is why this is the boat for seasick-prone guests.
- Boarding is from the sand up the bow stairs. Expect to get your feet wet. The crew is practiced at helping guests who need a hand.
- Teralani asks for 72 hours' notice to cancel.
Who it is for
Groups and families with a range of ages. Grandparents. Toddlers (free under 6). Anyone who gets seasick. Anyone who wants to make a whole afternoon of it with lunch and a drink in hand. If you are a photographer who wants to be as close and low as possible, read about the raft.
How to book
Teralani's whale watches book through FareHarbor. The button below opens the Premium Whale Watch calendar with live availability; January through March, book a week or more ahead.
Check dates & book the Premium Whale Watch
Prefer the morning Classic trip? Check Classic Whale Watch dates →
Booking through our links costs you nothing extra and supports this guide. Tour details and prices from Teralani's own listings; confirm current prices when you book.
