Maui recorded the highest number of humpback whale sightings statewide during January's official whale survey, making it an exceptional time for visitors and locals to experience these magnificent creatures up close.

• Maui topped all Hawaiian islands for whale sightings during the January kohola survey, confirming the island as the premier destination for whale watching
• Peak whale season continues through March, offering vacation rental guests prime opportunities for unforgettable marine wildlife experiences
• The strong whale presence benefits local tour operators and provides incredible viewing opportunities from both boats and shoreline locations
• January's survey results indicate a healthy humpback whale population returning to Maui's warm waters for breeding and calving season
• Visitors staying on Maui have access to the best whale watching conditions in the Hawaiian Islands during the current season

Source: Maui Now

Hula Grill Kaanapali is offering visitors a unique dining and educational experience by hosting weekly whale talks throughout February and March. The oceanfront restaurant's program takes advantage of Maui's prime humpback whale watching season, combining great food with marine wildlife education.

• Whale talks will be held every Tuesday during February and March 2026 (Maui Now)
• The educational sessions take place at Hula Grill Kaanapali, offering diners oceanfront views during whale season (Maui News)
• The program coincides with peak humpback whale migration season in Hawaiian waters (Maui News)
• Guests can combine dining at the popular Kaanapali restaurant with learning about marine wildlife (Maui Now)

Sources

• Maui News
• Maui Now

A collaboration between Pacific Whale Foundation and Norwegian Cruise Line will create expanded opportunities for children's whale watching experiences around Maui. The partnership aims to enhance educational marine tourism offerings during peak whale season.

• Pacific Whale Foundation teams up with Norwegian Cruise Line to grow keiki (children's) whale watching programs
• Expanded tours will provide more family-friendly marine wildlife experiences during humpback whale season
• Partnership combines Pacific Whale Foundation's conservation expertise with Norwegian's tourism resources
• New offerings will enhance educational opportunities for young visitors to learn about Maui's marine ecosystem
• Program expansion supports both local marine conservation efforts and family tourism on the island

Source: Maui Now

Maui's tourism sector significantly outperformed the rest of Hawaii in 2025, demonstrating robust recovery momentum. While Canadian visitor numbers remained below pre-pandemic levels, recent data indicates positive trends toward normalization.

• Maui's visitor arrivals grew at a faster pace than other Hawaiian islands throughout 2025
• Canadian tourism to Maui, though still recovering, showed encouraging improvement in the latter half of the year
• The strong tourism performance benefits local businesses, employment opportunities, and the overall island economy
• Visitor industry growth indicates renewed confidence in Maui as a premier travel destination
• Recovery trends suggest continued positive momentum for vacation rental demand and occupancy rates

Source: Maui Now

The Maui Arts & Cultural Center will once again welcome the community for a special sporting event celebration on February 8th, providing locals and visitors with a prime entertainment destination.

• The popular annual sporting event viewing returns to MACC on February 8, 2026
• Provides an exciting entertainment option for vacation rental guests during their Maui stay
• Offers a community gathering place where visitors can mingle with locals
• Located at the premier cultural venue in Kahului, easily accessible from most resort areas
• Perfect opportunity for guests to experience Maui's local culture while enjoying major sporting entertainment

Source: Maui Now

The Shops At Wailea will celebrate Lunar New Year on February 19th with traditional lion dance performances and martial arts demonstrations, offering visitors an authentic cultural experience.

• Free cultural celebration featuring traditional lion dance and martial arts performances scheduled for February 19th
• Event provides authentic Lunar New Year experience for both tourists and local residents in the popular Wailea shopping destination
• Perfect opportunity for vacation rental guests to experience Asian cultural traditions during their Maui stay
• Family-friendly event adds to Wailea's reputation as a premier entertainment and shopping destination

Source: Maui Now

Whale Trust's annual Whale Tales festival returns February 19-23, 2026, marking the organization's 25th anniversary of protecting Maui's marine life. The multi-day event offers visitors and residents educational programs and activities celebrating ocean conservation.

• Four-day festival runs February 19-23, 2026, featuring marine conservation education and activities
• Celebrates Whale Trust's 25-year milestone in protecting Maui's ocean ecosystems and marine wildlife
• Perfect opportunity for vacation rental guests to learn about local marine life during peak whale watching season
• Educational programming designed for both residents and visitors to engage with ocean conservation efforts
• Timing coincides with prime humpback whale season when these magnificent creatures are most visible in Maui waters

Source: Maui Now

The Pacific Whale Foundation is commemorating 45 years of marine mammal research and conservation efforts with special celebrations from February 9-15, highlighting their significant contributions to protecting Maui's iconic humpback whales.

• Week-long celebration from February 9-15 honors four and a half decades of whale research and marine conservation work
• Pacific Whale Foundation has been instrumental in protecting the humpback whales that migrate to Maui waters each winter
• The organization's research efforts have contributed valuable data about whale behavior, migration patterns, and population recovery
• Visitors can likely expect special educational programs, tours, or events during the celebration week
• This milestone showcases Maui's leadership role in marine conservation and eco-tourism initiatives

Source: Maui Now

The beloved Lahaina Food Wine Festival is making its return February 18-22, 2026, bringing world-class dining experiences and local culinary talent back to West Maui for four days of epicurean adventures.

• Festival runs February 18-22, 2026, offering multiple days of premium dining and wine experiences
• Event showcases both renowned guest chefs and Maui's talented local culinary scene
• Perfect timing for visitors planning late winter getaways to experience authentic Hawaiian cuisine
• Represents continued revitalization of Lahaina's tourism and restaurant industry
• Advanced booking recommended as this popular annual event typically sells out quickly

Source: Maui Now

The annual return of humpback whales to Maui's waters is providing a much-needed lift to the island's recovering tourism sector. Visitors are flocking to experience this spectacular winter wildlife phenomenon, supporting local businesses and the hospitality industry.

• Humpback whales have returned to Maui waters for their annual winter migration, creating prime whale watching opportunities through spring
• The whale season is drawing tourists back to Maui, providing crucial support for the island's ongoing tourism industry recovery
• Visitors can experience world-class whale watching from shore or through boat tours, making it an ideal attraction for vacation rental guests
• The timing coincides perfectly with peak winter travel season, offering guests an unforgettable natural spectacle during their stay
• Local tour operators and hospitality businesses are benefiting from increased visitor interest in this iconic Maui experience

Source: Maui Now