Papawai Point Whale Lookout
A breathtaking scenic lookout on Maui offering panoramic ocean views and prime whale watching opportunities during migration season.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak whale watching season
Papawai Point Whale Lookout
Best Time
Peak whale watching season
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A breathtaking scenic lookout on Maui offering panoramic ocean views and prime whale watching opportunities during migration season.
"Exceptionally beautiful viewpoint with amazing scenery, a good spot for whale watching."
🎯 Whale Season is Key
Visit between December and May for the best whale watching opportunities from shore.
💨 Be Prepared for Wind
It can get very windy here, so secure loose items and be cautious near the edge.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Ocean Vistas
Breathtaking 180-degree views of the Pacific, offering glimpses of neighboring islands.
Whale Watching Haven
Prime location for spotting humpback whales during their migration season.
Island Hopping Views
See Kaho'olawe, Lanai, and Molokai from this elevated vantage point.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Whale Watching
Embrace the Wind and Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Whale Season is Key
Visit between December and May for the best whale watching opportunities from shore.
💨 Be Prepared for Wind
It can get very windy here, so secure loose items and be cautious near the edge.
🚗 Parking Can Be Tricky
The small parking lot fills up quickly; arrive early or be patient.
📸 Capture the Views
This scenic lookout offers incredible photo opportunities of the ocean and islands.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Whale Season is Key
Visit between December and May for the best whale watching opportunities from shore.
💨 Be Prepared for Wind
It can get very windy here, so secure loose items and be cautious near the edge.
🚗 Parking Can Be Tricky
The small parking lot fills up quickly; arrive early or be patient.
📸 Capture the Views
This scenic lookout offers incredible photo opportunities of the ocean and islands.
📍 Pin it on Maps
Add Papawai Point to your Google Maps for an easy stop on scenic drives.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the exceptionally beautiful and breathtaking panoramic views of the ocean and surrounding islands from Papawai Point. It's considered a great spot for whale watching, especially during the migration season. Some note the strong winds and minimal safety rails, advising caution. The small parking lot can also be a challenge during busy times.
"We drove past but returned as we didn't want to miss the exceptionally beautiful viewpoint. It was around sunset in early December and the scenery was amazing. Seems to be a good spot for whale watching."
Walter R
"Beautiful overview of the south side of the island. You can see Kaho'olawe, Lanai and Molokai. There is a small parking lot so that you can safely get out of the car and take in the view"
Janelle Otsuji
"An awesome spot to look out on the ocean and contemplate the beauty that surround the island. Pop this spot on your Google maps as you head to Lahaina and make sure to stop off for a few minutes to check it out. I didn’t see any whales this time around, but you never know, you might get lucky. A great hidden gem"
Anthony Diaz
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Papawai Point is located on the south side of Maui, accessible via Highway 30. It's a scenic drive, and you can easily spot the lookout point. Coming from the south can be a bit tricky to turn into, but it's straightforward when heading back south.
Yes, it's a designated lookout point along Highway 30. Pinning it on your Google Maps before you go is a good idea to ensure you don't miss it.
Many visitors stop here as part of a scenic drive around the island, often en route to or from Lahaina.
Papawai Point is often visited in conjunction with other scenic drives and viewpoints along Maui's coast. It's a great stop to break up a longer journey.
Public transportation options are limited for remote scenic lookouts like Papawai Point. Renting a car is the most convenient way to access it.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Papawai Point Whale Lookout is a public scenic viewpoint and does not require an entrance fee or tickets.
Papawai Point is accessible at all hours, as it's an outdoor scenic viewpoint. However, for whale watching and safety, daylight hours are recommended.
There is no admission fee to visit Papawai Point. It's a free public access area for enjoying the views.
While technically accessible, visiting at night is not recommended due to safety concerns and the lack of lighting, especially for whale watching.
The main considerations are safety due to wind and minimal railings. There have been reports of vendors present despite 'no vendor' signs.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour, around sunrise and sunset, offers the most dramatic lighting for photography. Early mornings can also be less crowded.
You can capture stunning panoramic ocean shots, views of neighboring islands, and, if you're lucky, whales breaching.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. However, a zoom lens can be beneficial for capturing distant whale activity.
There are no specific photography restrictions, but be mindful of other visitors and the windy conditions.
Experiment with different vantage points along the lookout area to capture the vastness of the ocean and the islands.
🎫 🐳 Whale Watching
The prime whale watching season in Maui is from December to May, with peak activity typically between January and March.
Humpback whales are the most commonly sighted species from shore during their annual migration to Hawaii.
While Papawai Point is an excellent lookout, whale sightings are not guaranteed. Patience and a bit of luck are involved.
Many visitors report seeing more whale activity in the mid-morning and late afternoon.
Viewing from shore at Papawai Point is free and offers great views, but a boat tour gets you closer to the whales.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tips for families: Bring snacks and drinks, as there are no facilities. Keep a close eye on children due to the wind and minimal safety rails. The drive to Papawai Point is scenic, making it an enjoyable part of a family road trip. Consider visiting during daylight hours for the best visibility and safety.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Photography tips: Aim for the golden hours around sunrise and sunset for the most dramatic light. A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the sweeping panoramas, while a telephoto lens can be useful for zooming in on distant whales. Be mindful of the strong winds, which can affect tripod stability.
🐋 Dedicated Whale Watchers
Whale watching tips: Visit during the peak season (January-March) for the highest chances. Mid-morning and late afternoon are often cited as the most active times. Bring binoculars for a closer look and be patient – the ocean is vast, and whales can be elusive.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of Maui's Whale Season
While boat tours offer an up-close experience, Papawai Point provides a fantastic, accessible alternative. The elevated vantage point allows for sweeping views of the ocean, increasing your chances of spotting the tell-tale blowholes, tail slaps, and breaches. The peak season, generally January through March, offers the highest probability of sightings.
Remember that whale sightings are not guaranteed, and patience is key. Bring binoculars if you have them, and keep an eye on the water. Even without a whale sighting, the panoramic views of the Pacific and the surrounding islands are breathtaking.
Navigating Papawai Point: Practicalities and Safety
One of the most frequently mentioned aspects of Papawai Point is the wind. It can be quite strong, so be prepared for breezy conditions. While there are some safety rails, they are minimal, and visitors are advised to exercise caution, especially when near the edge of the lookout.
Despite its natural beauty, some reviews suggest the signage could be improved, and there have been instances of vendors operating at the site despite signs prohibiting it. Nevertheless, the stunning views and potential for whale sightings make it a worthwhile stop for many visitors.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit