📸 Whale Lookout Point / Papawai Scenic Lookout | Maui, Hawaii

2022Maui

May 13

📝 My Story:

On one of our drives along Maui’s scenic west coast, we stumbled upon Papawai Scenic Lookout — also known as Whale Lookout Point. It's a perfect quick stop where you can stretch your legs, soak up stunning ocean views, and if you're lucky (especially during the winter months), spot humpback whales breaching offshore!

The wind was whipping pretty good when we arrived, but the rugged coastline and crashing waves made the stop 100% worth it. Even if it’s not whale season, the dramatic views over the Pacific are beautiful and well worth a few minutes of your day.

🗺️ Location:

📍 Open in Google Maps ➔

📌 Quick Info:

🏙️ City: Near Maalaea, Maui
🅿️ Parking: Free parking lot right at the lookout
🚻 Bathrooms: None directly at the lookout — nearest facilities are in Maalaea
🚲 Bike Rentals: Not available here (best accessed by car)
🧭 Travel Tip: Best whale-watching season is December to April
📸 Photographer’s Note: Bring a zoom lens if you have one — it’ll help capture whales if they’re out
🛐 Etiquette: Respect others taking photos and keep noise low for whale watchers
🕰️ Best Time to Explore: Early morning or late afternoon for softer lighting
♿ Accessibility: Flat and paved — easy for strollers and wheelchairs

💡 Pro Tip:

If you're traveling during peak whale season (winter months), bring binoculars! Some of the whale breaches can happen far off the coast, and a good pair of binoculars will make the experience even better.

📸 Photography Tip:

Sunrises and sunsets here are incredible — frame the rocky coastline in the foreground to add depth to your photos. And if it's whale season, keep your shutter speed fast to catch those quick, unexpected breaches!

🎉 Fun Fact:

The Auʻau Channel between Maui, Molokaʻi, and Lānaʻi is one of the best whale-watching spots in the world, thanks to its calm, shallow, and protected waters.
Humpback whales migrate here from Alaska every winter to mate, give birth, and nurture their calves.

🗺️ Planning Your Own Hawaii Adventure?

If you're planning your own trip to Maui (or anywhere across Hawaii), you can find this stunning viewpoint — and many more — on my public travel map:
👉 View My Hawaii Travel Map Here ➔