We just got back from Maui and went on a whale watch March 30. We saw several whales, but fewer than we’d seen when there earlier in the winter. We spent more time watching the same group rather than seeing several groups or individuals. Whales come to Maui to mate, and we were told that most of what we were seeing was males bashing each other in competition for a female. We also saw spouts, backs, and even one spectacular breach from our Kaanapali lanai. Nothing is guaranteed; I’d talk to the whale watch company about whether the whales are still around.

It is better to pay than to risk getting a ticket. They are on the look out for tourists that "break the rules." We got a parking ticket in a lot that had a broken ticket dispenser. Plus it said paid parking until 4pm and it was past then. That was in Lahaina. So watch out!

Maybe. Don't bank on it. They told us we were at the end of whale season and that was March 24th. We saw quite a few, plus we saw them from our hotel. You may be lucky. I don't even know if the boats go out after the end of March. It depends on the whale activity.

Yes. When I was there, it was just starting.

It is a very large two deck boat. Very comfortable and safe.

The boat was full, plenty of space to walk and move around and plenty of room to take pictures