Maui Whale Watching
Federal law prohibits whale watching boats from approaching closer than 100 yards to this protected species. Of course no one has informed the whales of this and often they will approach closer. We personally have been on boats where we have been mugged by the whales. This is a good thing. Mugged means being surrounded by whales. The captain has no choice but to turn off the engines and float until there is a parting of the ways.
Although the whales don’t eat while in Hawaiian waters, they come from Alaska where they have been eating krill to their fill for months and they seem to have an abundance of energy. On a good day you’ll see breaches, fin slapping, and much more. Last January we were privileged to watch a calf learning how to breach. Again and again the calf would leap from the water, but just couldn’t seem to get the hang of it. So mom says, “just watch me son” (we’re sure that’s what she said) and demonstrated a breach. Not to be outdone her escort (read male humpback in waiting) said, “no, no, not like that, you do it this way” and demonstrated another breach. The show went on for nearly an hour. It was so good the captain literally backed the boat to Maalaea Harbor so everyone could continue to enjoy the show.
We’ve used Pacific Whale Foundation recently for our tours. And whether we’re visiting for one week or for three, we’ll go every day the weather is good. The trip is about 2 hours long, not nearly long enough for us. If you become a member of the Pacific Whale Foundation, at $40 for individuals and $35 for students and seniors, you’ll receive a 20% discount on all your trips for a year, priority seating and a tee shirt. A naturalist is onboard to explain whale behavior and answer questions. On a quiet day they’ll drop a hydrophone overboard and you can listen to the whale songs.
Pacific Whale Foundation bills itself as “A non-Profit Center for Research, Education and Conservation.” Their naturalist’s presentations will help you come to appreciate these gentle giants of the sea. Frequent “eco-tours” leave from Lahaina and Maalaea. Their main store is in Maalaea, near the Aquarium.