Maui has one of the most spectacular natural sights on Earth during winter. A large number of kohola (or whales known as humpbacks) travel across oceans between Alaska and the northern Pacific, to reach the warm and shallow channels that flow across Maui, Molokai and Kaho’lawe. It is a lengthy voyage that spans thousands of miles. They are involved in the marine tradition of giving birth to their young and then caring for them. From January to March, there are large numbers of these majestic animals, to the such a degree that the locals refer to it as “whale soup”.
In the days before Maui’s ‘whale season’ drew close in the early days of December I was able to swim in the gentle waves of Polo Beach, the site which fronts Wailea’s Fairmont Kea Lani resort. The majestic sight of the whales humpbacks, also known as kama’aina in Hawaiian cultural terms, was one of the reasons I had a hard time forgetting about the bond that we have with the natural world. While they sing, dance and interact with each other off the coast, you can feel the power mythic to the kohola, which symbolizes force, strength and unity.
Whilst sequestered for a few days in an ocean-facing Kilohana suite, I was scanning the sky with keen anticipation looking for whales. Within minutes, I heard a faint, whispering sound likely to be the result of a whale’s exhale. Then, within a few minutes I saw a fast moving tail, sporting pectoral fins and an effortless swoop, breaking through the surface. Attempting to contain my excitement, I uttered “whale!” to swimmers in the vicinity Some of them were glued to a huge sea turtle that had ventured within a few yards. The event ended by launching a massive breach and the arching leap.
Maui’s whale watching season had arrived with a sizable impact. Numerous methods of observation are readily available, such as boat tours and guided kayaking excursions, terrestrial locations along the south and west coasts of Maui, as well as various luxury hotel properties along the oceanfront including the Westin’s Hokupa’a wing, the Sheraton Maui’s Moana Wing, as well as Kalana at Fairmont Kealani’s Suites and villas. Their balconies provide an ideal vantage point from which to see this spectacular display of the natural world.
This is how we remember the mammalian experience. Then we take a trip to Homo sapiens and then embark on a mission to Megaptera Novaeangliae (humpback whales). Whale watching on Maui is a great method to appreciate this breathtaking experience. It is possible to make your visit memorable by picking outfitters with a good reputation in the following list. The options range from inflatable boats as well as sailing catamarans and large expedition boats. Additionally, there are snorkel stops that have mics that have been dropped into the water. These allow for an incredible experience for the ears, which includes hearing whale songs travelling over long distances.
PacWhale EcoAdventures is located in Lahaina or Ma’alaea. They provide several boat trips which help fund Pacific Whale Foundation’s research, education , and conservation mission. It is highly recommended to take the two-hour morning tour ($1) that departs to Lahaina Harbor, as certified marine naturalists can provide insights on the behaviors of whales who travel faster in water than they do in air, and males are the only ones to can sing. Young children under the age of 4 are not permitted on the vessel. Breakfast buffet will be included in your trip.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Whale Watching on Maui gives you a truly unique and unforgettable experience that should not be missed. Even though it will require some research to find the right Outfitter for you after embarking on this trip and have discovered an amazing, majestic animal experience and an unforgettable audio-visual adventure unlike any other. Support and appreciation to the Humpback Whale species will help to protect it.
