Humpback Whale Watching
/The beloved humpback whales are some of Maui's most faithful visitors. Two-thirds of the entire population of North Pacific humpbacks migrate here from Alaska, returning year after year from mid-December through May to give birth in the warm, shallow waters. The whales put on a fantastic show of tail slaps and breaches, entertaining thousands of beachgoers and whale watchers.
It is believed that the kohola (whales in Hawaiian) have been visiting the island waters for hundreds of years, and were an important symbol to the ancient Hawaiians. Respect for the ocean and marine life is deeply embedded in the native Hawaiian culture, and in 1994 the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary was created to protect humpback whales and their habitat in Hawai'i.
The beachfront setting of the sanctuary headquarters in Kihei provides both beautiful scenery and spectacular nature watching. During winter, whales can easily be spotted on the horizon with frequent activity close to shore.
The Sanctuary's Visitor Center, open weekdays, is the place to get all your whale questions answered. Exhibits and artifacts highlight the significance of humpback whales from both the scnientific and cultural perspectives. The center also features dedicated volunteers, all well versed in whale facts and legends, in a great ocean front setting. Don't miss the 45-ton Whale Talk on Tuesdays & Thursdays at 11am.