Notes

Lahaina’s Liquid Front Row: Where Humpbacks Hog The Spotlight
And suddenly the sea reveals a gigantic extinct species the size of a huge humpback whale which explodes dramatically like a dump truck carrying wings. The sudden surfacing of a massive humpback whale prompts awestruck observers to instantly throw their sunglasses onto the ground while cursing. Stepping into Lahaina's whale watching scene showcases the Pacific Ocean as the main act with humans as mere spectators.



The dock at Lahaina operates as a marine hotspot throughout the prime whale-watching season. read this Thousands of whales prefer Auau Channel as their love and family and rager-throwing destination. Male humpbacks display lithe swimming routines which create hauntingly beautiful mating sounds. Eco-tour expert Koa of Maui Marine Tours recorded the whale clicks during his last marine audio check. "Imagine a subway train played through a didgeridoo. Whales got rhythm."

Scheduled boat departures leave from Lahaina’s pier, though choosing the right time matters. The early morning whale-watching tours offered at sunrise attract visitors through their combination of serene voyages alongside sudden leaps before sunrise lights up the sky. Midday tours? You will find concentrations of people denser than Hawaiian poi ladles during a traditional feast. The local photographer Lani the shutterbug advises visitors to plan their excursion either in the morning or evening. "Midday? That’s siesta time for whales. See them at sunrise or sunset."

Raft thrills or catamaran chill? Decide wisely. Passengers on Zodiac boats experience dramatic whale encounters during which you must protect your hat from being lost to the ocean as well as your lunch. Passengers on large boats can drink mai tais while remaining sheltered, but they watch the whales as if they are observing from a cruise deck. Tourist Greg laughs about he received a whale tail splash on his raft tour while cracking up. "Best $12 shower ever."

If you go, ignore the ads promising 100% whale views. During whaling season Lahaina converts into a massive whale soup in the water. No luck? Most boat crews make substitutions to either bring guests near spinner dolphins or green sea turtles when whales are not present. The crew member Marine biologist Nalani recalls a monk seal suddenly crashing a whale gathering. "Plot twist: seal clapped. Whale ignored him. Drama!"

Skip the beach lounge. Swap sandals for boat boots. The whales of Lahaina live by their own rules. These creatures serve as evidence that wild wondrous animals continue to dominate most territory on this planet. The act of ruling even extends to daily urination of 500 gallons. (Thanks, evolution.)


Website: https://goscubadivemaui.com/mauiwhalewatching/