New fabrics and technologies mean that boat manufacturers can create a light, fast and safe inflatable boat, with many of the same features of a traditional solidhull craft. Whale season is one of the best times of the year to visit maui. Sign up for our monthly maui newsletter, and well send you the download link. Early morning departures are for the kanaio coast, where side vents erupted from the volcano as recently as 1790. Tara, marine biologist, has chosen the afternoon for her whale watching tour. The 32 nd annual maui whale festival, a tremendous hit with locals and visitors alike, offers many opportunities for upclose and personal sightings of hawaiis largest visitors. Without a doubt, one of the most amazing marine wildlife adventures youll ever have the opportunity to partake in is a chance to witness the majesty of the north pacific humpback whales in their natural environment year, after year, these magical mammals grace hawaiian. Maui activities whale watching maui whale watching. Zodiac boats offer a bit more adventure, they are smaller, more flexible in their. Browse expedias selection of 3324 hotels and places to stay closest to hawaiian islands humpback whale national marine sanctuary headquarters. Like clockwork, hawaiis most famous visitors arrive every winter.
Hawaiian islands humpback whale national marine sanctuary headquarters is located in an area of kihei known for its array of dining options, snorkeling, and great live music scene. From middecember to midmarch, every year our waters are filled with humpback whales returning home from alaska to mate and give birth. Maui whale watching tours and snorkeling closest encounters in. Experience the humpback whales in their natural habitat during their annual migration to mauis coastal waters. Captain zodiac is entertaining, informative, and a lifelong memory. Every year, in late february or early march, the pacific whale foundation hosts the maui whale festival. Watching whales from a zodiac boat is an amazing experience.
Adult whales can reach 45feet in length and weigh up to 40 tons one of the largest ever recorded humpback whales measured in at 89 ft. Your journey begins within the safe confines of the kihei maui boat ramp which enjoys the. Pacwhale ecoadventures are based on nearly four decades of marine research and ecotourism experience. This is not yet high season for whales but they did their best to get us close to some. Calves are born weighingin at around 3000 pounds and grow at a rate of 200 pounds a day during the first few weeks of life. After departing from the pier, you will enjoy a scenic ride across the neck of maui to lovely maalaea bay on the islands southern shore. Renovations to the two aging buildings will ensure they are maintained and useable, while updated configurations will allow better use of the space for visitor and office use. Pacific whale foundation whale watch lahaina raft hawaii. Midday whale watching from makena beach kihei expedia. From december to may of every year maui is graced with presence of the majestic pacific humpback whales.
Maui whale watching tours luana kai vacation rentals. You are much closer to marine life, only a few feet off the water, and can watch them from basically an eye level position. The best thing about friendly charters lani kai is the boat is smaller so the group is smaller, making the adventure much more pleasurable as we could. Zodiac rafts are known as the perfect vessel to observe marine life. Since 1980, maui whale festival has offered a series of inspiring events held during mauis peak humpback whale season.
Hawaiian islands humpback whale national marine sanctuary, kihei. Head down south dec 15thapril 15th for one of the most exciting humpback whale tours of tropical mauis south shore. Cruise through the national humpback whale marine sanctuary in a zodiac, a vessel that is ideal for speedy maneuvering and upclose viewing of marine. Each occasion is designed to celebrate and inspire environmental stewardship alongside a strong community of maui residents and. Unfortunately, its fenced so you cant climb on top and take a picture. Save on popular hotels near hawaiian islands humpback whale national marine sanctuary headquarters, kihei.
Whale watching in maui is one of the most unique opportunities to take advantage of. Due to state regulations during the growing health concerns of covid19, our tours are temporarily unavailable. In the prewhaling days, the pods were estimated in numbers upwards of 45,000 individuals. Once a regular destination for sojourning hawaiian royalty, kihei features 6 miles of beaches offering clear views of kahoolawe, molokini, lanai and west maui.
The shallow and protected interisland waterways surrounding maui entice these massive creatures for months of playing, mating, birthing and raising their. March daily maui whale watching and snorkeling tours. It is not uncommon for them to be curious about the raft and come right. After departing from the pier, you will enjoy a scenic ride across the neck of maui. There is a cool painted cement statue of a whale humpback. Express whale watch molokini snorkel seasonal guaranteed whale watch seasonal your journey begins within the safe confines of the kihei maui boat ramp which enjoys the protection of the 10,000 foot volcano, mt. But as a result of commercial whaling, those numbers were down to just 1,400 humpbacks in 1966. Maui whale watching if youve been on a whale watch trip, and you didnt find it lifechanging, you didnt go whale watching in maui during season. The explorer is a hardshelled boat with an inflatable edge like a large zodiac which gives a fast, smooth ride and a front row seat for every passenger. Maui whale watching humpback whales at maalaea, kihei. Along with swimming and surfing, you can also find great snorkeling and kayaking. Every trip is led by certified marine naturalists who provide a truly unique, educational and fun adventure at sea. Kihei is beachcombing territory on mauis southwest shore, the sunniest, driest end of the island.
Without a doubt, one of the most amazing marine wildlife adventures youll ever have the opportunity to partake in is a chance to witness the majesty of the north pacific humpback whales in their natural environment year, after year, these magical. Whale watching maui, hawaii kaanapali ocean adventures. Ample free parking is available at the kihei boat ramp less than ten minutes from all kihei and wailea resorts. The hawaiian islands humpback whale national marine sanctuary is one of the worlds most important whale habitats, hosting thousands of humpbacks megaptera novaeangliae each winter. Its in a beach park across the streetish from the foodland grocery store on kihei rd. Whale watching from december to may of every year maui is graced with presence of the majestic pacific humpback whales. The hawaiian islands humpback whale national marine sanctuary visitor center is a cluster of three of buildings in the north part of kihei, with educational exhibits and scheduled talks and presentations about humpback whales. The humpback whales return to hawaii for a few months every year to mate and give birth, so malolo takes you out to see them from december 8 th april 15 th. Highly rated whale watch photography workshop on luxury catamaran in lahaina. Whale sighting is guaranteed or the next ride is on us. Add hawaiian islands humpback whale national marine sanctuary and other attractions to your kihei trip itinerary using our kihei day trip app.
Maui activities whale watching maui whale watching tours. Kihei is home to 2387 hotels and other accommodations, so you can find something thats perfect for your stay. Save on the pacific whale foundation whale watch lahaina raft on maui. The humpback whales that migrate to the hawaiian waters each year seen on all maui whale watching tours spend their summers in alaska. The hawaiian islands humpback whale national marine sanctuary promotes ocean stewardship and raises awareness about the endangered humpback and other creatures that live in island waters.
Blue water raftings ecofriendly powerrafts and knowledgeable staff create the perfect environment for your adventurous whalewatching experience. Stay comfortable even during the rare inclement weather or larger. If youve been on a whale watch trip, and you didnt find it lifechanging, you didnt go whale watching in maui during season. The master plan for the kihei site calls for comprehensive look at the three buildings, the surrounding area, and how to best integrate them with an overall campus feel. Find cheap deals and discount rates among them that best fit your budget. A total of 732 humpback whale sightings were reported during the 2016 great whale count on maui over the weekend. Find hotels near hawaiian islands humpback whale national. Experience the humpback whales and view them in their natural habitat. Cruise through the national humpback whale marine sanctuary in a zodiac, a vessel that is ideal for speedy maneuvering and upclose viewing of marine creatures. Thank you to captain mark and crew for a wonderful time. Saw some flukes and humpbacks at a relatively close distance. I will be staying in kihei this coming weekend with my husband and our four year old and im trying to decide on a whale watching excursion.
The explorer is a hardshelled boat with an inflatable edge like a large zodiac which gives a fast, smooth ride and a. Humpback whale national marine sanctuary, maui hawaiian. The calves drink as much as 600 liters of milk per day to help prepare them for the trip towards colder. The whale watching tours go out to where the action is. Jump ahead fifty years, and we can tell you a bit about our top of the line zodiac boats, and why they are so great for our maui snorkeling and whale watching tours.
Kihei whale watching blue water rafting the snorkel store. Heres the place to get tips on sighting whales, answers to questions about whales and the onsite use of binoculars to see them better. Zodiac raft whale watching adventure 2020 big island of hawaii. See whales upclose for the ultimate whale watching experience aboard redline. Theres been many times when weve been watching the whales from the shore and seen them going very close to the boats. See why pacific whale foundation has the best whale cruises on maui renowned marine experts, ecofriendly, and a unique way to experience the magnificent humpbacks. Pacific whale foundation ecoadventures 101 north kihei road, suite 21 kihei, hi 96753 island of maui tel. The pacific whale foundation mans a whale information station at the mcgregor point lookout on rte. Discounted prices, no booking fees, and easy booking with travelshack. The experience of watching 40 foot 12 meter whales from a 24 foot 7 meter zodiac raft is something youll never forget. Our favorite whale watch its fast which means you spend more time watching whales and less time looking for them. The shallow and protected interisland waterways surrounding maui entice these massive creatures for months of playing, mating, birthing and raising their young. Our small groups get close with mauis whales and dolphins. Following hawaiian marine park laws of stopping at least 100 yards 90 meters away from these magnificent animals, you get a close up look at the migrating humpback whales.
Zodiac raft whale watching adventure 2020 big island of. Hawaiian islands humpback whale about us sanctuary kihei. The sunset sailing on the pride of maui looks amazing but i was told there is no whale watching. Try downloading the maui bus app before you arrive, it makes planning easy. Nothing beats a sunset over the water when whale watching. The hawaiian islands humpback whale national marine sanctuary visitor center is a cluster of three of buildings in the north part of kihei, with educational exhibits and scheduled talks and presentations about humpback whales it is at 726 south kihei road, phone 8088792818. Kihei boat ramp south maui shorter distance to molokini. You will be here at a great time for this whale watching tour.
Maui whale watching guide humpback whales in hawaii. Hawaii ocean project a two hour cruise on a large boat brings whale watching to everyone. Perched high on the cliff overlooking the sea, this lookout is the no. Kaanapali ocean adventures offers thrilling whale watching tours on the island of maui, hawaii for patrons of all ages seeking whale watching. Ben and sergei provided us with a great tour for our private family group of eight. The maui whale festival is held in kihei at kalama park in south maui, hawaii. Hawaiian islands humpback whale national marine sanctuary office, south kihei road, kihei. Hawaiian islands humpback whale national marine sanctuary is located from the shoreline to the 100fathom isobath 600 ft.
Scientists estimate that twothirds of the entire north pacific humpback whale population return to hawaii to breed, calve and nurse their young. Checkin is 30 minutes prior to the booked tour start time. Festivities are carried out all week, but most of the event is held on 2 days during the weekend. If you do not see whales on your cruise, you can take another whalewatching tour within a year at no charge. Enjoy ample room, and more time on the water with pride of maui out of maalaea harbor, a convenient location between wailea and lahaina. Just as our idyllic weather welcomes tourists from around the world, the warm and shallow waters surrounding the hawaiian islands are a favorite destination for kohola, or humpback whales. If you do not see whales on your cruise, you can take another whale watching tour within a year at no charge. Our guaranteed whale watch is 1 12 hours and a great way to get to the whales on maui from a fast and convenient wailea kihei departure. During their annual migration to mauis coastal waters, they come to calve, mate, and rear their young. Although the pacific whale foundation cruises mentioned above are world famous, several other companies operate very enjoyable and informative whale watch tours. Maui whale watching is most thrilling aboard the malolo. Hawaiian islands humpback whale national marine sanctuary.
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