What to do in maui during christmas holiday valley isle excursions. Plan your trip during one of maui s many special events. With a donation or an adoption of a whale you can help to make the world a place where whales and dolphins are free and safe. Officially, whale season in maui runs from december 15thmay 15th, although its still possible to see whales outside of the official whale season dates. Greatly increase your chances of seeing humpback whales in the wild on this whale watching trip to the pailolo channel off the west maui coast. Humpback whale watching in maui options, tips, whale info. Maui whale stock photos download 760 royalty free photos. Best places for whale watching when to go whale watching. You guys have been so helpful in planning our trip next month that i couldnt help but ask another question. There is something so magical about seeing a whale in the wild. This marks the organizations 38th year of celebrating humpback whales with fun, engaging. We have timeshare so need to put in a request but not sure which island we need to be on for whale watching maui big island some body. See the humpback whales up close and visit mauis top rated snorkel destination coral gardens. Four places on maui to see humpback whales right now its whale watching season in hawaii.
Art project paia hosts talk story on glacier loss in alaska december 19, 2019. Maui whale watching tours kayak canoe sup hawaiian paddle. Our big, spacious boat and can follow the whales in comfort, no matter where they roam, throughout the humpback whale sanctuary. The raftlike boat was smaller than the big catamarans and the fewer amount of passengers 15 on my trip and the very personable and funloving crew of 3 made for a. On average, the first whale sighting from a trilogy.
There was a time when maui was known as the center of the pacific whaling industry. The higher elevations along the slopes of haleakala can be quite chilly in the mornings mid 40s and 50s but always warm up during the day to the 70s. Whalewatching in maui in the beginning of april usa today. In april, humpback whales begin their migration north to feast on rich krill in alaska. The whales are drawn to the areas shallow waters, especially the auau channel between maui, molokai and lanai, making maui an ideal jumpingoff spot for. Humpback whales slow to arrive in hawaii in this jan. Whale watching in lahaina maui january 2015 youtube. One of the most popular and fun things to do during this time is to go on a whale watching cruise. Andys tours offer an opportunity to view these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat. 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. Whale watching in maui is one of the most unique opportunities to take advantage of. The late scheduled whale watches can be challenging if the water becomes questionable. December 15th is the official start of the humpback whale season in hawaii, but guests on our private whale watching tour could spot whales as early as november, and since the feeling of watching a humpback from a kayak is one of the islands best adventures, we figured it was time to discuss some basics about humpback whales in maui. From december to may of every year maui is graced with presence of the majestic pacific humpback whales.
Jan 02, 2016 december usually marks the start of humpback whale season in hawaii, but experts say the animals have been slow to return this year. The dorsal shark reporting app pulls reported shark sightings from both official sources and from user reports. It operates a 65foot power catamaran called the ocean explorer, a 50foot sailing. Download 760 maui whale stock photos for free or amazingly low rates. See the humpback whales up close and visit maui s top rated snorkel destination coral gardens. The maui ocean centers aquarium and whale watch experience launched on tuesday, jan.
Families will love our kayak tours while workout buffs may prefer our stand up paddle boards sup. Our fast and safe rafting vessels are low to the water and perfect for close whale watching encounters and small groups making every seat a front row seat. The hawaiian island chain constitutes one of the worlds most important habitats for the endangered north pacific humpback whale and offers some of the best whale watching in the world. On the island of maui, the peak months for whale watching are january, february and march. Maui whale watching tours hawaii cruise excursions. Whale season is one of the best times of the year to visit maui. Both are indicators of a shift in seasons, and just as a snowflake falling from the sky signals winter for much of the mainland, the first sighting of humpback whales hearkens winter for us in hawaii during the winter months of december april, the leeward waters of maui. Humpback whales off the coast of maui february 18, 2017 youtube.
Although maui is considered one of the best viewing spots in the world, we had a memorable experience off the kohala coast of the big island aboard the sixpassenger catamaran of endless summer private charters, the makani kai ii, which sails from the small port of. Between december and april, the endangered pacific humpback whales travel from alaska to hawaii to birth and nurture their newborn calves in the warm pacific waters. The naturalist on board has been doing tours for 7 years and had only seen it. Humpback whales in maui whales visit december to april. These huge mammals travel between 3 and 9 mph at over 1,000 miles per month. Then there is lahaina, once home to a royal court and a raucous portofcall. The winter months in maui november thru february are a bit cooler. The hawaiian humpback whale marine sanctuary is located in kihei and was created by congress in 1992 as a way to protect these magnificent creatures in hawaiian waters. Program costs are heavily subsidized by the support of pacific whale foundation members and generous donors. Both are indicators of a shift in seasons, and just as a snowflake falling from the sky signals winter for much of the mainland, the first sighting of humpback whales hearkens winter for us in hawaii during the winter months of december april, the leeward waters of maui county house the worlds densest. Maui activities whale watching maui whale watching. Each winter december through may, thousands of kohola humpback whales travel to hawaii from colder waters to breed, calve and nurse their young. Whale tales to bring renowned marine experts to maui in february 2020 november 5, 2019.
The pacific whale foundation has released a tentative schedule of events for maui whale festival 2018. That is, during the season most reliable companies will guarantee a whale sighting while on the trip or they will give you a free voucher for another trip. They won an award for top ocean recreation business. Their migration crosses 3,100 miles of ocean each season.
Fully grown, they can be 4045 feet long, and weigh 80,000 pounds. I checked for previous questions but couldnt find the answer. Volunteers on vacation is a free program offered by pacific whale foundation to help you easily find meaningful service projects to benefit maui s environment. Go up country the first saturday of december to see the annual holiday faire at the. At one extreme, the annual rainfall averages 17 inches 430 mm to 20 inches 510. This is the safest and most comfortable way to experience upclose whale. Photographer daniel sullivan captured a picture of whales leaping out of the water monday off maui s. Feb 24, 2017 these humpback whales were observed off the coast of maui, hawaii during the 10. Join ralph lee hopkins for a whale tales photo expedition july 10, 2019. Kauai whale watching tours whale watching kauai capt. This video was taken from the ocean spirit on a whale watch cruise with pacific whale foundation on january 15, 2015. The island of maui is the secondlargest of the hawaiian islands at 727. Sep 05, 2018 seeing as we operate seven boats that offer whale watching tours in maui, this is a question were asked a lot and at all different times of the year officially, whale season in maui runs from december 15thmay 15th, although its still possible to see whales outside of the officialwhale season dates. Supreme court ruling forces hawaii superferry shutdown, layoffs.
May 03, 2016 humpback whales have a specific reproductive cycle with the same components as all mammals. My future wife and i will be in maui from 20 to 25 november on our honeymoon and i want to take her 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. Andys sailing and raft tours offer an opportunity to view these beautiful creatures. Good chances to see orcas and humpbacks and northern lights as well. Most likely whales december if you like it more crisp and winterly, norway and iceland are the perfect options. The area between maui, lanai, and molokai is a designated national humpback whale marine sanctuary.
From december to may, large numbers of humpback whales gather in hawaiian waters to breed and give birth. Hi i am from new zealand can you please tell me when is the best timemonths to visit hawaii for whale watching. You dont see any whales, but you can always book another trip specifically for whale watching in maui later in your stay. Whale watching is one of the most exciting experiences you can do on maui. Visitors staying in lahaina and kaanapali will be able to spot the whales from the coast, but everyone should take the opportunity. In the mid1800s, yankee ships carrying whale hunters came and went from harbors like lahaina. The whaleplanner december a whale watching infographic. Hop aboard for snorkeling at some of maui s most popular locations, including molokini crater, or choose from a sunset cruise along maui s shoreline or whale watching from december to april.
During their annual migration to mauis coastal waters, they come to calve, mate, and rear their young. The harbour at maalaea is within easy reach for a variety of boat trips with the pacific whale foundation for snorkelling on molikini, getting up close to the humbacks and enjoying the. Experience oneofakind cultural performances, stage shows, musical events and sports competitions throughout the year on maui. As maui s premier ocean activities company, we offer several whale watching experiences, as unique and different as your personality. Maui whale watching tours kayak canoe sup hawaiian. Head down to banyan court park to see one of the worlds largest banyan trees. From december through april, hawaiian humpback whales make the annual migration to play and breach in hawaiian waters. Maui whale watch tours hawaii humpback whale watching. Maui is a leading whalewatching center in the hawaiian islands due to.
Whale watching kauai from december through april, kohala, the humpback whale, makes the annual migration to play and breach in hawaiian waters. Aloha great whale count site leaders and volunteers, mahalo for your support of the great whale count. Maui whale watching is one of the most popular activities to do in hawaii. Experience the humpback whales and view them in their natural habitat. My friend who is a whale watching maui expert says trilogy is the most respected company for whale watches, and is a leader in maui in marine conservation and being green. Lahaina pacific whale foundation ocean store, 612 front street, lahaina ma. The whales are drawn to the areas shallow waters, especially the auau channel between maui, molokai and lanai, making maui. Whale watching december thru march hawaii activities. During humpback whale season, from mid december to early may, an estimated 900,000 visitors take a trip to maui banking on seeing one. While the first maui whale sighting differs every year, its lately been as early as september that humpbacks are spotted in maui. Whale watching on oahu graceful and gentle giants of the ocean, arching, breaching, and frolicking, hawaiis humpback whales take center stage during whale season. 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. And for those lucky enough to experience this once in a lifetime influx of such extraordinary creatures these sea stars offer performances worthy of oscars, it is truly a. By providing your number, you agree to receive a onetime automated text message with a link to get the app.
Maui whale watching humpback whales at maalaea, kihei. We offer each guest plenty of room to roam around, for the very best view of maui s humpback whales. The humpback whale season in maui lasts from november to may of every year. Humpback migration to hawaiian breeding grounds whale trust. In a small boatin the company of guides with deep knowledge of whale behavior in these watersget as close as respectfully possible to the gentle giants.
Guy harvey research institute tracking be sure to click the sharks name to track track shortfin makos off the coast of california. Malolo is a great option for families and groups who want to experience maui from the ocean. Humpback whale month hawaiian islands humpback whale. Download the app to stay uptodate on the latest sightings. Trackless, that is, until whale hunters came along. December usually marks the start of humpback whale season in hawaii, but experts say the animals have been slow to return this year. Every year, the humpbacks travel 2,500 to 3,000 miles from their summer feeding grounds in alaska to mate and give birth in hawaii. Temperatures range from mid 70s to low 80s during the day and mid 60s at night. The whales are drawn to the areas shallow waters, especially the auau channel between maui, molokai. December 4 hawaiian islands humpback whale national marine sanctuary advises ocean users to use caution and follow rules to protect whales november 21 maui lecture series.
Be aware that later in the day the ocean around maui can become very rough. If you want to go maui whale watching, then plan your maui, hi vacation for sometime between december. Just starting to think about a trip to maui dec 515, 2017. Mauis toprated whale watch cruise pacwhale ecoadventures. The harbour at maalaea is within easy reach for a variety of boat trips with the pacific whale foundation for snorkelling on molikini, getting up close to the humbacks and enjoying the sunsets. Below you can find dates and hours of all moon phases in 2020. Visitors staying in lahaina and kaanapali will be able to spot the whales from the coast, but everyone. Whale watching what months best time to go kihei forum. The boat is decked out with brand new gear, the guys are super relaxed, really catering the trip for the group on board and we were one of the only boats out on the water that could glide through the wind with n. The giant whales are an iconic part of winter on the islands.
Maui county is world famous as the destination for the pacific northwest humpback whales. The island of maui is the best hawaiian island to watch these majestic mammals. Times are shown in daylight savings time when necessary and in standard time in the other cases. Today, tourists fill the oceangoing vessels and whales are fair game only to observe. Apr 21, 2011 i know that the best time to go whale watching in maui hawaii is the winter months december april but im going to maui on my honeymoon in september the 4th12th and was wondering if there was any possibility i would see any whales lol silly question but i figured im going to be there id love to see a whale if anyone had any spots or suggestions that may work in september. The peak season for whale watching on maui is january, february, and march, though whale season in maui officially runs from december 15may 15. Kauai whale watching tours whale watching kauai capt andys. While there are dozens of excellent whalewatching companies, choosing the one thats best for you depends on factors like health issues, comfort, and good oldfashioned personal preference. This site uses cookies to improve your experience, to enhance site security and to show you personalized advertising. Maui whale watch and snorkel combo tour dedicates a special amount of time to finding the whales and observing them in the wild in maui. Early in the season, the first sightings are usually of males who have made the swim from alaska, awaiting the females who usually show up between thanksgiving and christmas. I know that the whales started appearing in dec this year, and theres no way to predict the future, but if they do arrive during my trip, what is the best area to stay in. Maybe its the fact that we feel so small next to them blue whales can weigh an astounding 300,000 pounds or that for most of us, whales arent animals that we get the chance to see every day. Maui whale watching guide humpback whales in hawaii.
During their annual migration to maui s coastal waters, they come to calve, mate, and rear their young. Hawaiian islands humpback whale news and events latest. Our goal is to make this program accessible to all maui county students. The waters surrounding maui are the stage for some of the best whale watching in the world. Our lead boat, maui princess, is the largest, most uncrowded whale watching boat on maui. Download a special information sheet about whales and the sanctuary. In these uncertain times confronting covid19, all of us at pacific whale foundation, the national marine sanctuary foundation, and the hawaiian island humpback whale national marine sanctuary keep you and your families in our thoughts. Photographs taken by flip nicklin are used with permission by minden pictures. Hawaiis whale watching season runs from december through may. As mauis premier ocean activities company, we offer several whale watching experiences, as unique and different as your personality. Is that a decent time to book a whale watching boat tour. The typical reproductive cycle of a mature female humpback is. Whale watching season runs from the beginning of december to the end of april every year. From middecember to midmarch, every year our waters are filled with humpback whales returning home from alaska to mate and give birth.