Tips For Whale Watching In Maui

Lisa Iannucci
by Lisa Iannucci
Last updated: 3:00 AM ET, Sat November 19, 2016

Hawaii is a vacationer's paradise, known for its beautiful landscape, amazing tropical foods and beautiful Polynesian culture.

During this time of year, from November through March, Maui is the perfect destination for escaping the cold, dreary winter weather and enjoying the warm tropical breezes. It's also the right time to enjoy an amazing whale watching experience.

Humpback whales, in particular, migrate more than 4,000 miles from their summer homes in Alaska to mate in the blue waters of Maui. This mating ritual of coming to the surface and slapping their tails, means that visitors have an even greater chance of seeing these amazing creatures.

Ka'anapali Beach Hotel, which sits right on Maui's Ka'anapali Beach offers a Whale Encounter Experience for two that includes accommodations for three nights, breakfast and lunch and, of course, a whale watching experience that you'll never forget.

The best spot to start your whale watching experience is to sit on Ka'anapali Beach, its three miles of white sand and crystal clear water. There is a chance you'll begin your whale encounter before you even go on your watch. Scan the waters because there are so many whales during this season that you just might see while you are dipping your toes in the sand. Humpbacks are the most popular during this time, but you may also see killer whales, blue whales and beluga whales just to name a few.

The boat tour is the best way to see the whales up close. Bring sunscreen and a hat, but don't forget your camera because you'll want to capture these moments. You'll spend a few hours on the waters looking for the whales, while your guides also teach you a little about the different species and help you spot them in the distance.

[READMORE]READ MORE: 11 Great Things To Do In Maui[/READMORE]

When you step on the boat, there really is no perfect seat for your excursion; whales really can jump up anywhere. Keep your fingers on the record button, but remember not to look at the experience through the camera lens. You're there to see it in person!

If you can't get enough of the whales and the water, Ka`anapali Beach Hotel's new activity center offers even more for guests to do, led by their Beach Alaka'i, who are each highly experienced Maui watermen. These experiences, some complimentary and some for a fee, immerse you further into the Hawaiian culture and environment.

You can choose to take a guided tour into the Mount Haleakala Summit, then coast down the slopes of a dormant volcano or take a day long tour which includes a visit to Pearl Harbor, Arizona Memorial, Pacific Aviation Museum, `Iolani Palace, Punchbowl National Cemetery and Waikiki Beach. You can enjoy live musical presentations - with Elvis, of course - and learn how to surf or parasail over the ocean waters, right where you just saw your whales during their mating season.

The whale watching season only lasts a few months, so it's important to make your reservations at the Ka'anapali Beach Hotel soon.


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Lisa Iannucci

Lisa Iannucci

Lisa Iannucci has written many travel articles for national magazines and newspapers. Over the years, her travel articles have...

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