Whale Watching



We began the day with a very nice buffet breakfast at the hotel and then drove about 20 minutes to Maʻalaea to board a catamaran operated by the Pacific Whale Foundation.  The warm and shallow waters surrounding the Hawaiian Islands are a favorite destination for kohola, or humpback whales. Scientists estimate that two-thirds of the entire North Pacific humpback whale population return to Hawaii from Alaska to breed, calve and nurse their young. They come more than 3,000 miles from the Gulf of Alaska to Hawaii, give birth, stay for six months and train their young to prepare for the return trip.  

 February is the perfect month to observe these creatures. Mothers are often teaching their young how to breach and dive properly, while many young males love to show off their diving techniques.  It is an amazing sight to see when a full-sized whale comes completely out of the water and performs a slow roll before reentering.  Many times they are followed by the baby whales who try to replicate what they just saw. Many of these attempts by the baby whales are actually comical to observe but it is something they need to perfect before starting their maiden trips back to Alaska. 





After Whale Watching we drove on the Lahaina in hopes of grabbing lunch and enjoying the town but we were met with typical, Hawaiian afternoon downpours.  We returned to Wailea, ate lunch and later met up with Ralph and Donna for a light dinner in our room.

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