We Turtley Love You!
It’s that time of year where Maui locals and malahini (visitors) are fixed on the horizon hoping to see an explosive splash, a shooting...
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SEASONAL TOURS OFFERED DEC 1 THROUGH APRIL 15
(During the summer months, the Humpback Whales return to their feeding grounds in Alaska.)
Our 2-hour whale watching adventures are limited to small groups of 20 passengers or less.
On August 8, Lahaina experienced a devastating wildfire. Our Lahaina Harbor was destroyed along with our beloved Kainalu, the boat that started us off and set us apart from the big boats and the small rafts. We are so proud to welcome KAIAO to our 'Ohana, a 34' Centurion, ready for whale watching!
DEPARTING FROM MALA BOAT RAMP IN LAHAINA
All Real Photos Taken Aboard Our Vessels
DAILY DEPARTURES:
6:45AM
9:00AM
11:15AM
1:45PM
4:00PM
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WHALES GUARANTEED!
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ONBOARD NATURALISTS
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20 PEOPLE MAX
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CLOSE ENCOUNTERS
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SHADED SEATING
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ONBOARD HYDROPHONE
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FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
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LARGE OPEN DECK
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NO AGE RESTRICTIONS
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MORE COMFORTABLE AND SPACIOUS THAN ANY RAFT, WITHOUT THE CROWDS OF A LARGE VESSEL
WHY WHALE SEASON ON MAUI IS THE BEST
There is a reason why whale watching is one of the top activities on Maui... It's Amazing!
Whale season on Maui is when Humpback Whales migrate from Alaska to Hawaii to breed, give birth, and enjoy our warm Hawaii winters. The season begins in December and ends in April.
During this time you can see whales from your hotel balcony, from scenic viewpoints along the drive to Lahaina, or even from the beach. But for an experience, you won't soon forget, we recommend getting on board for a closer look.
We offer shared whale watching trips for groups of up to 20 people. Whale sightings are GUARANTEED on all whale watching trips. Small groups allow us to provide a personalized experience, from discussions about the whales and their behavior to one-on-one question and answer sessions.
Did you know that Humpback Whales sing? Hear them with our onboard hydrophone!
Now that's something that's hard to do from the beach ;)
Every year, over 10,000 Humpback Whales migrate from cold Alaskan waters to spend the winter in warm Hawaii. As Hawaii is their destination, they spend most of their time at the surface where we can get the best view.
Maui Nui is part of the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, an area that protects the whales in their natural environment. Kohola is the Hawaiian name for these magnificent creatures of the sea. Many Kohola are born here in Hawaii and will continue to return to our islands throughout their life to breed and give birth.
MAUI WHALE WATCHING AT ITS BEST
Lahaina is home to some of the calmest waters in Maui, making for the best whale watching experience.
Our boat is what sets us apart from the other whale watching excursions in Lahaina.
Our boat features all the big boat comforts with a small boat atmosphere. Fast to get to the whales, maneuverable to give you the best photo opportunities, comfortable for guests of all ages, and most importantly- a fun and educational experience!
The spacious deck aboard KAIAO makes it easy for everyone to move around and enjoy 360˚ views. Seating along the perimeter ensures that everyone gets a front row seat, and our small group tours of 20 of less allow for everyone to be able to participate in discussions and ask questions anytime they want.
NOT TOO BIG, NOT TOO SMALL... JUST RIGHT!
...BREACH!
AWESOME SURFACING BEHAVIORS OF HUMPBACK WHALES
Watch the whales say "Aloha!" as they swim on their sides and wave their pectoral fins high into the air. Sometimes you will see them gently drop them back into the water, other times you may witness a PECTORAL SLAP, when they repeatedly raise and drop their fin on the surface of the water producing a loud noise and powerful splash. This behavior is believed to be a form of non-verbal communication.
That big splash in the distance? Probably a whale. Humpback Whales are the most surface active of all whales, and acrobatic displays such as a BREACH are often followed by a bravo performance. Scientists call it cetacean surfacing behavior. Keep your eyes peeled and your camera ready for the encore!
PHOTOGRAPHY BY BOB WATKINS
Close Encounters
Bring your GO Pro's we have free extension poles to borrow for these amazing underwater shots!
Perhaps the most action packed behavior consists of multiple male whales competing to become the primary mate for a female whale. This is a COMPETITION POD, which can last for hours. Witness head lunges, tail throws, breaching, and more as mating season is in full swing and testosterone levels run high.
One of the easiest ways to spot whales in the distance. Look for the BLOW, a column of mist caused when the whale exhales at the surface. Blows can be seen from miles away, so keep your eyes peeled!
Adult Humpback Whales come up to the surface to breathe approximately every 5-10 minutes, although they can stay down for as long as 45 minutes. Calves surface much more often, approximately 3-5 minutes. The more active the whale, the more often they will come up to breathe.
Humpback Whales head to Hawaii to breed and give birth. One of the most exciting encounters happens when a CURIOUS CALF approaches the boat for a closer look. Baby Humpback Whales are born averaging 13-16 feet in length and weighing 3,000 pounds. They gain about 100 pounds a day from their mother's 50% milk fat. Watch as they interact with their mothers, learn tricks, and discover Hawaii.
FROM THE BLOG
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