If you are looking for the best vantage points for watching whales from the shores of Maui, then why not use the same stations that the Pacific Whale Foundation uses for their official whale counts? Here are those stations:
D.T. Fleming Beach by the Ritz Carlton in Kapalua
Pohaku (S-Turns) Park in Kahana
The Maui Marriott Hotel in Kaanapali
Launiopoko Park in Lahaina
The McGregor Point lookout between Lahaina and Maalaea
The Maui Ocean Center at Maalaea Harbor
Pacific Whale Foundation’s offices in Maalaea Harbor
The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary in North Kihei
The beach by the Kihei Surfside in South Kihei
Makena Beach State Park in Makena
Some other great locations recommended by the Pacific Whale Foundation are:
the Kamaole Parks I, II and III in Kihei and Charlie Young Beach, and the oceanside path in Wailea. You can also see whales from the shoreline at some of Maui’s windward locations such as Hookipa, Hana, Huelo, Maliko Gulch, Sprecklesville and Kapukaulua.
One of my favorite whalewatching vantage points in Maui is from the Plantation House Restaurant in Kapalua. The restaurant sits up high along the coastline for great views of the water and Molokai. We’ve had breakfast, lunch, and dinner there and it has all been excellent.
If you are going on a snorkeling or diving tour near Maui, you may have the opportunity to see whales without having to pay for a whalewatching tour. We took the photo (above left) while on a Molokini snorkeling tour.
If you can’t get to Maui this whale season, then take a virtual whalewatching tour by viewing this video of a mother and calf underwater. Happy whalewatching!
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Great Post! I had no idea that Pacific Whale Foundation had so many whale counting stations.
David
Thanks, David. I was also surprised with the number of counting stations. Wouldn't it be fun to be a volunteer counter?
Hmmm. We're going to be over there two weeks from now and we're already Pacific Whale Foundation members. I think I'll look into what's involved.
Thanks for the idea... David
Don't make me jealous. ;-)
I hope you have a great time!
2009 Update - the Pacific Whale Foundation will be stationed from 8am - noon at Papawai Point through April 15th.