Here is a FUN way to learn the “lingo” for whale alerts
Snorkeling in Maui
Maui’s snorkeling activities are a must do when visiting the island. Half the adventure is under water. There are abundant types of exotic fish, sea turtles, and coral formations just off the beach shores. The famous tongue twister fish “humuhumunukunukuapua’a” can be seen just 10 feet off shore.
All you need to join in on the fun are a mask, snorkel and fins.
Maui offers a variety of shops to purchase the snorkel gear in your budget. The two shops many shop locations are 1) ABC shops offering low cost gear and 2) Maui Dive shops offering mid to high end gear.
Next is to find a snorkel location. All snorkel locations offer different appeal and level of ability. Visitors can easily find free maps describing the different locations. Here are a few locations to consider:
- Kahekili beach (aka Old Airport beach) – Great for beginners, there are a lot of sea life to view in a fairly condensed area.
- Black Rock shows sea life along lava rock and is in the midst of Kaanapali beach.
- Wailea beach is a great spot to snorkel and see very colorful fish and sea turtles.
If you have bigger funds to spend. Taking a trip to Lanai, Molokini Crater, and Turtle Town are a must do for snorkeling. The Pacific Whale Foundation is a great way to visit these sites and learn about sea life along the trip.
So get into snorkeling activities in Maui and you will experience an amazing view of sea life in their natural underwater habitat.
Maui Whale Watching: The Humpback Whales
January/February is the peak season for Whale Watching. In Maui, whale watching adventures starts mid- December till mid-April . In our recent visit last December the whales were visible from Ma’alaea to Lahaina Harbors. There are numerous whaling tours that departs on both harbors. I do recommend the Whale Watch from the Pacific Whale Foundation: Eco Adventures, a non-profit organization. They have an eco-friendly vessels with the friendliest and educated crew. Also, what is great about Pacific Whale Foundation is their dedication to work and promote appreciation, understanding and protection of marine mammals in their environment. Visit Pacific Whale Foundation at www.pacificwhale.org and we encourage you to take part and be a member of the organization.
The Humpback whales tends to congregate around Maui more than other islands in the Hawaiian island chain. They spend and devote their summer feeding in Alaska. In the winter, the Humpbacks travel about 2,500-3,000 miles to Hawaii and focus on reproduction. Hawaii is considered the nation’s primary mating and calving area.
