Whale watching

Each year from December to April, humpback whales travel from the Arctic to Hawaii to mate. In the last few years, the population of humpback whales who visit Hawaii's protected waters has doubled. Researchers and visitors alike benefit from the ideal conditions that surround the islands, where whale-watching excursions offer a unique opportunity to see these gentle giants at play.

For an inspiring peek at Maui's whale-watching opportunities, view the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau's whale-watching video.

Our whale-watching excursions begin at Maalaea Harbor. The Alii Nui, a custom-built 65-foot (20-metre) luxury sailing catamaran built in Portland, Oregon, brings guests to the whales. During peak whale-watching season, whales can be seen within 5-miles (8-kilometres) of Maalaea Harbor.

Although federal rules prohibit boats from approaching within 100 yards (90 metres) of a humpback whale, the whales are free to approach the boats. During peak times, the whales are all around and multiple pods may be seen at one time. It is not unusual for the whales to swim right up to the boat and make eye contact with passengers, or to swim under the boat.

Certified whale experts join guests aboard the Alii Nui, and imported and domestic beer, wine, sparkling wine and non-alcoholic beverages are served, as well as snacks including mixed nuts, pretzels and trail mix. The boat is equipped with an underwater microphone called a hydrophone, which is dropped in the ocean so passengers can hear the songs of the whales. Excursions aboard the Alii Nui are limited to 60 guests for the comfort of all passengers.

Whale behaviours typically seen during excursions include:

• Spy hopping – when whales raise their heads up out of the water (researchers believe they are looking at their surroundings)
• Breaching – when whales jump completely out of the water (researchers believe they may do this to get barnacles off their backs)
• Tail slapping – when whales raise their tails out of the water and slap them on the ocean surface, also called "sounding" (researchers believe this may be a way of communicating with other pods)

Mother whales may also be seen teaching these behaviours to their calves.