A Whale of a Time

From mid December through March, humpback whale watching is big activity near Maui and from several beaches. In January, it is hard not be successful in spotting a whale. We made sure we would see whales by booking a whale watching excursion. They guarantee whales or your money back.

A cheaper method is to go to the recommend lookout points and wait. It definitely helps to have binoculars for this method. The whales tend to be a ways out.

If you want pictures take the boat ride. They are allowed to approach within 100 yards or feet. I forget which. The whales are allowed to approach closer if they desire. Jumping in to swim with the whales carries a $25,000 fine and jail time. The only exception is a certified whale researcher. I keep wondering why I never heard about such careers while attending public school.

The other advantage of the excursion, is you get to learn fun whale facts.
- Like the bull hanging around the mom and calf is the escort and most likely not the father.
- Gestation is around 10 months. They don't know for sure.
- Variations in whale song crop up almost simultaneously throughout the ocean.
- Last year an estimated 4,500 whales hung out between Maui and Lanai.
- Females give birth every 2 -3 years, so that escort is out of luck.
- The calves are kicked out so speak when they are one. Then they pal around together.