Whale Watching
According to the travel guide "Maui Revealed," Maui is the "undisputed whale watching capital of Hawaii." Every year, between the months of December and April more than a thousand humpback whales come to Hawaii to breed and give birth. In particular, the whales seem to prefer the shallow waters around Maui County. More than any other island, Maui is the best place to look for whales from shore. It is not uncommon to see breaching whales less than a half a mile from the beach. For even closer viewing, consider taking a whale watching boat tour. One of the most popular companies on the island is the Pacific Whale Foundation, a non-profit organization with boat tours leaving from both Lahaina and Maalaea harbor.
Pacific Whale Foundation
300 Maalaea Rd # 21
Wailuku, HI 96793
(808) 249-8811
www.pacificwhale.org
Drive the Hana Highway
The most scenic drive you can possibly do on Maui is the road to Hana. Many people will drive to Hana and back in one day, while some will stay at the few hotels in Hana. Getting to Hana isn't really the point of the drive though. Instead, the point is to enjoy the journey. Along the way, you'll see scenic waterfalls just off the side of roads. You will also pass black sand and even red sand beaches. Stop along the way to experience the Oheo Gulch, also known as 7 Sacred Pools, or hike through a bamboo forest to cascading waterfalls.
Hana Highway
Route 36
Maui, HI
Sunrise on Haleakala
Haleakala is an impressive mountain more than 10,000 feet high. For many years now, visitors have gone to Haleakala early in the morning to experience sunrise there. This is because it is not uncommon for clouds to sit just below the summit of Haleakala. This means that on a good day, visitors that come for the sunrise will experience being on the mountain summit, with clouds below them and the sun's rays shining up through the clouds. It is a truly unique experience and very popular. Visitors should get there early, at least an hour before sunrise, in order to actually get a parking spot. In addition, it's a good idea to wrap up with every bit of warm clothing you have, as it can get very cold on the summit in the dark.
Haleakala Visitors Center
Haleakala Crater Road
Makawao, HI
(808) 572-4400)
nps.gov
