We are going to Maui in October for a family reunion. Several of us would like to swim with the dolphins or get as close as possible. Does anyone have any info on that type of activity on Maui?

Thanks!

The question is not whether you would like to swim with the dolphins, rather would the dolphins like to swim with you!

This topic always sets off a firestorm on this board. I recall that the activity is outlawed in Maui county.

The island of Lana`i has a very large population of Pacific spinner dolphins, and Pacific Whale Foundation (.org) conducts a dolphin watching tour with a snorkel trip, though the activities are not simultaneous.

Rent a boat or find a charter that will take you into the wild to see the dolphin in their natural habitat.

Please don't even consider paying to support these magnificent creatures in captivity.

I'll answer the question - There are no "swim with the dolphins" experiences (in captivity) on Maui. On Oahu you can do it at Sea Life Park or with DolphinQuest at the Kahala Hotel, or on the Big Island with DolphinQuest at the Hilton Waikoloa.

As I can clearly see and feel, I have caused a stir with my question. I should have been more clear with my question... I did not mean in captivity, that is why I said get as close as possible. I should have said "in thier natural environment". We are scuba divers and snorkelers and have nothing but respect for the wild. We realize we are curious and amazed by the beauty of thier world and understand that we are only respectful on lookers.
In fact my 8 year old son is an extreme marine life fan, with dolphins at #1, he wants to see them in the ocean because it made him sad at 4 years old to see them in a tank at marine world away from thier family and friends.

I appreciate those of you that expressed your concern and offered allternative advice and options. You will make a difference! Those that just like to make snotty comments are not going to change the minds of others that are so closed minded...advice to you is to make a comment with some facts and heart!

Thanks again!

Thanks for the clarification, CODERECLAN. When I read your thread title I thought, "Oh good grief, here we go." As you can see, it's a touchy subject to many of us. But you seem to be doing it the best way, and I wish you a wonderful vacation experience in Hawaii seeing lots of dolphins and turtles!

Yes. It's not good for the dolphins.

CODERCLAN,

After reading your response and seeing the truthful honest responses you got...I'm thinkin' it is me that you are calling "snotty" which I find VERY offensive.

Maui is serious about its sealife and although I do not know the specific rule, I do know that as they are protected, it is their choice who they swim with. Correct me if I'm wrong folks,(and I know you will), but it is my understanding that there is a fine for approaching them.(The don't harrass the dolphin law). If they swim to you, that's just fine.

Sooooooo CODERCLAN, since it appears that you are very new to this board, I forgive you for calling me "snotty." This is a community of fellow travelers, and many of us try to keep a sence of humor as we try to help others. I guess, in your defense, I should learn to use those smiley faces.

Aloha, and as someone said, Lanai is the best bet of meeting up with a spinner dolphin. It's really up to them when they want to approach swimmers or boats.

sistahlou "snotty'??? LOL

Welcome to the boards CODERECLAN.. Take some time, read the boards, and meet the posters.
Notice some people are always available to give advice, make jokes and keep things light and will go out of their way to be helpful...they might even say something humorous, like telling you dolphins might not want to swim with people.
Something I read recently about this very subject and maybe more people should look into before making this a part of your holiday--
Dolphins are strong & can cause harm even accidentally. Dolphins are known to have various diseases and viruses such as salmonella and morbilivirus. We may pass diseases and illness to them. The dolphins can be damaged by being roughly handled. Their beaks and dorsal fins are particularly sensitive.
So, read up a bit on what it actually means to swim with dolphins and get as close as possible to them, you might even change your mind.
Have fun in Maui.

sistahlou...thanks for the follow up and the understanding that I am new. It is difficult to know when someone is being humerous or not. I was just looking for advice not judgements... so I am sorry for calling your comment snotty. I will keep my sense of humor sharp for future boards, as I have found all of you very helpful in planning this family reunion trip of 20 people. Thanks again to everyone. We are going to go about our usual scuba and snorkel adventures and enjoy all the beauty of Maui.

Mahalo CODERECLAN! I hope the dolphins decide to swim with you! Happy planning and make sure you come back with a trip report!!! Good times!

C, nice post. You actually came off pretty lightly because this is a real HOT button topic - on this board and off.

Type "swim dolphins" in the search box above and read some comments and opinions. There is real passion in many of them.

Here's one thread that discusses dolphin swims in FL. There are many other that discuss dolphin swims in HI -

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=1

If your son hasn't watched dolphins leap around and escort boats, I'm sure he would be thrilled with that experience.

Read and consider what is "right" for you. Have a great time on Maui.

The only thing I will say is when I was your son’s age; there were dolphins every day in Kealakekua Bay. I was home in May and there were none. Not one on the days I was there. I spent one summer working on a relatives coffee farm EVERY day in the bays along the S/W coast of the BI there were spinners resting, spinning and relaxing. Very few people. Now there are people and no dolphins. Tagged dolphins have migrated from the inter island channels like Auau to the more remote NW Hawaiian islands. My belief is no matter how good ones intentions are, it is difficult to interact with marine mammals in their habitat without some negative impact to the animals. Please respect these animals when visiting Hawaii.

Good luck and happy travels!

CODERECLAN, if you haven't figured this out by now, we have no sense of humor here at Fodors.

Have you looked into renting a boat? As many times as I've seen them, it never fails to thrill me.

BTW - if you are looking for a dive company to connect with on Maui, you might want to check out Mike Severns. http://www.mikesevernsdiving.com/

In the 33 years since I was certified, my dive experiences with him and his company were the best I've ever had...and that's saying something.

i came back from maui two weeks ago and we did do the pacific whale foundation trip to lanai and all of a sudden our boat was surrounded by dolphins! it was simply amazing! you defintely should take your son on it- gave me chills and goose bumps as they "performed" for us. the staff was very informative and gave alot of good info too. and i am someone who has swam with the dolphins on the big island!