We leave 2/24/05 for San Diego, then to Honolulu on 3/2/05 and then to Lahaina, Maui on 3/6/05. I know this is whale watching time, does anyone know the best places to see whales from the shore on either island? or, is it best to do a whale watching tour boat? and if so, which is the best deal for the best price? Appreciate all input. Thanks.

I believe the highest number of whales are found between (west) Maui and Lanai.
We had no problem seeing them from our lanai while staying in a condo just north of Lahaina, in Kahana a few years ago.

A scenic coastline drive further north of Kahana beyond Kapalua was frequently interrupted by stops as whales breached in the distance, as indicated by outstretched arms pointing from waysided cars. We also saw distant whales from parking lot overlooks while driving south of Kahana & Lahaina.

The whale watches are worthwhile and you'll be more likely to come home with , however we saw more types of different whale activity from shore than from boat.

The whales are everywhere off west Maui. We saw several close in by the beach but you have to get out on the water to see them close up. We took a snorkel trip on a catamaran (I think it's called the Kaanapali Kai)and saw 15-20 whales during our 4 hour trip.

As for tours and prices, expect to spend at least $70 for any trip, more for longer tours.

Thanks JohnD and weimer... I'm really getting excited. Must remember to pack our binoculars and of course, my big zoom lens. We are staying at Royal Lahaina Resort between Lahaina & Kaanapali and do plan to do some driving north of there. I had read that sightings were good at the point near Maalaea, which is south of Lahaina. Anyone know about that spot?

JohnD and weimer: were you there recently?

I got back on Monday. I stayed at the Hyatt & the Ritz.

My favorites for whale watch tours are Pacific Whale Foundation & Captain Steves - you can't go wrong with either one!

PWF whale watches are $19.95 and $29.95, less if you are a PWF member or make your reservation online, orif you are kama`anina. Proceeeds go to the foundation; naturalists are on each trip. They offer other cruises, such as snorkel trips and cocktail cruises as well.

The best place from the shore depends on where the whales are! On any given day they will be out there, and you can see them from Makena up to Kapalua. Some days you might get lucky and see them closer to the shore than others. Last year we followed two adults and a juvenile quite close to the shore, all the way from Ahihi-Kina`u up to Ma`alaea before they headed out to deeper water. Mostly, though from the shore you will see spouting and the occasional tail or pec
slap. You might get lucky and see a group of males competing, but if you get out into the water on a boat you'll see much more!

You can read about some of the daily PWF whale watch sightings here: http://www.pacificwhale.org/adventures/whale_log.html

We returned from Maui yesterday and spent four days whale watching (nine different cruises). We saw whales on every cruise.

Our favorite whale watching boat is the Wiki Wahine operated by Ultimate Whale Watch (www.ultimatewhalewatch.com). They limit the number of passengers to 16 so you have great views in all directions. The boat is a 28 foot motorized raft. The humpbacks are 40 to 45 feet long. The boat can go up to 30 miles per hour so youspend most of your time actually watching whales.

Ultimate Whale Watch is more expensive than PWF; however, they have coupons for $30 off per couple in the different coupon books (Maui This Week, 101 Things to do in Maui, and other free booklets available at the airport, in kiosks on the streets of Lahaina, and at most hotels and condos. Return customers get a big discount; however, you have to show a receipt as proof.

They offer an early bird whale watch at 7:00 AM that lasts 1.5 hours. They have another whale watch at 1:30 for 2 hours, and a sunset cruise from 4:00 to 6:30.

They have a naturalist on board, free snacks, and free soft drinks and water.

We had more close encounters on this boat; a whale surfaced three feet from the boat on Friday and created the most glorious rainbow with her blow.

What really makes Ultimate Whale Watch great though is the captain and the naturalist. Eric and Melissa are superb - highly-knowledgeable, patient, extremely enthusiastic, and fun.

Dorothy01: Thanks for your input. Did you do any watches with PWF? I forgot to check this site this afternoon and just requested a booking with PWF, but maybe it could be cancelled. You said you liked ultimate best, so I'm assuming you used both companies? Hope you can respond back soon. Thanks again.

I have been a member of the Pacific Whale Foundation for the past five years; my three-year membership is up for renewal next January and I will definitely renew. I support their research and have tremendous respect for the organization.

When I was in Maui in January, we took three cruises on PWF boats because Maui was experiencing severe weather and the only boat that was going whale watching was the PWF's big catamaran that leaves from Maalaea. All other companies cancelled. The captain warned the passengers that the boat would roll, passengers would get wet, and people would probably puke. All predictions came true. We were absolutely soaked by waves and rain. We did not puke (dramamine helps). The captain and the naturalist (Stephnaie) were amazing! We did see whales plus green sea turtles; we even saw a pair of turtles mating (extremely rare).

PWF's boats are fairly large and hold a lot of people. Your view can be quite restricted if the boat is full and people are selfish.

Last week, the Wiki Wahine and the PWF boats were often viewing the same pods of whales. Many boats share information.

I just really prefer the Wiki Wahine and Ultimate Whale Watch because there ia a maximum of only 16 passengers plus the captain and the naturalist. There are no bad views. Since most of the passengers are returnees, they are serious whale watchers and not just casual observers.

If you have already booked with PWF, please go whale watching with them AND also go with Ultimate Whale Watch or one of the other smaller companies. We have gone on three or four whale watches in a day. They are always different and always incredible.

Dorothy01: Thanks again. You mentioned the great naturalist & gude on Ultimate. It's my understanding that PWF also has guide and naturalist. I like the idea of a bigger boat, I've sailed on the ocean twice (Hobie Cat) and got sick both times. On the dbl-decker Quest, I can stand on the bottom with my digital and my husband can go up above with my big camera and the zoom lens. Between the two of us, we should get pictures and that's all I care about. I'm sure that once I see even one whale, I'll be thrilled. We don't see whales in Kansas very often! LOL