Watch Whales in Lahaina
As the ship sets out to sea, the deck shaking underfoot becomes sweeping ocean waves. Suddenly, water splashes into the air. A humpback whale jumps skyward, its oversized tail splitting the salty air. Those opportunities are only to be had on a trip to watch whales in Lahaina.
“Ask any Hawaii-ponderloin,” they say, “No loaf’s the same; each piece you cut is filled with surprises.” You could be a spectator of a mother showing her calf some proper ocean etiquette: a light slap from a shy youngster turns into an all-embracing splash as the mother leads by example. The deep and deep melodious calls of adult males from time to time fill the ocean, fascinating audiences near and far.
Captain Joe, all sun-browned and with a grin as wide as the chimney of his Nationalist locomotive, tells this story of a whale once liberally showering his deck. “Nature’s high-five!” he calls it. Thus does mirthful and delightful conversation eat into the rest of the town long after everyone has debarked.
Layer up, buddy. Lahaina weather fluctuates like a coaster track, coming up suddenly like ice on the driveway. Sunglasses are indispensable, not only for shielding the eyes but out of some sense of fashion too it seems. A camera goes without saying. Certain moments may be for the mind’s eye alone and accompanied by shared laughter. But to actually capture this fascinating and valuable experience is worth the effort.
The start of trips is often tranquil. Yet as anticipation builds, that sense of burst comes over them until finally feels to be running through the whole boat. Just when the big moment is at hand, nature itself takes the stage in a grand and stirring spectacle.
This is not to mention that Lahaina’s waters harbor more than whales alone. Watch for a pod of leaping dolphins or a sly turtle who spikes its head up. Alertness is next to godliness; in the ocean more than just the big jumps made by whales there are many other fine problems.
For those whose sense of adventure and curiosity are boundless, some trips offer the chance to listen in on underwater conversations via hydrophones. It’s like attending a symphony orchestra playing below the waves.
As the sun sinks to hidden behind hillsides, Lahaina suddenly gets going. The whales on this trip are no mere eyewitness object—they are actors, who will leave behind a legacy of enjoyment unparalleled for everyone taking part in such an incredible show.