Unexpected Hawaii Whale Watching Experience

Other posts by MudslideMama

One of the better snorkel trips I’ve had was on a morning trip to Molokini, a small uninhabited (by humans, at least) atoll off the coast of Maui. The snorkeling itself was nice, of course, but what really made the trip was the boat ride back to Maui. We were enjoying our post-snorkeling juice and pastries, when suddenly two humpback whales breached around 15 feet off starboard side of the chartered catamaran. They did this a few times, and each time, the passengers in the boat gasped. Some pointed, some rummaged for their cameras, and the woman next to be broke out in tears. I found myself laughing without being aware of when I started even to smile. It was a pure Hawaii experience: Spontaneous, in-the-moment, and completely joyous.

Something similar just happened this month, with the passengers on the Atlantis Submarines Maui. This underwater sightseeing trip usually takes its passengers off the coast from Lahaina. While Molikini is off the east part of Maui (which is roughly shaped like the two side-by side volcanoes that formed it), Lahaina is off the west coast, near Ka’anapali. On this particular cruise, a pod of around 5-10 humpback whales appeared maybe 25 feet from the Atlantis submersible, swimming around and apparently vying for the attention of one very desirable female whale. Isn’t she lovely? A quick-minded passenger took a video, check it out:

The activity lasted for 45 minutes or so, and then the humpback whales moved away. Only then did the Atlantis submarine return to the surface. It’s great that the Atlantis extended the tour to accommodate this special, amazing experience for the passengers. It gave them an experience they’ll never forget, I’m sure, and that’s what a Hawaiian vacation is all about.

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April 21, 2009 | Filed Under Adventure Travel, Destinations, Eco Travel, Luxury Travel, Videos 

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4 Responses to “Unexpected Hawaii Whale Watching Experience”

  1. Topics about Volcanos » Unexpected Hawaii Whale Watching Experience says:
    April 21, 2009 at

    [...] Earth Sciences,News & Press – A Blog by F.Intilla (WWW.OLOSCIENCE.COM) added an interesting post today on Unexpected Hawaii Whale Watching ExperienceHere’s a small readingMolikini is off the east part of Maui (which is roughly shaped like the two side-by side volcanoes that formed it), Lahaina is off the west… [...]

  2. Carolina says:
    April 21, 2009 at

    Wow, that is cool. We’re going to Maui this summer, and my son was asking to go on the submarine this time. After seeing this video, I’m inspired to take him.

  3. Lorraine says:
    April 23, 2009 at

    This is absolutely incredible. Another reminder for us to focus on preserving our oceans.

  4. Travel Resource says:
    May 17, 2009 at

    We spent the last two summers in Maui and thought we had seen it all. This is the type of adventure my daughter and I look for, so thanks so much for this informative hot travel experience tip — sounds like a must do!

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