Ah, Maui! Not just great beaches but a theater for some of the ocean’s greatest wonders too. If you haven’t ever seen a humpback whale gracefully bursting from the water, then you must be missing lots. Just think of an elephant-sized acrobat turning somersaults over the crowd every time it touches down – get more info.

Timing is everything here. From December to April is when the whales come flocking just off Maui. Think of it as their annual get-away—a time to breed, give birth, and rest or play. With any luck, you might glimpse a young one that is still practicing its fin waving—how’s that for a bit of theater!

When you step aboard one of the many boat tours on offer here, they all have their own special “flavor.” Take a small tour for the feeling of going out with family–close and friendly. And if you’re fond of luxury, board a Smart Fancy Catamaran that Jane Austen might have invented just for lovers in such a setting.

Prefer to stay on dry land? Go to the McGregor Point Lookout. Armed with a pair of good binoculars, watch for that telltale spout of water signaling a whale’s approach. Or maybe it’s an enthusiastic wave saying Hello.

A grizzled old seafarer once spoke to me of playful whales ‘throwing tail contests.’ Though no one can say whether this actually occurs, certainly these leviathans know how to create a scene. Think of a rock concert with nature’s own amplifiers turned full up—the whales, of course, being the sea’s rock stars.

Feeling brave? Forget about packed tours, try a kayak instead. Row in the water and one of these huge creatures may come right up to you. Don’t forget to call out, “Encore!” when a large whale pops up nearby out of sheer curiosity.

Maui’s whale wonders are not just about looking; they are a way of becoming one with the rhythm of nature. So work up your courage, pack a little curiosity, and possibly some pills against sea-sickness too. An extraordinary adventure in Maui is just waiting for you.