Maui Whale Watch and Snorkeling Cruise - Pride of Maui

On Monday I was back on The Pride of Maui for an afternoon Maui whale watch and snorkel cruise with my friend Lucy. We were mainly here for the whale watch because February is peak season for whales on Maui.  While we were checking in at Maalaea Harbor, I snapped a photo of the catamaran coming in with its morning passsangers.  My husband and I been on the Pride of Maui back in December for a sunset dinner and cocktail cruise so I was familiar with this wonderful vessel.



Lucy and I waiting to board



Just before boarding Captain Patrick introduced himself and gave the mandatory safety talk before we could get on the boat. I found out later that he has been a captain on the Pride of Maui for 15 years, and loves being out on the ocean because every day is different.  He was raised in Lahaina and grew up on boats so it was a natural transition for him to become a captain.

Captain Patrick

As last time we were greeted warmly by the friendly staff, and then we made our way up the stairs to the top of the boat.  The afternoon excursion isn't quite as crowded as the morning one so we had no trouble finding a great seat that even had storage underneath it for our bags.  We were barely out of the harbor when the captain called out that there were whales at 11 o'clock off the bow of the ship.  We were treated to a great show of breaches, pectoral fin slaps and tail waving by a mother and her calf. If you think a baby whale is small just because it's a baby, well,  think again.



Captain Patrick told us that a newborn calf is 12 to 15 ft. in length and weighs a whopping 1 to 2 tons.  Not only that but the baby drinks an astounding 100 gallons of the mother's rich milk every day. Girls, can you imagine even producing that much milk, especially in a state of starvation? I had learned quite a lot about whales on previous whale watches but it never fails to impress me that these gentle giants migrate each year all the way from Alaska to the warm waters of Hawaii where they mate and give birth to their young. Their feeding grounds are Alaska because food is abundant in the North Pacific, however while in Hawaii they are literally in a state of starvation until they return to Alaska.

A beautiful sight ( I didn't take this photo but I own it royalty free)

When mother and calf had each shown their beautiful tail as they disappeared into the ocean, the captain announced that they could be down for up to 40 minutes before having to come up again and breathe. He also mentioned that the design on each whale's fluke is unique just as our fingerprints are, so that is how they can be identified by scientists and marine biologists or anyone else who knows what to look for. For more information about the humpback whales visit the Maui Whale Watching page on Pride's website.

What a start to the trip!  Now we were all actively looking for more whales as we continued on our way.

Heading out to sea

Lucy and I were so enjoying being out on the ocean on this sunny Maui afternoon that our troubles just flew away in the wind. Down below first mate Matt was serving sodas and a special concoction designed to help a queasy stomach for anyone who might be prone to sea sickness.  The drink was made with seven up and cut up ginger, so being a big ginger fan I decided to try it even though my sea legs were just fine.  Lucy tried it too because she was a bit worried that she might feel queasy.  It must have worked because she never complained! Great stuff!

First mate Matt with my ginger drink on the right

Almost everywhere we looked we saw whales either blowing, breaching, swimming, or showing off their tails. How exciting was that! We came across a competition pod of males and Captain Patrick stopped the boat the required 100 yards away from them. They seemed a little angry and I guess it was because they were all after the same female. Apparently when they are into this aggresive behaviour they can actually cut each other up with the sharp barnacles that are on their bodies. Wow, were we ever learning a lot about the humpback whales!
Finally it was announced that we were nearing Coral Gardens, the snorkeling site for today.  As we approached the little bay which is just below the end of the Pali, we saw a couple of other snorkel boats and amazing blue green water.

Approaching Coral Gardens

Earlier on, those who wanted to snorkel were given masks and fins and then the captain invited anyone who wanted a snorkeling lesson to assemble.  I thought this was great because there are always people who have never snorkeled before and also people who have never been taught properly.  For example I only just found out that for years I had been putting on my mask the wrong way.



Snorkeling lesson from Captain Patrick

Lucy and I decided not to snorkel this time, so we just enjoyed watching everyone getting into the water and having fun.  The crew were right there to help and they had lots of flotation devices for anyone who couldn't float or needed a bit of extra security. They even had boards for kids to hold onto, as well as a fun slide.  Jason, one of the four crew members was life guard for the day. Sorry Jason, that I never snapped a shot of you.

When I went below this time, I caught Stephanie, who had been one of the crew on our dinner cruise, cooking up hamburgers and hotdogs for lunch.  Then Captain Patrick took her place and barbequed up some chicken. Lots of choices. My mouth was already watering from the delicious smells so I couldn't wait to get my teeth into a cheese burger. Lucy chose the chicken and when we finally got our lunch it was delicious and eating outside in the sea air, made it even better!

Stephanie cooking hamburgers and hotdogs

The captain barbequing the chicken

After lunch we headed out to find more whales and we did. Eventually it was time to go back to Maalaea Harbor. Boy did that 4 hours ever go by fast!

Heading back to Maalaea Harbor

It seemed like every second person I spoke to on the ship was from Alberta Canada. First I met a couple from Clive Alberta, near Red Deer. Gary had just come in from snorkeling so I asked him how it was.  He said it was nice and clear and that he saw lots of colourful fish and even swam with a sea turtle. While he was snorkeling his wife Bev was looking after their grandson Liam. 

Gary and Bev Krochak with grandson Liam

The Nelson family, from Edmonton, were having a family reunion and 16 of them were on the boat representing four generations.  Mike and Tracy Nelson, who have a four year old son, told me that they always choose the Pride of Maui and have been on it at least 8 times. They said that they recommend the Pride of Maui to everyone they meet. I thought their reasons were most valid after our experience, so thought I would share them with you.

1.  The boat is nice and big so it is more stable which is especially good if you are prone to sea-sickness
2.  The crew is always super friendly and helpful.
3.  The captain is very knowledgable about whales and so the cruise is educational.
4.  There are boogie boards with site holes for kids, and all snorkeling equipment is provided.
5.  There are lots of food choices for adults as well as kids.
6.   Mai Tais, beer, wine and other alcoholic drinks are included in the price.
7.   Great value for a four hour excursion with all the above.

I asked Mike if I could take a group photo so I did just that when we got off the boat.

The Nelson family from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada representing 4 generations

 If you are interested in a combination Maui Whale Watch and Snorkeling Cruise have a look on The Pride of Maui website. If you book online it is only $37.95 for each adult and $26.95 per child so you save $8.00 per ticket. Great value for the money!!!!

Thankyou Pride of Maui for another fantastic excursion!

World Whale Day in Kalama Park Kihei Maui

Saturday was World Whale Day and Kalama Park in Kihei was the place to celebrate our whales that return every winter to the warm Hawaiian waters to mate and give birth.

The Parade of Whales kicked off the day from 9:00 to 10:00 along South Kihei Road. I snapped a photo of this fun float as I walked up pretty Halama St. on my way to Kalama Park.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

As I approached Kalama Park from my ocean side walk, a sea of tents were sitting beneath the Haleakala mountain ridge, and strains of Hawaiian music wafted my way, inviting me to attend this special event.

I found my way to the entrance and was immediately part of the throngs of people wandering around the park.  This was definitely a happenin' Maui event. Eco Alley had booths represented by more than 15 non -profits working on Maui to protect our resources. I thought this was so neat and one guy who was a volunteer for the Monk Seal Response Team let me take a photo of his back.

"Made on Maui" was the motto of the day and the many local artisans were displaying their wonderful hand made arts and crafts.

I was fascinated by a display called Bhakti Rocks.  Ane Colby-Takaha has created some beautiful paintings on stone. When I got home I looked up their website and let me tell you, it is interesting to read about her journey. Don't we all have one? 

I was also taken by some fun ceramic blow fish by an artist named Lynn. You can visit her website which is called Sparrow Seas to see all of her unique creations.

Wow. I couldn't believe this day. There was stuff for kids galore including shave ice, cotton candy and lots of inflatable fun rides.

There were a zillion food booths representing some of Kihei's best restaurants. You could choose from Shaka Pizza, Stella Blues, Monsoon India, and many more local restaurants. I think all you had to do was buy scripts which translated into dollars to pay for the food.

 I haven't even mentioned the amazing entertainment that was there for this event. There was everyone from John Cruz to Willie K, to Happa, to Lukas Nelson (son of Willie Nelson) to mention but a few popular Maui entertainers. We attended the performance by Willie K and OMG I can't begin to tell you the crowds he brought in. I was barely able to snap a photo between people dancing and getting right into his music.

Needless to say we had a fun time at the World Whale Day celebration in Kalama Park, Kihei, Maui.

Favourite Maui Sunset Photos

Maui sunsets are the best, and today I've decided to post some of my favourite shots for all to enjoy.  The first five photos were taken at Waiohuli Beach just across the road from where we live. Life doesn't get any better than this!

The next one was taken from Mulligan's on the Blue in Wailea where we enjoy Joyce and Gord every Monday night.



The next two were taken from Gannons, one of our favourite happy hour hang outs



The next one was taken in Kaanapali looking towards the island of Molokai

I took this final one on The Pride of Maui Sunset Dinner Cruise

If you are considering a Maui vacation this Spring, Summer or Fall, our Maui Garden House is available for rent. It is in a fantastic location for Maui sunsets.

Maui Dixieland Band Mardi Gras Celebration in Kahului

The High Seas Dixieland Band will be performing at a three-day Mardi Gras celebration at Brigit and Bernard’s Garden Café, 225 Ho'ohana St., Kahului. Authentic New Orleans jazz will be featured on Fat Tuesday, 2/21, and the following weekend, Friday, 2/24, and Saturday, 2/25.

All three events start at 6 PM and include an all-you-can-eat southern buffet prepared by a well-known New Orleans chef.

The band boosts of having played together for over twenty years and has collected a varied repertoire of Dixieland jazz, including such favorites as When the Saints, Bill Bailey, Do you Know What it Means, South, and many more. The musicians are: Lisa Owen, tuba/leader; Jimmy C., drums/vocals; Steve Sargenti, harmonica/vocals, banjo; Phil Smith, saxophone/vocals; Jerry Eisenberg, clarinet; Mickey Felipe, banjo.

Left to Right: Mickey Felipe, Jerry Eisenberg, Jimmy C, Lisa Owen

Photo courtesy: Bruce Wheeler

We hope to see you there.

Lisa Owen

A Morning Kayak and Stand up Paddle off Waiohuli Beach, Kihei, Maui

The other morning my friend Julie and I went for an early morning paddle just off Waiohuli Beach in Central Kihei right across the road from where we live. We put the kayak on wheels and I pulled it while Julie carried her stand up paddle board to our launching place on the beach.

Julie putting the kayak on wheels

Ready to launch our vessels

It is quite shallow there for a long way out, so we had to keep a look out for coral heads as we tackled the relentless succession of waves to where the the ocean was flat and serene. Of course I couldn't take a photo of that part because I was too busy paddling for my life!

All around us were large turtles swimming and popping up for air sometimes right beside us.  I tried to get a photo of them, but wasn't quick enough.  Oh and the whales breaching and doing their thing in the distance. What a treat!!

As sat quietly and looked towards the pristine South Maui shoreline, I felt so grateful that this beautiful island is my second home!
I have to admit that I was a little nervous about the paddle back into shore, as this was only my second time in a kayak.  Julie instructed me to always go with the waves and to check behind me so I knew when they were coming. I was proud of myself that I made it to shore without tipping, but was I ever out of breath.  It was a good workout for sure!!!
I will look forward to my next kayaking adventure and welcome your comments about experiences kayaking or stand up paddle boarding.

Blue Aina Reef Clean Up with Trilogy II on Maui Hawaii

Last Sunday I was back on Trilogy II with my friends Julie and Lucy.  We were there to volunteer for the Blue'aina Reef Cleanup Campaign, Blue Aina meaning giving back to the ocean.
Trilogy Excursions teams up with the Surfrider Foundation and they are committed to cleaning up 12 reefs in 12 months. The wonderful thing about this event is that is that all the crew volunteer their time, on the first Sunday of every month. The cost is $20 for the morning and all proceeds go to non-profit organizations.

Julie having breakfast

On this particular Sunday, the non-profit group was the Human Dolphin Foundation, and Barbara was on board to tell us all about it.  The Human Dolphin Foundation was created in 1976 by Dr. John Lilly, a neuro physiologist studying the brain. He discovered that dolphins have large and highly complex brains and began studies of human/dolphin communication.  Barbara passed around pictures comparing the dolphin and human brains. The most fascinating thing was that under a project called Janus, Dr. Lilly and his team identified a 40 whistle/word vocabulary, that dolphins communicate with. You can read more about this fascinating research on the Human Dolphin Foundation website. Barbara also told us that we, as citizen scientists can help in dolphin research by reporting any sightings we have of dolphin pods. There is a link on their website called dolphin data base, which allows anyone to record sightings or encounters with wild dolphins.

Talk by Barbara from the Human Dolphin Foundation

Also on board were Jeep and Flo from the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale Natural Marine Sanctuary.  Jeep told us about the many volunteer programs that strive to educate both children and adults about our humpback whales and how we can protect our ocean resources. One of the things they do is take water samples to check for water quality in the ocean. I volunteered to take a water bottle with me on the snorkel and collect a sample.  Later back on board, Flo showed me how they do the test for water quality. It is called a Turbidity test which translated, means to find out what is floating in the water.

Flo and I with our sample bottles

Flo doing the turbidity test

 

Jeep with the fish count survey 

Jeep is holding a fish count survey sheet, which she will take with her when she snorkels.  The data she records about the type and numbers of fish,  is then transferred to an online reef survey form at Reef.org














Marine biologist Cynthia Matzke, a Trilogy crew member and strong supporter of the campaign, thanked us all for coming and reiterated the day's theme of how we as citizen scientists can do so much to help save our oceans.

On the way out to sea, Captain Chris asked us to look out for a whale which had been entangled with fishing line.  I had seen the photo in the Maui news and unfortunately attempts to free the whale had failed.
We saw lots of whales breaching and swimming, but did not find the one in trouble.
Finally the ship stopped in a little cove where we were to do the reef clean up. There were quite a few people fishing from the shore, and we just hoped that they were responsible citizens, especially after we were about to see for ourselves how careless humans are harming our oceans.

Some of the debris taken off the reef

We were appalled at the amount of fishing gear that was tangled around the coral. Julie was the one in our group who dove down to cut it off, while Lucy and I were in charge of spotting debris and holding the bag.

Julie cutting fishing wire from the reef

After an hour Captain Chris blew the conch to bring us back to the ship.  Lunch tasted so good after all that swimming and hard work.
The lunch was provided at no cost by Beach Bums Bar and Grill in Maalaea.  It was a delicious pulled pork on a bun, served with salad and a huge platter of fruit. Needless to say, when we came back into the harbor we shouted out a huge Mahalo in the direction of Beach Bums.

At the end of the trip Cynthia announced that our group of 50 plus had raised a whopping $1,331 cash which she presented to Barbara for the Human Dolphin Foundation.
I found the experience extremely educational, and I definitely will turn out again to help. It was heart warming to meet so many people who are concerned about saving our oceans and the animals that live there.
February is Humpback Whale Month and a great time to get involved and learn more about these magnificent mammals. If you are interested in taking in some of the talks and activities for both adults and kids go to the events calendar for dates and times.
If you want to be part of the Blue Aina Campaign you can reserve online at the Trilogy Website.  Trilogy II leaves Maalaea Harbor at 8:30 AM on the first Sunday of every month and comes back in around noon.