You always remember seeing your first whale. You may catch a fluke descending below the water, a massive back rolling slightly above the horizon or a cow and calf rising high to breach above the sea. Whatever your age, whale watching never gets old, especially when observing scores of these majestic mammals in Whale Alley directly off the Kaanapali shoreline. Toss up a brilliant rainbow, vibrant sunset and offshore breeze to create your canvas of Maui moments.
“For me,” says Mike Kelley, president of Teralani, “seeing the first whale was as much about seeing the whale as it was about observing the other people on board when they see a whale. It’s like hearing people watching fireworks: ‘ooooh, aaaagh, ooooh, aaaagh, wowwww, ooooh, aaagh.’”
Teralani’s catamarans provide many Maui visitors with their first Pacific Ocean thrills, beginning with steps through the surf from the beach and up the gangplank to the deck. The ubiquitous sailing vessels convey guests on voyages to snorkel among sea turtles and neon-bright fish, whale watch and sip champagne as the sun disappears below the horizon.
“I regularly have several moments of awe a week when we sail,” says Kelley. “Dual whale breaches, including frequent mother and calf duets, come to mind, as do some of the most incredible sunsets in the world with the island of Lanai framed to the left and Molokai framed to the right.”
Lanai and Molokai are hard to miss from Kaanapali Beach, but you will discover one hidden star if you know where to look. Located on the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa roof, Tour of the Stars takes visitors on a journey millions of lightyears away.
Far from a backyard viewing party, Edward J. Mahoney, director of astronomy and NASA Solar System Ambassador, has created an astounding observatory highlighted by the “Great White” 16-inch reflector HD telescope. Mahoney’s excitement when identifying everything from constellations to (very) distant nebulas is infectious.
Early Polynesians discovered what we now know as Hawaii via the stars, navigating the Pacific Ocean from many thousands of miles away. Wayfinding plays a key part in several lively luaus performed at various hotels in the region. Dance, music and song present the interpretation of the wayfinding culture and the Indigenous relationship with wai (water).
Like gold at the end of the rainbow, West Maui’s trails lead to a bucketful of memories. Few experiences leave as indelible an impression as surveying the diverse Maui landscape during a helicopter tour. Choppers carry passengers from interior beauties like the Hana Rainforest and Haleakala Crater to hovering in front of statuesque waterfalls and landing to explore a secluded beach.
However you explore Maui, the Hawai’i Wildlife Discovery Center provides an excellent introduction to this astounding environment. Located on the second floor in Whalers Village, the multimedia, interactive exhibits portray marine wildlife, detail conservation efforts and encourage visitors to give something back to the local habitat and community during their Maui vacations.
Whalers Village also houses various go-to restaurants, boutiques and artisan kiosks filled with handmade woven goods, jewelry and artwork. Dine on the sand accompanied by a ukulele and slack-key guitar duet, followed by shopping for island wear, souvenirs or a lovely watercolor depicting the Maui sunset.
“The sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the horizon,” recalls Blake Moore from Teralani. “Anticipating the elusive “green flash,” my attention was suddenly captured by a magnificent sight: a whale breaching directly in the path of the setting sun. Its silhouette was stark against the radiant backdrop.”
Sailing is synonymous with island life here. Nowhere is this lifestyle on better display than during Wa’a Kiakahi, the annual sailing canoe festival. On May 17, eight-member crews will sail from Kahului Harbor for the 27-mile voyage to Kaanapali Beach. Free sailing canoe rides are available 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., weather permitting on May 18, a rare opportunity for all ages to experience sailing and paddling in these traditional vessels. The crews push off to begin an often grueling 72-mile trip to Oahu on Sunday morning.
Everyone craves Hana hou, an “encore,” after staying on Maui in Kaanapali, be it one more walk on the world-renowned beach, a sunset sail, or a snorkeling adventure among the angel fish. The Westin Maui Resort and Spa celebrates this joyful extension with its new Maui: Hana Hou Package.
Wherever you call home, Maui is once again poised to welcome you back again and again.
Kaanapali Beach Resort is “where the world comes to play” — a completely self-contained vacation destination. Whether you want a romantic getaway or a fun family vacation, you will never be at a loss for something fun to do in Kaanapali.