Throughout humpback whale season, Pacific Whale Foundation Certified Marine Naturalists are stationed along Maui’s coasts to educate passersby about whales, dolphins, sea turtles and other marine life from shore through our Trail of Whale program. Visitors to our information stations learn the best techniques for spotting whales, and use our binoculars, scopes and bio-artifacts to get a better view.
Vessel Operations Director and former Naturalist, Blake Moore, explains the biggest benefit to these land based information stations is that “we are able to educate people that would not otherwise be reached, either because they can’t come out on our vessels due to seasickness or other reasons, or because they came to Maui for the sandy beaches and beautiful scenery and not necessarily for the wildlife. These visitors see our station and ask, hey ‘what’s that?’, and that’s where the learning begins.” He says that some visitors aren’t aware that we have endangered marine species in Hawai‘i, like the insular population of false killer whales, or even that humpbacks travel here for the winter! About 150 people a day stop by and learn basic information about Maui’s marine wildlife, the threats they face, and the latest scientific updates. Currently there are two stations you can come check out until whalewatching season nears an end.
Papawai Point
Scenic overlook off Honoapiilani Highway (Route 30) approximately 3 miles northwest of Ma‘alaea Harbor.
Daily from 8:00am – 2:00pm
Wailea Beach Marriott Resort & Spa
Oceanfront path in front of Wailea Marriott, off Wailea Alanui Drive in South Maui.
Wednesdays & Fridays from 8:00am – 12:00pm
