You so intend to see the vast population of the Hawaiian waters? Maui is front-row for one of the best presentations in nature. Watching these whales is like being welcomed to a hidden, underwater ballet; they are big—actually, monstrous. Helpful resources!

Now, when should you arrive on the coast? At Maui, whale season falls during the winter. The seas around the island become a theater throbbing with life and intensity from November to May. To have the best opportunity to find these leviathans, though, try mid-January through March. Whales are more common than beach visitors seeking shaved ice during these prime months.

Where is the best place to view whales? Action takes place at West Maui. Consider it as Whale Central. Hot sites are places like Lahaina and Kaanapali. Usually spotting whale acrobatics, helicopters flying above the ocean suggest you’re probably in for a treat from beach or boat.

Speaking of boats, arranging a boat trip will give you an up-close view if you want to dance with the giants. Local legend Captain Dave once remarked his boat is a “floating theater” for seeing these amazing species. Let the sporadic dolphin or sea turtle diversion take your mind away!

You also want a reliable set of binoculars since distance shouldn’t rob you of a breathtaking moment. A plume of water may grab your sight as you search the horizon; it is the whales’ equivalent of, “Hey, look at me!”

Whales have a tendency to show up when you’re not ready, but they are not camera shy. It’s important to keep the camera close at hand; blink and you could overlook a magnificent breach.

And let’s face it—watching that huge tail rise out of the water and slap down with a splash is absolutely humble. Nature is showing itself simply and straightforward. Every moment that exists captures marine art in motion.

If fortune favors you, you could even hear their eerily lovely tunes. While some claim it’s the ocean murmuring its old secrets, others say they sound like a slow-moving symphony.

Whale watching on Maui is an experience, a memory carved in salt water and sunlight, not only a hobby. So grab your sunhat, straighten your binoculars, and get ready to wonder at the titans of the deep. Simply said: you are their loving audience; they are the stars.