Maui is the best place to see humpback whales in their natural breeding
area in Hawaii. Every year from mid-December through mid-May the humpback whales
make their home in the waters surrounding the island of Maui. We
offer Maui whalewatch cruises four times a day from Lahaina Harbor where
the wind and the seas are calm. Our fleet takes you out to the
whales fast, as we have some of the largest, most stable boats on Maui.
The whales migrate close to 3,500 miles from their Alaskan summer
feeding waters, to the warm waters of Hawaii where they mate and have
their calves.
Our researchers in Maui spend time studying the
humpback whales each winter. We put together this
website to share our knowledge of the humpback whales with you. If you are
interested in joining our research team, visit our Intern
Page to see if
you qualify.
Learn about these magnificent creatures, find out how you can
participate aboard one of our whale watch vessels from Lahaina Harbor. Make your plans
to visit Maui this year and help us study the North Pacific humpback
whales in their natural environment.
To learn why the humpback whales choose Maui as their breeding area,
click here.
What Is the Island Marine Institute?
Island Marine Institute believes valuable research can be conducted on
board whale watch vessels and has undertaken a visionary effort to combine
the resources of a successful commercial operation with the needs of a
marine research team.
Traditionally researchers in Hawaii have conducted most of their
research aboard their own small boats and in the past, Island Marine has
donated tens of thousands of dollars to support this research.
We are now endeavoring to support our own marine research team under
the direction of highly respected whale researchers and incorporating a
new Marine Field Techniques Research Intern Program for students working
toward a career in marine mammal biology, zoology, marine biology or
related fields.
This is an exciting training opportunity we are able to provide free of
charge because of our unique symbiotic affiliation with Maui Princess
Cruises.
Our fluke I.D. and behavioral data is successfully collected
aboard our whale watch excursions. Our Maui Princess Whale Watch
passengers and interns contribute to this important research with on board
data collection, observation and photography.
Responsible viewing guidelines set by Federal Regulations prohibit
approaching humpback whales closer than 100 yards when on the water.
For more information regarding humpback whales, or how you can come
aboard one of our whale watch vessels, contact us at
info@whalewatchmaui.com
or
call Toll free 1.866.910.6284.
Home | Whales in Maui | Whale Research | Humpback Migration | Behavior
Choosing a Whale Watch Boat | Make a Whale Watch Reservation | Internship Opportunities
Island Marine Institute
1036 Limahana Place, 3E
Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii 96761
email: info@whalewatchmaui.com
Maui Toll Free #1 866 910 6284
Copyright © 2010 Island Marine Institute
