Last Saturday, a friend and I went out on my one-man, or one-woman canoes (per my gender) off the Pali.  We paddled approximately two miles out and were surrounded by a number of small pods of whales. The majority seem to be mother whales and young calves accompanied by a immature male looking to breed. The young males realizing the mother's indifference, typically do not stay around for more than 4 hours to a day and move on.

We stayed out in the water for approximately two and a half hours.  The weather was absolutely idyllic and it was difficult to return to shore. I have heard that the whale population around our island waters is really high this season.  Whales will be here around Maui until May.  In my experience, February and March seem to be the months with the most activity.  The Maui News has featured several articles of the recent humpback whale activity.

(photos: P. Chaney)