Wildlife

Where to Watch Whales from Shore

Maui is unusually good for whale watching without stepping onto a boat. In winter, the water between Maui, Lānaʻi, Molokaʻi, and Kahoʻolawe becomes a broad stage for humpback whales, and much of the island’s west and...

Maui’s ʻIwa, the Bird That Rides the Wind

Learn how to spot Maui’s ʻiwa by silhouette, understand its wind-riding behavior and cultural meaning, and choose respectful places to watch from shore.

Maui’s Pueo and the Open Country They Keep

Learn where pueo fit into Maui’s open landscapes, what they mean in Hawaiian culture, and how to recognize and view them without causing harm.

Maui Honu and How to See Them Responsibly

Learn what honu mean in Hawaiʻi, where Maui turtle encounters often happen, and how to watch from a respectful, legal distance.

Watching Maui’s Winter Humpback Whales

See when koholā return to Maui, how to watch responsibly from shore or boat, and where to look along the island’s best winter whale-viewing coastlines.

Maui’s Spinner Dolphins Are Not on a Schedule

Learn how to view Maui’s spinner dolphins respectfully, from their rest-and-feed rhythms to the best ways to let any naiʻa encounter remain a gift.

Where to See Nēnē Responsibly on Maui

Plan a respectful Maui nēnē sighting around Haleakalā, with tips for spotting Hawaiʻi’s state bird while giving it the space it needs.

Maui’s Hawaiian Monk Seals, Seen Gently

How to recognize a Hawaiian monk seal on Maui, where sightings can happen, and how to give these rare native animals the space they need.