Welcome to Dream Vacations, a lifestyle column on travelling to amazing destinations with practical advice and my revelations about locales from years of personal experience. One of the world’s most beautiful paradises, Hawaii, is also home to some of the world’s most magnificent ocean creatures. Take advantage of some amazing ocean adventures from your home base in Maui.
A World Top-10 Aquarium!
Many people enjoy whale watching and it can be done in many different places around the world. Yet, what sets Maui apart is that you can enjoy whale watching in a whole new way. The Maui Ocean Center, only 30 minutes from Westin’s Ka’anapali Ocean Resort Villas, is one of the Top 10 aquariums in the world and has recently introduced a new way for understanding humpback whales in their natural habitat.
The new “Humpbacks of Hawaii Exhibit & Sphere” is a unique and immersive underwater tour that let’s you experience whales like never before. The first-of-its-kind 3D sphere and 4K laser imagery helps you feel like you are actually underwater, visiting these majestic animals without having to get wet. The show runs every half hour and is included in the Aquarium Plus package. It’s truly a visual and audio adventure for the whole family.
Topside Suggestions
Of course, watching a whale breach is one of those force of nature events that will stay with you for life. The best time to enjoy whale watching is when they migrate to the waters around Hawaii for the winter for feeding and mating. This is typically from November through the end of May, but whales can be seen in other months as well.
The most popular tours and cruises depart from Lahaina and Ma’alaea harbours. However, there are some differences in a tour versus a cruise, and the vessel you ride in. Most whale watching tours are on either large yachts or large sail boats, while cruises are often on even larger boats. One of the best tour companies is PacWhale Eco-Adventures (supported by the Pacific Whale Foundation), which includes a free second cruise within one year of your booking, if you do not have a whale encounter. Their 97% success rate in sightings is impressive as well.
Home Base: Westin’s Ka’anapali Ocean Resort Villas
Of course, staying at this property, you could whale watch from the comfort of your ocean-view villa (based on availability) or on the pristine mile-long famous Ka’anapali beach. There are few resorts that can offer the ocean-front views, on-site amenities and immediate beach access that this resort can in Maui, including the welcoming Westin Kids Club, spa services and a luau experience. Suites include studio, one and two-bedroom options with full-sized kitchen appliances, washer/dryer in-room and quality furnishings to make your party feel like it’s home.
The Westin Ka’anapali Ocean Resort Villas resort is one of the most prized destinations in the Sheraton and Westin resort network by owners. Click the link above to see our availability for the top-rated resort in Maui and book with us today!
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