For a truly exciting and once in a lifetime experience the island of Maui is the place to head to see the great humpback whales, around one thousand of which travel four thousand miles from Alaska to the archipelago to mate and give birth between the months of November and March. If its whale watching you want then Hawaii is the place to be, if you want to see the Hawaiian humpback whale in its winter home to which it returns to give birth. The months between December and April are all grand months to see this wonderful, creature so there are plenty of whale watching Hawaii opportunities.

These giant creatures can be seen off the shore of Maui and there are more than a few good vantage points such as McGregor Point, which overlooks Maalaea Bay on the west coast of Maui or the Outrigger Wailea Resort where you can stop and observe the whales and on occasion also spot spinner dolphins. The significant factor is you need a wide ocean view, to boost your chances of spotting whales, and if you visit from around January, you might see their young. For a closer view for whale watching, Hawaii visitors should head out on a whale-watching cruise from Lahaina and Ma'alaea, which practically guarantee sightings in January and February.

As it takes patience for whale-watching Hawaii luckily has plenty of stunning ocean views to keep you fascinated. Lahaina is itself worth exploring for its historic past as the center for the Pacific whaling trade with many noteworthy buildings to visit including the Old Prison, the Seaman's Hospital and the Pioneer Inn.

Maui is a beautiful island to visit with eye-catching landscapes, beautiful beaches, great restaurants and a immense range of activities including some of the best whale watching Hawaii has to offer. Beach lovers will be astounded by the wonderful beaches at Wailea and Makena whilst Ka'anapali is the largest resort area on Maui and has large sweeping beaches. The view on the long drive along the Hana Coast is wonderful and is hailed one of the world's most impressive drives. For unbelievable food Maui's award-winning establishments offer a winning meal or for a more tranquil atmosphere there are informal seaside fish houses to visit.

Haleakala National Park on Maui offers an splendid view from the top of Mount Haleakala to the look out point at the Haleakala crater to look down at the vast twenty five-square-mile crater floor and it is well worth taking a break from all the opportunities for whale watching Hawaii offers, to add another once in a lifetime experience to your trip. There are some superb snorkelling spots to be discovered including Molokini, a sunken volcanic crater rim and marine reserve off Maui. Another great spot is Turtle Town just off Wailea where there are green turtles to swim among.

To spot a whale, look out for water spray that rises ten to twenty feet into the air. The creature only needs to breathe every seven to twenty minutes so you may have to watch for a while. Once you see the water spray being exhaled from the whale's blowhole, zoom your binoculars on the spot and wait. Soon, the whale will swim up to breathe.