Whale Watching off the South Shore of Maui

Let's get away from the "hiking posts" today and take a trip with the Pacific Whale Foundation out of Maalaea Harbor on Maui's South Shore.  We have been patiently waiting for winter and the return of the Humpback Whales from their 4,000 mile Alaskan migration.  These whales aren't stupid, choosing to spend their winters off the Maui coast in the warm fishing waters. 

I've said it before.  We are not wildlife photographers.  There were so many whale encounters today; I lost count.  That said, I took photos of the sky, the volcano, and the back of peoples heads, all while trying to react to a two second window of opportunity.

For better or worse, here's what we ended up with.  What a wonderful way to finish up our Christmas Staycation on the Kihei Coast. 

We will do this trip again before the whales make their return to Alaska.

Leaving little Maalaea Harbor

Haleakala and our home somewhere in the distance

Before long, we started seeing blowholes spraying water.
Soon, they were all around the boat.

Whale Tail, or is it Whale Tale?

Selfie fail

Finally, I got lucky

Cropped version of the above photo

8 Months and One Broken Ankle Later, We Finally Find the Kings Trail

The last time we went searching for the Kings Trail, the outcome was close to devastating.  This time, with the help of local knowledge, we discovered there is an easier way.  Who would've thunk it?

Out past Makena and Big Beach, the road turns first to single lane asphalt and eventually dirt.  After reaching a small dirt parking lot directly in front of the ocean, there's an incredible ocean trail that leads past small coves under plentiful shade trees until you reach La Peruse Bay.  At this point, there is a small opening in a lava rock wall accessing a 100 yard spur trail which takes you onto the ancient Kings Trail.  Construction started on the trail in 1824, and it's basically a lava rock path with low lava rock walls on either side.  It's secluded with jaw dropping scenery, and ancient ruins of the Hawaiian civilization.  To top it off, Star eyed a pod of humpback whales while hiking.

When Star broke her ankle in search of this place, I knew that day we would eventually find the Kings Trail.  She wouldn't have it any other way.

We only saw a couple of hikers, but we did run into a
photo shoot about 1/2 mile into our hike.  Welcome to Maui.

Looking inland

The most comfortable stone chairs I have ever come across

Ancient Ruins of something

Memorial to surfers who met their demise

The Kings Trail

Looking up 10,000 ft. to Haleakala

 

Out here, it really feels like you're at the tip of Maui

Merry Christmas!!!