- You may just see some dolphins on your visit to Kihei, Maui.dolphin play in waves near island with palm image by Alexander Potapov from Fotolia.com
Laid back, blessed with miles of beaches, golf courses with eye-popping greens and affordable accommodations, Kihei is sort of the quiet cousin when compared to party-hopping Kaanapali. People of all ages come to this part of Maui to soak up some sun, or get out on the water and maybe just spot a dolphin or two. - See what lies beneath the waves of Hawaii's oceans--getting wet is optional. The Maui Ocean Center is dedicated to not only teaching visitors about local marine life, but about the history, customs and language of Hawaii's first people. Walk through the 750,000 gallon Open Ocean tank via an acrylic tunnel and be surrounded by tropical fish, sea turtles and sharks. Visit the touch pools and learn what a starfish feels like. If you are feeling brave and have SCUBA certification, suit up and take a swim with the sharks in the Open Ocean exhibit.
Maui Ocean Center
192 Maalaea Road
Wailuku, HI 96793
808-270-7000
mauioceancenter.com - Board a whale watching tour out of Maalaea Harbor in Kihei and learn about humpback whales from certified naturalists. Each year these animals migrate from Alaska to the warm waters of the Hawaiian Islands. Most of them congregate in the channel between Maui and Lanai. Watch as they spout, leap and tail slap the water as they go about the business of raising calves and breeding. Underwater microphones capture the haunting whale songs. Whale watching season is from the middle of November until early May.
Pacific Whale Foundation
300 Maalaea Road
Wailuku, HI 96793
808-249-8977
pacificwhale.org - Take to Maui's offshore waters in 24 feet inflatable rafts. These speedy crafts take you on snorkeling trips, dolphin sighting cruises and along the rugged eastern Maui coast in search of sea caves. The Kanaio Sea Caves tour takes you past ancient lava flows that have created lava arches and hidden grottos only accessible by the sea. Weather permitting, the raft will take you right into the caves or under massive lava arches. Snorkel at La Perouse Bay, home to pods of spinner dolphins. They leap and spin and may even come close to take a look at you. Waterproof cameras are a must.
Blue Water Rafting
P.O. Box 1865
Kihei, HI 96753
808-879-7238
bluewaterrafting.com - Less than four miles from the center of Kihei, the Wailea Golf Club offers three 18-hole courses for you to challenge. Tee off on the Old Blue Course, the first one built in Wailea. Challenge the Emerald Course and its scenic but forgiving fairways. If you dare, try a game on the Gold Course and play on the greens used for the Champions Skins Games for seven straight years starting in 2001. Or you can play a game of tennis on one of the Wailea Tennis Club's 11 Plexipave courts. Afterward, enjoy a meal at Gannon's, the club's ocean view restaurant.
Wailea Golf Club
100 Wailea Golf Club Drive
Wailea, HI 96753
808-575-7450
waileagolf.com
Maui Ocean Center
Pacific Whale Foundation
Blue Water Rafting
Wailea Golf Club
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