Located on the ma’kai (towards the sea) side of the Honoapiʻilani Highway (HI-30) on the northwest side of Maui, near Kapalua Airport (JHM), in Napili-Honokowai, the Royal Kahana Maui by Outrigger offers some great places to stay. We have not tried other places, but there seem to be plenty of options in the area as well.
During the whale season (December through April) and most especially during the peak (mid-January to March), it is very easy to watch whales breaching, including new calves learning how to breach, all from the beach or from your room if you are facing the water. (Only get a room facing the water.) Also, although we are not typically stay in high rise buildings type of people, any added height does offer a wider range of visibility to see more whales. Take binoculars, and maybe even a tripod for the binoculars. The rooms at the Royal Kahana Maui have outdoor patios that work great for land-based whale watching. If you are into photography, take your gear for long range shots and be prepared for amazing sunsets as well.
Also, if you take any clear photographs of whales be sure to submit them to HappyWhale.com. For humpbacks, get pictures of their tails. For other whales get their dorsal fin and back. Also shots of their heads and any scars are useful as well.
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