Hawaii 2025 - Day 6 (Maui)

Today we set an alarm for 5am... we had to leave the room by 5:30am. We ate a quick breakfast at the hotel, We booked a whale watching tour with the Pacific Whale Foundation for 6:45am. We were supposed to be there 45 minutes before, and it was at least a 30 minute drive.  We had plenty of time to use the washroom, and take a few photos of the harbour before getting our safety briefing.  We followed the Aaron on a short walk down to the boat, were we met our captan.... Aaron.  

We booked a small boat that would only hold 49 people, but it had only 30 on it.  We got on the boat, and out of the harbour, and pretty much saw a whale breach at 7am. There were so many whales, we saw tails, fins, humps and breaches.  It was sure was an awesome experience.  At one point we saw 2 whales breaching at the same time (it was pretty far in the distance), but we could still see it, as they are so big.  We also saw a whale breach a few times right next to boat that was right near us. AA got some amazing photos.

After the tour, we did a little shopping and then headed to the aquarium, Maui Ocean Center.  We haven't been there since 2017, but it still was great, just as we remembered.  You start by going deeper and deeper into the coral reef. 

Outside there is a touch pond, sea turtles, and fish.  Oh and you can see the ocean as well, and there was a mom and baby humpback whale playing very close to the harbour.  It sure was hard to not keep watching them, but we had to keep going in the aquarium.

In another exhibit it started with jelly fish and continued into a large tank where there were large fish, including 4 types of sharks, and rays.  We went back to see the scuba diver explain some of the fish in the large tank, it was pretty neat. The tiger shark was Lola's favourite, it stayed at the top of the tank unlike the other shark which were different types of reef sharks that would come down to the bottom of the tank.

We had lunch at Seaside Grill at the Maui Ocean Center.  We had eaten here before and the food didn't disappoint.  Lola had the fish of the day, which was Ahi Tuna and Shrimp, and AA had Birria Beef tacos.  The view was also amazing, and the whales continued to put on a show.

We had about 30 minutes before the last part of the aquarium started, so we watched a group off the Disney Cruise ship feed the sea turtles. We then headed to the newest part of the center (that opened after Covid) the Sphere, show casing the Humpback whale, a 3D experience.  The theatre was nice and the seats reclined just slightly to be able to see the dome.  Lola was worried AA was going to fall asleep. The show was about whales and how they interact with each other under the water. 

After the show, Lola wanted a Dole Whip float from the Reef Cafe, and AA had a seasonal Coffee, it was a coconut cappuccino.  

We headed back to the hotel using the Lahaina by-pass, trying to see a little more of the devastation of the fires, but the clean up is going very well, and almost everything is flattened and starting to be rebuilt. We stopped at the grocery store (right by our hotel) for some Maui Brewing beer and root beer. 

Back at the hotel, Lola was excited to get her golf bag delivered (it was delivered about 30 minutes after we left the hotel this morning).  Was super happy to have sandals, and to be able to go golfing!

a kite boarder

AA had a short nap, while Lola went by the pool/ocean to blog and enjoy the sun. After AA's nap, he joined Lola and they went and sat on the beach for a little, watching snorkelers, and whales, and got pelted with sand (the wind sure picked up).

Back a the room, we cleaned up for supper (and wore our new matching Hawaiian outfits). We drove about 10 minutes up the road, to the Plantation House Restaurant at Kapalua Golf Course (where the PGA play the first tournament of the year).  The view was amazing of the 18th hole, and we walked around a little after supper to see the trophy and photos of past winners. 

As the sun set, there was a mob of people taking photos around the perimeter of the restaurant, it was pretty comical. We really enjoyed our dinner.  AA had Macadamia Nut crushed Mahi Mahi, and Lola just had fresh Mahi Mahi with coconut rice, and carrots.  Oh forgot to mention, you know you are at a fancy place when it is mandatory valet complementary parking as you arrive at the front door of the club house.  Our friend E, really wanted us to golf here, but it is a little expensive ($460 USD each for a round), so instead we had dinner with the view.  Lola also had Mango Sorbet for dessert.

everyone taking a photo of the sunset

the 18th hole

A short drive back (Lola drove for the first time) to the hotel to look at whale photos, watch some retro tv (Reba and Golden Girls), and blog, and early bed time, as we were up so early this morning.

Good mirror in the lobby!

Time for Bed, 

Lola