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Did you know that Maui and her 3 surrounding islands used to be one gigantic island? That’s right - Maui, along with Kohoolawe, Lanai and Mokolai, were once 1 giant island called Maui Nui. Over time, this large Maui Nui was slowly eroded, creating the 4 separate islands that we see today.
Because of this, the oceans in between these islands are relatively shallow. This is an advantage to some gentle giants that visit Hawaii once a year - the Humpback whales. Every year, the Humpback whales travel some 3,000 miles from Alaska to Hawaii, and spend a nice long winter vacation here. While here, they give birth to calves and nurse them. If you happen to be here during the winter months, between December and April, you might just spot a spout or a breach in the distance. That’s our whale friends frolicking and enjoying their Hawaiian vacation, just like you!
Want to catch a view of some of Maui's whales?