Whale Watching
Earlier today, I had the pleasure of taking my son on his school’s whale watching tour. About 50 kids ranging in age from 2 to 5 boarded a Pacific Whale Foundation vessel and took to the sea. It turned out to be quite enjoyable and we saw more whales than we could count, including a pod less than 50 yards away from the boat. Regardless of how many times I see them, it is always humbling to see such magnificent mammals in their natural element.
The point of this post is not sell real estate or to feature a luxury listing, but rather to talk about the lifestyle that Maui has to offer. Today was a bit of whale watching, tomorrow will be an Aloha Friday full of work, this weekend perhaps some golfing or a lazy day at the beach, all while trying to raise two kids with the values that I hold dear. Truly, with a multitude of micro-climates, Maui has much to offer: its cowboy-rich history yet laid back way in Makawao, to resort living in Wailea and Kapalua, to Hawaiiana luxury estates in Makena, to Lahaina with its historic roots, to quiet gentleman estates in Kula. But it’s not for everyone. There isn’t a significant nightlife to speak of, shopping is not plentiful (I do quite a bit of my shopping online), and choices can sometimes be very limited (when I get hungry late at night for Chinese food, I don’t have much of a selection on South Maui). But for those to whom Maui is a good fit, it can become THE place to call home.
Great post! I bet the kids had a blast on the whale watch!
Wow, I wish I could see one, too!
I’ve never seen a whale in my whole life!
Thanks for commenting. And yes, the kids had a great time, specially the ‘big kids’ (adults).
Oh well, I guess that the nice weather compensates for the lack of shopping and nightlife. I live in Calgary and I can honestly tell you, right now I would rather be in Maui or any other sunny place.
Whales are very humbling. I was surfing on the east coast of Florida and saw a whale (very rare). It was an amazing experience but yes, very humbling.
Many years ago I had the opportunity to take the evening whale watching cruise while visiting Maui for an Alaska Telephone Association (of all things) Winter Conference. Most certainly qualifies as a Bucket List item as an adult. I’m sure the kids were in total awe!
Sounds like a great day! It is great to live in an area with opportunities to see such wonderful natural beauty!
Imagine someone from, say, Minneapolis, reading this blog post with his morning coffee before heading outside into sub-zero weather to scrape last night’s frost off his car’s windshield so he can head off to work. I doubt that person would be too worried about Maui’s lack of nightlife or shopping!
Hawaii seems like a paradise. But sometimes paradises can be tricky. Especially when trying to raise a family with values in them. I am in south Florida and it is tricky.
Great article and great pic! Those whales are beautiful.
Have a great weekend!!
Thanks for commenting, Sean.
Ultimately, we decided to raise our family here on Maui due to its laid-back, small-town feel paired with Aloha Spirit. I’m originally from the East Coast and although I loved everything (culture, limitless options, etc.) that NYC/Boston have to offer, I have made Maui my home. It really isn’t for everyone, at times people can get island-fever and for people who need city-life, then it really isn’t a good fit. But for those who can overlook Maui’s ‘flaws’, then it can be paradise.
Wow that’s a great picture. Hope you and your children had a great time!