Maui Ocean Center Day (Whale Watching)

Question

Aloha!

I’m working on my trip planning for our early March 10-night Maui trip with our 9 year old daughter.

Early on in our trip, we want to do a whale watching tour and we would also like to go to the Maui Ocean Center.

I’m wondering if I should combine these two events together on the same day- for example a 2-hour Pacific Whale Foundation tour in the morning and then head to the Maui Ocean Center for lunch and enjoying the aquarium or if it’s better to give these two seperate days. I understand that these two things share a parking lot so I know it works logistically- thinking more about what’s best for energy-levels and spacing things out etc.

Also, I haven’t chosen our whale watching tour company yet and am reading up this morning to try to choose!

This is my plan so far (rough draft)

Arrival Night

Check into Airbnb in Kihei

Day 2

Beach day Kihei

Day 3

Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary

Kalepopo Beach Park (fishpond)

Day 4

Morning Whale Tour

Maui Ocean Center

Day 4

Morning Whale Tour Maui

Back to Airbnb to swim/relax etc

Could also do the Hula show at South Maui Gardens on this night (or save for another night)

Day 5

Maui Ocean Center

I haven’t planned out the rest of our trip yet except that we know we want to see Haleakula and visit Upcountry for farm tours. Also considering a snorkel tour.

Mahalo!

Answer

Aloha! Your trip to Maui sounds wonderful, and it's great that you're planning activities with your daughter in mind. Let's dive into your whale-watching and Maui Ocean Center plans, as well as offer some suggestions to help you optimize your schedule for energy levels and enjoyment.

Combining Whale Watching and Maui Ocean Center

Since both the Pacific Whale Foundation's whale watching tour and the Maui Ocean Center share a parking lot, it definitely makes logistical sense to combine the two activities on the same day. However, how much energy you’ll have for both depends on your family’s preferences and the timing of the whale watching tour.

If you do the whale watching tour in the morning (typically lasting around 2 hours), you'll have some time afterward to enjoy the Maui Ocean Center. This works well because you’ll be at the aquarium just a short walk from the harbor. The Ocean Center itself is a great spot to relax, with fascinating marine exhibits and a large ocean tank that will keep both adults and kids engaged. You can take a lunch break at the Ocean Center’s café as well, which has a variety of meals and snacks. If you're unsure whether to combine the two activities, here are some considerations:

Energy Levels: Whale watching tours can be exciting, but depending on the seas, it can also be a bit tiring. After a 2-hour boat trip, some families prefer a low-key afternoon. The Maui Ocean Center would be a great, more relaxed follow-up to the whale watching, especially if you don't plan to rush through it.
Kids' Attention Span: Since you’ll be with your 9-year-old daughter, the Maui Ocean Center is a good fit for kids as it’s interactive and fun. The aquarium can take 1-2 hours to explore, and it’s not physically demanding, so it’s an excellent way to wind down after the boat trip.
Logistics: As mentioned, since the Whale Foundation’s tour and Maui Ocean Center are in the same area, combining them will be convenient and will give you some flexibility to relax and explore at your own pace.

If you prefer a more leisurely pace, you could opt to spread the two events across two separate days. This would allow you to enjoy the whale watching without feeling rushed afterward, especially if you want more time to relax at the beach or go back to the Airbnb to recharge.

Whale Watching Tour Recommendations

Since you’re still considering which whale watching tour company to choose, here are a few highly-rated options:

Pacific Whale Foundation: You’ve already mentioned this company, and they are excellent, known for their eco-friendly tours and experienced naturalists on board who provide great information about humpback whales.
Trilogy Excursions: Another popular company that offers whale watching tours, Trilogy’s boats are comfortable, and they focus on smaller groups, which can make for a more intimate experience.
Hawaii Ocean Project: Offers tours that are also eco-friendly, and many people enjoy the smaller boats they use, which gives a more personalized experience.

Regarding Your Draft Itinerary

Your itinerary looks great so far! Here are a few small suggestions:

Day 4 (Whale Tour + Maui Ocean Center): You might want to combine the whale watching tour with the Ocean Center on this day. As long as the whale watching is in the morning, you’ll have enough time to relax and enjoy the aquarium. The Hula show at South Maui Gardens is a nice option to add for a fun evening activity, or you could save it for another day when you're looking for something a bit more relaxing.
Day 5 (Maui Ocean Center): If you want more time to explore the Maui Ocean Center, Day 5 is a great option. You could also add a bit of leisure time after visiting the center to either relax at the beach or do a short hike nearby.

Other Activity Ideas:

Haleakala National Park: A must-see! You can plan to visit the summit either early in the morning or for a sunset viewing, depending on your schedule.
Upcountry Maui: Visit a farm tour in Upcountry to enjoy local flavors and beautiful scenery. It's a great way to experience a different side of Maui away from the beaches.
Snorkel Tour: You’re considering a snorkel tour, which is a great idea. Try to choose one that visits Molokini Crater or Turtle Town for the best snorkeling opportunities. Many companies offer half-day tours, which could work well as a more leisurely day.

Final Thoughts: Overall, it seems like your itinerary is well-balanced with a mix of relaxation and adventure. Combining whale watching with the Maui Ocean Center on the same day is an excellent choice for most families, especially since the parking is convenient, and the activities are nearby. However, if you prefer a more relaxed pace, you can always space them out over two days.

Mahalo and have an amazing trip to Maui!

Maui Ocean Center Day (Whale Watching)

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