6:45 or 9:15 whale tour

Question

Aloha,

I’m really having a hard time choosing between the 6:45 or 9:15 two hour whale tour.

It will be our 6th day in Hawaii (coming from Toronto) with our 9 year old and we are staying in Kihei and taking the whale tour from Ma’lelea harbor. Afterwards headed to the Maui Ocean Center.

Half of me worries 6:45 is too early and the 9:15 gives us extra time to get there, the other half thinks we might wake up early anyway and 6:45 might be the best one in the earlier morning for calmer seas etc.

We also want to do an early morning snorkel tour two days later.

I know it’s a personal call but I’m super stuck right now in this one so if anyone has any advice I’m all ears. We want to book it today or tomorrow.

Mahalo!

Answer

Aloha! It’s understandable that you’re feeling stuck, as both the 6:45 AM and 9:15 AM whale tours have their pros and cons. Let me break down some factors that might help you decide:

6:45 AM Whale Tour:

The early morning tour has a few key advantages:

Calmer seas: Mornings generally offer calmer conditions, which can make the experience more comfortable, especially for your 9-year-old. The seas tend to be less choppy early in the day.
Less crowded: Earlier tours may have fewer people, which could result in a more intimate and personalized experience.
More time for the rest of your day: After the tour, you'll have the rest of the day to explore, relax, and take in other activities like the Maui Ocean Center without feeling rushed.

However, it does require waking up early, which might be a bit of a challenge after a few days of vacation and adjusting to the time difference. Since it will be your 6th day, you may be well-adjusted to the time zone by then.

9:15 AM Whale Tour:

The later tour also has some benefits:

More sleep: You’ll get a bit more rest in the morning, which is always nice, especially with an active day ahead.
More flexibility: A later start gives you extra time to get to Ma'alea Harbor without rushing. It might also be easier if you plan on having breakfast or getting your day organized at a more leisurely pace.
Potential for more whale activity: While the morning is typically calmer, whales can be active throughout the day, and there’s a chance you may see different behaviors or more whales as the day progresses.

However, the seas may be slightly more active later in the day, and the tour could potentially be more crowded, depending on demand.

Considerations for your schedule:

If you’re planning to do another early morning snorkel tour a couple of days later, it might be good to avoid two early mornings in a row. The 9:15 AM tour might allow for a bit more rest, especially if you're planning to snorkel early again.
If your 9-year-old tends to be more alert in the morning and you’re both excited to get started, the 6:45 AM tour could be a great option to make the most of the calm seas and start the day early.

Ultimately, it comes down to your family’s energy levels and preferences. If you want to maximize the calm waters and avoid crowds, go for the 6:45 AM. But if you prefer a bit more rest and don’t mind slightly livelier conditions, the 9:15 AM option is also a great choice.

Hope this helps you make a decision! Enjoy the whale tour and your time at the Maui Ocean Center. Mahalo!