As if visiting a tropical paradise and experiencing a luau complete with roasted boar and fruity drinks isn’t enticement enough, here’s another reason to visit the islands of Hawaii: whale watching nirvana! The glorious humpback whale has become the star of the annual whale-watching season, which begins in January and continues through late April. An estimated 10,000-12,000 humpback and other whales visit Hawaiian waters each year, where they mate, give birth, and nurse their calves in the warm waters before they make their long trek back to Alaska. While whale-watching excursions are on all the islands, Maui is typically considered the best place for viewing. Here’s why you need to book those tickets now:

The island of Maui becomes whale-centric during winter months, complete with whale festivals, artisan shows, and watch parties.
Ruediger Gros/Flickr
The humpbacks choose the calm waters in the bay areas, and provide endless opportunities for observation. Lahaina is considered an optimal spot to catch the humpbacks in action.
Humpbacks are considered show-offs of the whale world.
Kasper Flörchinger/Flickr
They are known for their curiosity and playful nature.
Tourists and locals alike celebrate the whale flip spottings to great cheers and applause.
Gregory "Slobirdr" Smith/Flickr
Tour boats abound throughout Maui.
Shafi/Flickr
Unlike other whale-watching excursions in the U.S., you can also choose to paddleboard, kayak, or sail around the calm waters.

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You'll have a chance to get up-close and personal with humpacks here.
Alessandro Valli/Flickr
Rick Berg/Flickr
Almost too close, in some cases, although humpbacks' only danger is their size.
Boris Kasimov/Flickr
Humpbacks are leisurely in the Hawaiian waters, and while their top speed is 7 miles per hour, they are more likely to just hang out and spout, breach, and poke their heads up.
After delighting its Hawaiian audiences, the whales depart typically in late April to begin their journey back to Alaskan waters.
Navin Rajagopalan/Flickr
Here they'll find a whole new crowd to delight!

Have you ever been whale watching in person? Let us know what your experience was like in the comment section below!

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