Things to do nearHumpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary

The sanctuary was established in 1992 to protect the critical winter habitat that draws North Pacific humpback whales to Hawaiian waters each year. The visitor center, operated jointly by NOAA and the state of Hawaii, sits on a historic fishpond site in Kihei and serves as the primary public gateway to understanding the sanctuary's mission and marine ecosystem.

Inside, hands-on exhibits cover humpback biology, migration patterns, and the acoustic world these whales inhabit. A life-size whale skeleton model anchors the main hall, giving visitors a visceral sense of scale. Interpretive panels trace the history of whaling in Hawaii and the conservation milestones that followed.

The outdoor lanai overlooking the Au'Au Channel is where the experience becomes truly immediate. Rangers and volunteers are often on hand during whale season to point out surface activity and answer questions. Scheduled talks and educational programs run regularly for both adults and school groups.

The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary Visitor Center is a rare place where rigorous science and natural wonder meet in an accessible, welcoming setting, making it well worth an afternoon on any Maui itinerary.