We took the northern route from Kahului to Lahaina. On our way around the north western end of Maui, we stopped at a fantastic little art gallery and picked up some local pieces. Shortly afterwards, we pulled off the side of the road because we were quite certain we could see a whale offshore.

Kohola (humpback whales) have been visiting Hawaii since the ancient Polynesian Era, 1-600 AD.

Archeologists have found Hawaiian petroglyphs that represent proof that humpback whales have historically frequented the Hawaiian Islands. Kohola petroglyphs were found in Olowalu on Maui, Pohue on the Big Island, and Palaoa Hill (Whale Hill) on the Island of Lanai. The petroglyphs depict an ancient human figure riding the back of a whale.

Proof of whale life in Hawaiian culture is seen throughout legends and folklore, and many ritual artifacts; musical instruments, carvings, ceremonial dress, and ancient whale tooth necklaces that were only allowed to be worn by Hawaii’s high ranking chiefs and the Ali’i (royalty). In Hawaii, the North Pacific humpback whale is believed to be an ‘aumakua (ancestors), and a direct representation of Kanaloa, the divine and supreme Hawaiian demigod of ocean animals.*

Humpback whales depart the icy waters of Alaska in the fall for Hawai’i. They come to breed, give birth, and play. In Maui, the underwater visibility from the crystal clear water is exceptional. The variety of shallow and deep waters mixed with no natural predators gives them the ultimate safe space to raise and nurture their young calves in safety.**

While no whales are evident in the picture and some question the authenticity of this claim, I feel like this noble creature made its presence known to us and welcomed us to the exquisite island of Maui.