Whale Watching Tours
Maui's waters between the islands of Maui, Lanai, and Molokai form one of the most important humpback whale breeding grounds in the Pacific, making this stretch of ocean a remarkable place to photograph these massive animals from December through April. Most tour boats depart from Lahaina Harbor, and booking a smaller vessel gets you closer to the action and reduces the rocking that makes sharp shots difficult. A fast shutter speed of at least 1/1000s is essential for freezing breaches and tail slaps, and a telephoto lens in the 100-400mm range gives you flexibility as whales surface unpredictably. Overcast days actually work well here, softening the glare off the water and giving you clean contrast on dark whale skin. Position yourself on the bow or sides of the boat for unobstructed frames, and keep your horizon level despite the swell. (Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii, United States)
