If you're one of those Island visitors who come for several months during the winter, perhaps you'd like to volunteer for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Annual Whale Watch count that starts on January 26th and continues on February 23rd and March 29th. This shore based count, held throughout the Island requires attendance at a short training session scheduled for January 12th. For more information call 246-2860. If counting is not your thing, you can always stop and talk to a Naturalist to learn more about whales. Naturalists will be present at the Princeville Hotel Grounds, the Kapaa Overlook area and the Poipu Beach Park on the "count days."
Seeing the huge splash of a whale tail slapping the water, or even better, a full on breech, is simply incredible. Last year, it was almost the end of the season and I hadn't seen much more than a few spouts and was feeling that I'd missed out for the year. As I came into my kitchen I suddenly saw a huge splash out of the corner of my eye. That's usually how it goes for me -- I see the aftermath instead of the actual event but this time I got the full on treatment. That whale slapped his fluke in the water almost 16 times in row, long enough for me to run to get my binoculars. The way I saw it, I got my whale watching season all in that one morning.
I'm still waiting to see my first whale this season, although a friend of mine has already seen a pod over on the Westside. I'm very optimistic though -- after all the season is still young! When it happens, I'll let you know -- You're more than welcome to do the same. Happy Whale "Hunting."
Aloha, Elaine
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