A quick reference guide for respectful wildlife encounters
From spinner dolphins to reef fish, Maui's waters teem with life. Here's your essential guide to enjoying wildlife encounters the right way.
Maui's oceans are home to an incredible diversity of marine life, from tiny nudibranchs hiding in the coral to 45-ton humpback whales breaching offshore. Every encounter is a privilege, and with that privilege comes responsibility. The foundation of responsible wildlife viewing is simple: observe without interfering.
Never touch, feed, chase, or corner any marine animal. Keep the required distances (50 feet for monk seals and dolphins, 100 yards for humpback whales, 10 feet for sea turtles). If an animal changes its behavior because of your presence -- swimming away, diving, or becoming agitated -- you are too close.
Hawaiian spinner dolphins are nocturnal feeders that rest in shallow bays during the daytime. Swimming with resting dolphins -- even if they appear playful -- disrupts their critical rest cycle. NOAA regulations prohibit swimming within 50 yards of spinner dolphins in Hawaii. Tour operators who advertise "swim with dolphins" experiences may be operating in violation of federal law.
The best way to see spinners is from shore or from a respectful distance on a boat. Early mornings at La Perouse Bay or Honolua Bay sometimes offer views of dolphins entering the bays to rest. Their acrobatic spinning leaps are spectacular even from a distance.
Coral is a living animal, not a rock. A single touch can kill coral polyps that took decades to grow. Never stand on, touch, or break coral while snorkeling or diving. Use reef-safe sunscreen (required by Hawaii law) to prevent chemical damage to the reef ecosystem.
Maintain buoyancy control while snorkeling -- avoid dragging your fins across the reef. If you are not a confident swimmer, wear a life vest to stay on the surface rather than accidentally kicking or standing on coral. Feeding fish is also prohibited, as it disrupts natural feeding behaviors and can spread disease.
Maui's coastlines host nesting seabirds including the wedge-tailed shearwater (ua'u kani). During nesting season from March through November, be mindful of burrows in sandy and grassy areas near the coast. Shearwater chicks are vulnerable to disturbance, and adults will abandon nests if stressed.
If you encounter a seabird on a road or pathway at night (attracted by artificial lights), contact the Maui Humane Society or Hawaii DLNR for guidance. Never handle wildlife without authorization from trained responders.