We drive into the northeastern part of West Maui, following Highway 30. It's a very winding ride with numerous narrow sections and stunning views. Watch out — the road can get slippery after rain.

Strong surf pushes seawater into the rock, sending a saltwater fountain up to 20 meters high during high tide. You can climb down, but make sure to wear sturdy shoes.

Napili Bay is one of the most beautiful bays in the area, but unfortunately quite crowded. That's likely due to the numerous hotels nearby, which thankfully aren't allowed to exceed three stories. From the shore, we have a great view of Molokai.

On the evening's agenda is a dinner cruise. We're barely five minutes out of the harbor when we spot the first whales breaching — dinner suddenly becomes an afterthought.

In about 45 minutes, we reach Lahaina in the northwest of Maui from Kihei. We take an extended walking tour through town. It gets quite busy whenever a cruise ship is anchored off the coast.

Whale watching tour with www.hawaiioceanproject.com in Lahaina.

We stop at the beach in front of Kihei for a swim and enjoy the gorgeous sunset.

Meeting point is at 6:45 AM at the Ma'alaea pier. Following the American way, we first have to fill out two forms to cover any potential liability claims. Then at quarter past seven, we head out on the Frogman from Boss Frog. Breakfast is served and we spot a few whales nearby right away. After a good 45 minutes, we arrive at Molokini, where countless snorkelers are already plowing through the water. There are some nice corals and fish to see, though the Red Sea or the Caribbean have more to offer. This clearly shows that the Hawaiian islands are relatively young.
We have about 30 minutes before heading to Turtle Town — a reef off Makena in Makena State Park, home to many green sea turtles. They present themselves to visitors with complete composure. The deal is to leave them alone, and touching them is prohibited by law. Along the coast, you'll find some upscale hotels and residences belonging to various celebrities, like Jack Nicholson or Clint Eastwood.

We return to the harbor at 12:30 PM after a snack on the boat. We got the trip for $49 instead of $79, though prices vary widely. Always compare and ask at promotion stands and ticket shops for special deals and last-minute tickets.

Mai Poina 'Oe La'u State Beach is located just before Kihei and is right on our route. A detour to the nature reserve is well worth it. All sorts of waterbirds can be spotted here, and you'll have the beach almost to yourself. Afterwards, you can enjoy some sunbathing at Kamaole Beach.