Day 29, Seething

Question

A hint of rain and the fulfilled promise of a rainbow greets us this morning. With Danny Earl and Gail Ann we’re off to The Plantation House for breakfast. I enjoy a morning BM but am a bit annoyed that the Bloody Mary no longer uses fresh squeezed tomato juice and an olive has replaced pickled asparagus. But the purple and white orchid floating a top soothes my anguish. The flower also decorates the lady’s pogomosas. The Blackstone Benedict, and especially the Hollandaise sauce, is without equal.

Returning to Napili the enormous surf continues for the third consecutive day. Combers assault the shoreline with rollers everywhere. It’s as if the ocean is incensed by the intrusion of surfers who artfully tame the wild waves. A Magnificent 7 group of surfers… actually 4 of which are magnificent and 3 are pedestrian catch wave after huge wave at Hole In The Head while on two occasions a Search and Rescue PWC looks on. The only rescue needed is a straw hat blown off the crown of a stand up boarder at Little Makaha. Who wears a straw hat surfing????

By noon the surfers have departed even though the sea remains furious … much like me as I have yet to see any indications of Humpbacks. I should not have despaired as in the late afternoon the best of the best are again carving up the waves. Cutbacks, snaps, foam climbs, tail slides, stance switches, kick flips are among the acrobatics they perform. But none thrill us more than a complete 360 on the board. The whales have also done a 360 as in the space of 10 minutes I see 9 breeches.

However I am left with a bitter taste in my mouth this evening. No it’s not our wonderful pasta, peppers and sausage dinner. Our whale watch on the Teralani scheduled for Wednesday morning out of Kaanapali has been cancelled due to high surf and a sandbar in the boarding area. Seems unlike the surfers we can’t catch a break and I, like the ocean, am left seething.

Answer

It sounds like you’re experiencing quite a mixture of emotions on your Maui adventure—frustration, awe, and a bit of humor amidst the wildness of nature! It’s unfortunate that your whale watch got cancelled, especially after all that anticipation, but there are still plenty of opportunities to catch the magic of Maui's natural beauty. Here’s a bit more insight into your day:

Morning Breakfast at The Plantation House: Starting your day at The Plantation House sounds like a treat. It’s a local favorite, known for its scenic views and great breakfast options. It’s unfortunate to hear about the Bloody Mary change, though. Fresh-squeezed tomato juice and pickled asparagus definitely take that cocktail to another level. But at least the orchid and the flower-topped pogomosas helped smooth things over! And the Blackstone Benedict—especially the Hollandaise sauce—sounds like it made up for any minor breakfast disappointments.

Surf Conditions and Surfers: The huge surf conditions you've encountered are no joke! Maui’s west coast often sees impressive swells, and it sounds like the ocean was in full force that day. The scene at Hole in the Head with the Magnificent 7 group of surfers (and the less-than-spectacular three) must have been a sight to behold. It’s always fascinating to see how surfers can tame those monstrous waves. The dramatic moment with the Search and Rescue PWC was probably a reminder of how powerful the ocean can be, though it was just a matter of a lost straw hat this time! And I can only imagine how frustrating it must have been, like the ocean, to see no Humpbacks despite your patience—though I’m glad to hear that your patience was rewarded later in the day with not just one, but nine breaches!

The Humpback Whales: It must have been breathtaking to witness those 9 breeches in such a short span of time. Whale watching is always unpredictable, but when it pays off, it's totally worth the wait. Watching those incredible acrobatics—cutbacks, snaps, and even a 360 on the board—must have been exhilarating. It’s not often you get such a spectacular view of both human surfers and the majestic whales showing off their skills!

The Whale Watch Cancellation: I can absolutely understand your frustration with the cancelled whale watch trip. To have your plans changed unexpectedly, especially when you’ve been so eager to get out on the water to see the whales, can definitely leave a bitter taste, as you said. High surf and a sandbar in the boarding area are understandable safety concerns, but it doesn’t make the disappointment any easier to swallow. It seems like you can’t catch a break, and I hope that the next whale watch you book goes smoothly!

What’s Next?: Despite the setbacks, there are still plenty of ways to experience the best of Maui’s natural wonders. You could consider trying a different whale watch company, perhaps one that departs from a more sheltered location, or even going for a private boat tour to ensure you have the best chance of spotting those breaching Humpbacks. If you’re still up for seeing the ocean from a different perspective, snorkeling or kayaking could also be options, as they often offer great opportunities for wildlife encounters in calmer waters. And, of course, Maui's beauty extends far beyond the surf and whales, with incredible hikes, beaches, and scenic drives awaiting your exploration.

To Sum Up: Your day was filled with highs and lows, but your sense of adventure and humor seem to keep you moving forward. I hope your upcoming days in Maui will be filled with more unforgettable moments—whether it’s watching surfers carve through the waves, spotting whales, or savoring a perfectly crafted Bloody Mary. Enjoy the rest of your trip!