Hawai'i 2: Maui, Day 1

After I had exchanged my car I drove over to Ma'alaea (about a 15 minute drive) to meet Merrill Kaufman at the Pacific Whale Foundation. Paul Forestell has suggested I get in touch with the PWF and have a look at some of the work they are doing. Merrill jumped on that opportunity and created a great programme for me. I met Merrill, and we chatted, while she was showing me around the facilities, and the new rooms (which are under construction), as well as introducing me to the many people working here. We then went for lunch, before I went next door to the Maui Ocean Center.

The Maui Ocean Centre is right next door, and although it is not part of the PWF, Merrill came over with me and got me in free of charge ;-) The Maui Ocean Center is a beautiful aquarium, with some nice exhibitions and tanks.

Main attraction is - of course - the largest tank with sharks, rays, jacks, etc. I was just in time for the interactive shark talk, where they had a diver in the tank who was connected to a microphone. One staff was in the room and conversed with the diver. The audience could also ask questions, which the staff member relayed to the diver. The diver's responses were broadcast directly via speakers in the room. Quite unique, and interesting!

Have a close look - there are a coral and a fish in this photo!

I was then back at the PWF at 4pm, in time for an informal discussion/talk with some of the PWF staff, i.e. cruises managers and naturalists. This was interesting, and went by very fast. I could have chatted with these guys forever, but it was their work time after all. At least I had a chance to talk a bit more with Steve O., since he would be on my tour tomorrow.

On the way back to the hostel I stopped at a supermarket to get some food and drinks for the hostel. I was tired, and fell asleep pretty much right after I got back to the room, and despite the noise I slept through until next morning.