What's Maui Marine Tourism (Whale Watching, Snorkeling) Like During the Pandemic?

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Hi from Maui - just wanted to check in and give a few life updates! The last few months have been a f***ing whirlwind, and in a mostly good way. There are positive whirlwinds, I can confirm – they shake you up and make you reevaluate what’s important to you. Even as I write this, my mind feels like it’s spinning at a thousand turns per second. The last few months have brought a lot of change, a lot of life lessons, a lot of new experiences, a lot of new people, and a lot of talking through masks…so my voice is basically always raspy or gone.

What the heck am I doing? I’m working part time for my old employer, Pacific Whale Foundation, although technically for their social enterprise, PacWhale Eco-adventures. It’s been good seeing old familiar faces around campus, falling back into the ole routine of whale watch narration, and slinging cocktails on vessels that I’ve probably worked on hundreds of times…But if the last year has taught me anything, it’s that I’ve been needing to make waves and initiate some changes in my life. I’ve been wanting to learn and grow and challenge myself, so I chose to only go back part-time and leave myself with enough time to explore new avenues.

Lo Got Herself a Photography Gig

I’ve felt the need to explore my creative side for a while, even though I’ve never technically held a position that focused on my artistic side instead of my science side. After a particularly inspiring conversation with one of my girlfriends, I decided to apply for a photography gig and was stoked when I heard back almost immediately. The owner (an amazing boss babe) liked my blog and my mission. I guess maintaining your own blog as a portfolio has its perks, eh? So for the past two months, I’ve also been working part-time for a photography company that sends independent contractors out to snap photos of guests and wildlife on whale watches, sunset cruises, and snorkel trips around the island. It’s been a big learning curve, but I am so proud of myself for following my gut, trying something new, and not putting limitations on myself (yeah, for sure I would’ve said “no way can I work as a photographer” a few months ago). Look at me now, world!

BUT, I also realize I am working in tourism in a very tumultuous time and to some people, that might seem very weird, inappropriate, terrifying, or stupid. I’m not going to tell you what to think, but I am going to briefly tell you what it’s like working in boat-based marine tourism in a pandemic, particularly on Maui.

Also, I still can’t get over the fact that it’s been right around a year since COVID first really started trickling into the U.S. ONE YEAR. All the bumps, bruises, anxiety, depression, uncertainty, anger…ONE YEAR of the rona-coaster. WOW.

Traveling to Hawaii During the COVID-19 Pandemic

So, if you’re curious what it’s like to travel to Hawaii during COVID, here you go. The arrival conditions have shifted from what they were when I first got here, but what happened for me was this: I needed a pre-departure COVID test and negative results to show at the airport upon arrival in Maui. No airline checked my results prior to boarding (I flew Alaska), but I’m not sure if that has changed or not. I took my test at Walgreens because it was free, but there is a long list of other places you can go to get tested. You can’t just go wherever the heck you want, though - it needs to be a Hawaii state government-approved option. That’s all on the web here.

The plane ride itself? Pretty straight-forward, and it felt relatively safe. Everyone essentially had their own row, and there were a bazillion empty rows at the back of the plane. Masks on. Intensive cleaning. Felt civilized. There is always a risk, though, of course. People ate. People drank. People can be disrespectful. But I didn’t run into any issues, fortunately.

Upon arrival, I had already uploaded my COVID results onto the Hawaii government’s Safe Travels portal and showed that proof, along with my ID. Then I was set free on Maui! I think if you didn’t have a test, you had to quarantine for 14 days. Now, I’m not even sure if that’s an option. The point is, just get the test.

Maui County COVID Regulations

Maui county has fairly strict regulations out here - you are required to wear masks indoors and in outdoor public places. The beach is included, but a lot of people take them off when they run/walk/find their perfect little nook to get their suntan on. Indoor dining is a thing, but all restaurants are operating at 30% capacity right now (at least for indoor dining). Boats are operating at 50% capacity, and this is a change that I’ve actually been truly enjoying. I haven’t noticed the decrease in passengers affecting our tips AT ALL. Weird, right? I’m not sure if the travel restrictions are drawing in a different type of traveler, or if people get more personalized attention when there are fewer guests and the same amount of crew? Whatever the reason, I enjoy the lighter loads on the boat, as I get to have more off-the-mic conversations and actually share stories with people. I think it’s a better experience for everyone involved.

On the boat, the regulations depend on the company. You are required to have masks on in the harbor, but once you’re out of there, SOME of the companies let you take them off while you’re seated with your group and out on the water. PacWhale does not - they require guests to have masks on the entire time, which is a rule that I appreciate as crew. It just feels safer and cleaner. But masks on a snorkel trip are more of a challenge. Obviously you can’t wear it while you’re snorkeling. You just need to put your damn mask back on when you’re out of the water (which is harder to convince some guests of than you would think).

Food and drinks are served to guests at their seats, no buffet service. Easy enough. Social distancing is enforced but challenging during a busy whale watch, when the whales seem determined to stick to one side of the boat (or the wind blows us around and makes it impossible to shift sides).

But those are pretty much the changes. Tours are still going out. Numbers are lighter. There are absolutely still whales to watch and reefs to snorkel. I also think it’s been very nice on our oceans for them to have a bit of a tourism break this past summer/fall. Maybe it’ll help us rethink how we’re enjoying our marine ecosystems. Traveling mindfully.

I’m not going to tell you it’s okay or not okay to travel right now. You can decide that for yourself. It’s whatever is in your comfort zone - I just wanted to give you the facts about what’s happening. THE COLD, HARD, COVID FACTS. If you decide to come to Maui, please be respectful of the locals and residents (and other travelers, of course) and follow all of the regulations. Maybe don’t have a giant bachelorette party here with friends from around the country. Keep the aloha spirit alive and well, and we should all get through this just swimmingly. Wear your mask.

Any questions about Maui living or traveling? You know where to find me :)

I’ve been feeling a lot lighter, and though mentally I’m whirling a bit from all of the activities and work and stimulation, I ultimately feel I’m in alignment with my gut again. By the ocean, hanging with whales, and taking photos. What more can a girl ask for right now?