Lahaina students experience humpback whales outside of the classroom

Trilogy Excursions hosted the student body of Sacred Hearts School on private whale watch tours to experience humpback whales in their natural habitat.

From the preschool to the 5^th grade, each class was treated to a whale watch excursion to give the students a real-life experience they could never get in a classroom. The 90-minute charter enabled students to connect whale education with actual whale behavior out at sea.

Each year, the shallow basin between Maui, Lānaʻi, and Kaho‘olawe attracts upwards of 14,000 whales as they migrate to warmer waters to mate, give birth and raise their calves.

“It’s an honor to get to be a part of the education and excitement,” said Riley Coon, Trilogy’s Director of Sustainable Tourism.  “The 2^nd and 3^rd graders had whales swimming beneath the boats for over 10-minutes, and the keiki just about lost it. Seeing their joy and knowing they are getting such a unique learning experience, is very meaningful to me individually, and I know is important to us as a company.”  

Trilogy’s co-founder Jim Coon, holds the Whale Watching Seat on the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council and is the last original member still serving. Trilogy was the first corporate sponsor of the Whale Sanctuary and continues to support various nonprofits whose mission is to restore a healthy whale population and conduct scientific research. 

“Connecting Maui’s kids to the ocean in a meaningful way is an ongoing mission for Trilogy,” said Riley. “Whale season is one of the best times to make that connection”.

“We can read all the books and watch all the movies, but nothing will educate better than an experience, especially one in your own backyard,” said Sacred Hearts 3^rd grade teacher, Brittany Adams. “Trilogy gave us the ultimate, up-close and personal, educational experience that these students will remember for the rest of their lives”.   

Trilogy is a family owned and operated business and the oldest charter sailboat company on Maui.  Trilogy is best known for its unique all day excursion to the island of Lānaʻi and their half-day snorkel sails to Molokini crater and Honolua Bay.