Location
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The Dolphin Institute's Project "Studying Maui's Humpback Whales" takes place on the island of Maui and surveys the whales off Maui's west coast in the waters of the Auau, Kalohi, and Pailolo channels. The waters we have chosen as our study site are relatively shallow and are host to one of the highest concentrations of humpback whales in the Hawaiian Islands. They are also a preferred area for mothers with calves. Known as the "four-island region" (because the waters are sandwiched between Maui, Molokai, Lanai, and Kahoolawe), this area is relatively well-sheltered from the predominant northeast trade winds. Water temperatures range from 75 to 78F. Abundant and diverse sea life is found on the coral reefs near shore. In short, Maui is one of the best places in the world to view humpback whales on their mating and calving grounds. 
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Recognizing the importance of the Hawaiian Islands as a major habitat of humpback whales, Federal Public Law 102-587 of the Oceans Act of 1992 was signed into law establishing the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. In 1998 Hawaii Governor Benjamin Cayetano gave State approval for designated waters around the Hawaiian Islands to be included in the Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary.
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