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sanctuary headquarters (Map; 879-2818; www.hawaiihumbackwhale.noaa.gov; 726 S Kihei Rd; admission free; 10am-3pm Mon-Fri) is a great place to get acquainted with Hawaii’s spectacular marine life. The center overlooks an ancient fishpond and its oceanfront lookout is ideal for sighting the humpback whales that frequent the bay during winter. There’s even a free telescope set up for viewing. Displays on whales and sea turtles offer interesting background on the creatures you might spot here. And there’s always a whale poster or other free handout available for the kids. Want to take it deeper? Swing by at 11am on Tuesday and Thursday for the center’s ‘45-Ton Talks’ on whales.

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PLUGGING IN

To local issues: Maui News (www.mauinews.com)

To the environmental scene: Sierra Club (www.hi.sierraclub.org/maui)

To the art scene: Art Guide Maui (www.artguidemaui.com)

To the gay community: Maui Pride (www.pridemaui.com)

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KALEPOLEPO BEACH PARK

Keiki, this one’s for you. The calm, shallow waters at this beach park (Map) are perfect for children. The swimming area is essentially a big pool, because the waters are encircled by the stone walls of Ko′ie′ie Fishpond. The most intact fishpond remaining on Maui, Ko′ie′ie was built in the 16th century to raise mullet for the ali′i (royalty). The 3-acre fishpond is on the National Register of Historic Places. Signboards at the park delve into its fascinating history.

MAI POINA ′OE IA′U BEACH PARK

This long sandy beach (Map) at the northern end of Kihei is a popular morning launch for outrigger canoes and kayaks. After the wind picks up in the afternoon it’s Kihei’s top windsurfing venue.

KALAMA PARK

A retaining wall runs along most of the shoreline, so the action here is best suited for landlubbers. This expansive park (Map) has softball fields, tennis, basketball and volleyball courts, a skateboard park and a playground. There is a small beach behind the whale statue but a ditch carries runoff here after heavy rains, so best take your swim elsewhere.

DAVID MALO’S CHURCH

Philosopher David Malo built this church in 1853 and he wore many collars. He was the first Hawaiian ordained to the Christian ministry, coauthor of Hawaii’s first constitution and an early spokesperson for Hawaiian rights. While most of Malo’s original church has been dismantled, a 3ft-high section of the walls still stands beside a palm grove. Pews are lined up inside the stone walls, where open-air services are held at 9am Sunday by Trinity Episcopal Church-by-the-Sea (Map; 100 Kulanihako′i St).

Activities

DIVING & SNORKELING

Maui Dreams Dive Company (Map; 874-5332, 888-921-3483; www.mauidreamsdiveco.com; 1993 S Kihei Rd; 1-/2-tank dives from $60/90, snorkel rental per day $5; 7am-6pm) is a first-rate, five-star PADI outfit specializing in shore dives. With this family-run operation, a dive trip is like going out with friends. And they have something geared to every level from introductory dives for the newbie to night dives and advanced open-water dives.

Maui Dive Shop (Map; 879-3388; www.mauidiveshop.com; 1455 S Kihei Rd; 2-tank boat dives $130, snorkel rental per day $8; 6am-9pm), the main outlet of this islandwide diving chain, is a good spot to rent or buy water-sports gear, including bodyboards, snorkels, fins and wetsuits.

Blue Water Rafting (Map; 879-7238; www.bluewaterrafting.com; Kihei Boat Ramp; Molokini/Kanaio trip $49/100; departure times vary) has a Molokini Express trip perfect for those who want to zip out to the crater, snorkel and be back in two hours. An adventurous half-day trip heads southward to snorkel remote coves along the Kanaio coast.

KAYAKING, CANOEING PADDLEBOARDING

South Pacific Kayaks & Outfitters (Map; 875-4848, 800-776-2326; www.southpacifickayaks.com; 95 Hale Kuai St; 1-/2-person kayaks per half day $40/60, tours $65-100; 6am-9pm) is a reliable operation that leads kayak-and-snorkel tours in the Makena area. If you prefer to rent a kayak and paddle off on your own, they’ll deliver it to Makena Landing (Click here). They also offer paddleboard