Trilogy Excursions recently hosted Sacred Hearts School students on private whale watch tours to experience humpback whales in their natural habitat. On the 90-minute charters, students were able to connect whale education with actual whale behavior out at sea off West Maui. PHOTO BY TRILOGY EXCURSIONS.

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

From the preschool to the fifth grade, each class was treated to a whale watch excursion to give the students an in-real-life experience they could never get in a classroom.

On the 90-minute charter, students were able to connect whale education with actual whale behavior out at sea.

Each year, the shallow basin between Maui, Lanai and Kahoolawe 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 second- and third-graders had whales swimming beneath the boats for over ten minutes, and the keiki just about lost it,” Coon said with a smile.

“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 (SAC) and is the last original member (from the 1980s) still serving.

Trilogy was the first corporate sponsor of the whale sanctuary and continues to support various non-profits 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,” Riley shared. “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 third 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.”