While kayaking about 1.5 miles off the coast of Maui we saw and heard many whales, anywhere from a mile away to around 100 yards away. Then suddenly a large male popped up for a breath about 30 feet away and swam a circle around us, getting as close as 15-20 feet. It’s not easy to put into words just how amazing this simple, short experience was and what it meant to all of us but we all agree it was something we could never forget.

My footage is not great because rather than experience this moment through the lens, I decided to watch and just sort of aim the camera with my hand. I didn’t want to miss a single second of this giant animal swimming so close to us.