Amazing Whale Breaches Make It an Anniversary to Remember for Canadian Couple

Alberta woman Laurie Stalenhoef and her husband decided to mark their 40th wedding anniversary with a trip to Hawaii. And they were rewarded with an amazing encounter with some humpback whales.

Stalenhoef told Storyful it was her first whale watching trip, and it’s unlikely she’ll have a better one. In calm waters off West Maui, she and her group witnessed a triple breach, followed seconds later by a fourth.

“I was still holding my phone when the ocean seemed to erupt and separate as the most magnificent humpbacks burst into the air,” Stalenhoef told Storyful. “There were three huge breaches and then the fourth one seconds later. They were so large, but they showed unbelievable grace as they powered out of the ocean. I am still in awe to think that I actually saw this happen. It was by far the most amazing thing I have ever seen in my life!” Credit: Laurie Stalenhoef via Storyful