Whale watch passengers' preferences for tour attributes and marine management in Maui, Hawaii

This research project examines whale watch passengers’ preferences for tour attributes and marine management in the Hawaiian Island Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. Surveys were distributed to passengers onboard whale watching vessels during the winter season of 2005, in Maui Hawaii. A total sample size of 488 surveys were collected. The survey utilized both Likert and discrete choice question formats. Follow up key informant interviews were conducted with two operators and the state advisor to the marine sanctuary, to assess their support for the survey findings. The sample population of whale watch passengers in Maui was fairly homogenous; they exhibited an overall environmental sentiment. Differences were examined between Hawaiian residents and visitors, as well as between passengers on the ecotour and regular whale watch. Passengers on the ecotour whale watch expressed slightly higher rates of satisfaction with their tour. The Hawaiian residents expressed more concern about the current level of protection for humpback whales in Hawaii. Overall the passengers were in support of implementing: speed limits for all boats, tougher regulations and increased penalties, sewage disposal at the harbours, and on board education including a naturalist and hydrophone. The passengers showed a positive willingness to pay for all of these attributes. This information is useful to the Hawaiian Island humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary operators and managers as it informs them of the desired tour attributes, and passengers’ preferences for potential marine management options in Hawaii.