Although most hawaii guidebooks state that whale watching season runs from november to april, the peak time for whales in kona is from midjanuary through early march. From the islands beaches or lookouts, you might catch sight of them in the distance. Sep 18, 2014 though hawaii s official humpback whale season doesnt start until late december, the first whale sighting of the season occurred this week. Seeing these gentle giants of the sea is an exhilarating experience and the highlight of any hawaii vacation. Seeing one of these 40ton, 40foot long giants breach the water is an unforgettable sight. See and experience this phenomenon, a rare opportunity to listen to their songs and learn all about the annual hawaii whale season. Jun 08, 2019 how the whaling industry shaped hawaii long before visitors began traveling to the hawaiian islands, the whaling industry was the primary source of income, and the town of lahaina on maui was in the center of all the action. Heres video of hawaiis first humpback whale sighting of. The naturalist on board has been doing tours for 7. If viewing whales by boat, opt for an early morning or late afternoon tour to avoid the midday heat and to sail when seas are calmest. Whale season returns from december to april at four seasons. When we visit hawaii during humpback whale season, we spend just about every spare moment whale watching. Whale sightings in maui typically occur between november and may. Honolulu humpback whales were spotted in the waters off hawaii for the first time this season, leading officials to warn ships and recreational boaters to.
Maui whale watching guide humpback whales in hawaii. While the best hawaiian island for whale watching is said to be maui, theres a chance you can see whales in oahu too if you go during whale season. A female humpback whale rammed a whale watching boat as tourists captured a video of the encounter off the coast of maui, hawaii, last week. Sep 26, 2017 when is the best time to see humpback whales in hawaii. Wailea, maui hi prweb december 22, 2015 hawaii s whale season officially begins in december and four seasons resort maui at wailea is already prepared to welcome these spectacular marine creatures while providing resort guests with aquatic, air and landbased experiences guaranteed not to be missed. Humpback whale season on the hawaiian islands is between november and. These regulations apply to all ocean users, yearround throughout the hawaiian islands. Hawaiian islands humpback whale explore whale watching. Hawaii is a popular destination for whale watching because, during mating season, humpback whales are more active resulting in elevated surface activity. When is the best time to see humpback whales in hawaii. The sea stretches for miles in front of you on this craggy peninsula where theres a good chance youll see a whale or two. Were fodors choice for whale watching on oahu, and deemed by cbs josh horwitz author of war of the whales as one of the top five american whale watching tours. Humpback whale season arrives earlier than expected this year in hawaii.
Its the peak of whalewatching season in hawaii right now. Many of the events are marked by stories, song, prayer, dance and poetry. From december to may, you may catch a glimpse of a majestic kohola humpback whale off the island of hawaii s shorelines. Sightings mark early start to humpback whale season in hawaii. Oct 08, 2015 honolulu humpback whales were spotted in the waters off hawaii for the first time this season, leading officials to warn ships and recreational boaters to steer clear of the endangered visitors. Just a few days later off the kauais southerwern coast, another adult humpback was seen, that time including a pectoral slap and a dive.
Humpback whales come to hawaii between november and april whale season, and the big island is our favorite of the hawaiian islands to go see the whales. Glide along the stunning kona coast searching for the majestic humpback whales as you learn all about these marine mammals from onboard marine naturalists. At the end of summer, they make the long journey to the hawaiian islands where the whale s mate and give birth. You can listen to the whales under water, spot them from. I have my fingers crossed that this year will be the time. The hawaiian islands humpback whale national marine sanctuary needs your help. The 2015 16 season was very slow for whale sightings compared to the year before when there were many spectacles to view from the shore around poipu, kauai where we live. Whale watching cruises are some of the most popular things to do in hawaii s whale season, which runs from december through april. There are a variety of ways in which you can catch a glimpse of hawaiis humpback whales. If you are visiting kona during whale season, the chance of seeing whales is pretty good.
The last whales could stick around until april before they make their trek back to alaska. Feds say first humpback whales of season spotted in hawaii. The maui whale season lasts from december to may with peak season during february and march. While humpback whales visit the islands every year, the peak season is in january and february. This whale surface behavior, such as breaching and tail slaps, make for exciting whale watching in hawaii. Get in touch with your wild side on our oahu whale watch tours. The females can measure 60 feet long and weigh 40 tons. The humpback whale is known for making an annual migration of nearly 6,000 miles, one of the longest of any mammal. The whales slowly migrate from alaska in their respective pods, and the party is in full swing by february. One of the giants was reportedly seen breaching multiple times.
Sail in the company of whales, hawaii whale watching season yes. If you are ready to check out the north pacific humpback whales in hawaii, know that there are a variety of ways to experience it, and the best place to do it is on the island of maui. Just a few days later off the kauais southerwern coast, another adult humpback was. Oct 07, 2015 in hawaii, humpback whale season is typically considered to be from november through may, however this sighting on september 29, 2015 marks an early start to their migration. Though hawaii s official humpback whale season doesnt start until late december, the first whale sighting of the season occurred this week. Boaters should be on the lookout for the whales to avoid a collision. The first humpback whale of the season was spotted off niihau by noaa ship huialakai.
Federal regulations prohibit approaching humpback whales by any means within 100 yards 90 m when on or in the water, and 1,000 feet 300 m when operating an aircraft. The first whales start arriving to the big island in late november, and more arrive as the season continues, until their numbers peak in the months of january, february, and march. The best months to see whales is usually between midjanuary and march as this is considered peak whale watching season. Boat tours and whale watching cruises have become increasingly popular. Officially, whale season in hawaii runs from december 15may 15, although the first whale of the season is usually spotted sometime in early october.
Island of hawaii whale watching from december to may, you may catch a glimpse of a majestic kohola humpback whale off the island of hawaii s shorelines. The first humpback whale sighting this year in hawaii was on september 29th near the small island of niihau. Ed lyman, from noaas hawaiian islands humpback whale national marine sanctuary it is possible that these whales stayed behind all year but its hard to tell. Plus, you can enjoy watching other native species like seabirds as they dance above your head. Without a doubt, one of the most amazing marine wildlife adventures youll ever have the opportunity to partake in is a chance to witness the majesty of the north pacific humpback whales in their natural environment year, after year, these magical mammals grace hawaiian. On september 29th researchers from noaa ship hiialakai spotted a humpback whale while heading home from the northwest hawaii islands the second humpback whale spotted was seen a few days later near kauais pacific missile range facility. Whale watching on kauai every year, kauai is graced by the presence of one of the oceans most majestic beings, the hawaiian humpback whale. Prime oahu whale watching locations hawaii aloha travel. Humpback whale watching season starts early in hawaii live. This is when most of the calving takes place, so be sure to keep your eye out for juvenile whales that are just learning to play. Humpback rams whale watching boat in maui incident caught.
My 10th trip to hawaii all islands and have yet to see a whale. Hawaii s whale watching season takes place from late november to midapril. The height of maui whale watching tends to occur between the months of december and may. Maui whale watching season 2015 is approaching, we cant wait. Generally speaking, december to may is seen as the best time for whale watching in oahu and the rest of hawaii. But humpback whales visit the hawaiian islands every year from november to may, so its possible that you can see whales outside of that january to march peak whale season too. With the arrival of humpback whale season in hawaii, ocean users are reminded to keep a safe distance from these annual visitors to the hawaiian islands humpback whale. Humpback whales travel thousands of miles from alaska to hawaii to mate and. Free whale watching in hawaii 2020 season underway. Hawaii s whale season officially begins in december and four seasons resort maui at wailea is prepared to welcome these spectacular marine creatures while providing guests with aquatic, air and landbased experiences that are not to be missed. When theyve reached maturity, female humpback whales are larger than males.
Of these, roughly 12 to 18 thousand 2015 estimate, see page 82, d. There are numerous whale watching excursions throughout the state, many of which guarantee sightings and provide expert narration to heighten the experience. Every year, humpback whales migrate 3,500 miles from alaska to hawaii, where they breed and give birth. View all images glide along the stunning kona coast searching for the majestic humpback whales as you learn all about these marine mammals from onboard marine naturalists. On kauai, sightings have been extremely frequent this year. Aug 20, 2015 maui whale watching season 2015, is just around the corner. One very unusual characteristic is that the whale song of the entire northern pacific population changes as the breeding season progresses so that the song at the end of the year is very different from that at the beginning. January through march is peak season for the annual migration of humpback whales. Whale watching boat tours and diy guide big island. The first whale of the season was spotted on 29 september by a national. Whale watching in lahaina maui january 2015 youtube.
Humpback whale watching season starts early in hawaii. Each year, a number of organizations and locals organize annual humpback whale festivals to welcome megaptera novaeangliae to the aloha state. How the whaling industry shaped hawaii keliis kayaking. Scientists estimate that twothirds of the entire north pacific humpback whale population return to hawaii to breed, calve and nurse their young.
Hawaii is home to a number of whale species, including the northern humpback whales that migrate to the islands each year between november and may before returning to their alaskan feeding grounds. First humpback whales of 2015 season spotted in hawaii. Every year, between november and may, about 12,000 humpback whales migrate to hawaii to give birth to and nurse their offspring every year. Heres video of hawaiis first humpback whale sighting of the. So if you have not made your travel arrangements yet, shoot for these months. In september, a tour boat off the coast of kauai spotted the first humpback of the 20142015 whalewatching season. The 5 best places to see the winter humpback whale migration. Whale season is technically from december 15th to april 15th. The naturalist on board has been doing tours for 7 years and had only seen it. When is the best time to see humpback whales in hawaii and which. Maui, kauai and the big island are the most popular islands for hawaii whale watching, so plan to visit one of these islands on your vacation. In hawaii, humpback whale season is typically considered to be from november through may, however this sighting on september 29, 2015 marks an early start to their migration.
According to noaa, the peak season for whale watching in oahu is january to march. Free whale watching in ha waii 2020 season underway. They race more than 3,000 miles from the gulf of alaska to hawaii, then stay for a lengthy vacation, frolicking just off our shores and delighting spectators from december through may. How the whaling industry shaped hawaii keliis kayaking tours. If youre on maui in february or march, you wont have to look far to catch a whale breaching. When the season is in full swing we offer trips throughout the day. Just as our idyllic weather welcomes tourists from around the world, the warm and shallow waters surrounding the hawaiian islands are a favorite destination for kohola, or humpback whales.
Other good islands to go whale watching are maui and kauai. The whale watching season in kauai runs from november through march. In your research, you may have seen different timeframes defining humpback whale season in hawaii. Body glove afternoon kona whale watching tour from kona pier. Mystery absence of humpback whales in hawaii has experts. This video was taken from the ocean spirit on a whale watch cruise with pacific whale foundation on january 15, 2015.
By the peak of the season from januarymarch, thousands of humpbacks have gathered in hawaii from hilo to hanalei, with the largest concentration of whales residing between maui, molokai, and lanai. Nov 02, 2015 maui whale watching season is fast approaching. One treasured locale is the kilauea lighthouse and wildlife refuge on the north shore. The 2015 16 connecticut whale nwhl season was the first in franchise history and the national womens hockey leagues inaugural season. Jennifer nap took the video of the whale and her calf and posted it to youtube on jan. Hawaii whale watching, oahu whale watch near ko olina, waikiki. Body glove afternoon kona whale watching tour from kona.
It is estimated that more than 10,000 of these whales migrate to the hawaiian islands each year during the winter, in search of a warmer climate. The first humpback whale spotting of 2015 came early this year near the small island of niihau, which is off of kauai. Maui whale watching tours are truly an exceptional experience. Experience kona whale watching kona district, hawaii. A humpback whale was spotted in western hawaii on thursday, aug. Here in the hawaiian islands, however, the white clumps of water that signify winter are found in splashes and spouts, when between 10,000 and 15,000 humpback whales arrive in hawaii for the holidays. According to this kitv report, the crew of holo holo charters spotted a whale about a mile off the west coast of kauai on september 16th. Were smackdab in the middle of winters humpback whale season in hawaii, and you dont have to take a whale watching. Every year from december through may the humpback whale migrate to the warm tropical waters of hawaii. Humpback whales have returned and free whale watching in ha waii is really possible. These gentle giants come to the warm hawaiian waters every year to breed and give birth to new calves.
Jan 15, 2015 this video was taken from the ocean spirit on a whale watch cruise with pacific whale foundation on january 15, 2015. The annual maui whale festival, organized by the pacific whale foundation, is held during mauis peak humpback whale season. Heres video of hawaiis first humpback whale sighting of the season. There are a variety of ways in which you can catch a glimpse of hawaii s humpback whales. Maui hosts a whale festival each year with parades and exhibits at the height of the season in february. However, peak hawaii whale watching season occurs during february and march. If youre planning a winter getaway to hawaii, youll be thrilled to know youre coming during the heart of hawaii whale season. First humpback whales of season spotted in hawaii cbs news. You will see them easily from land no need to go out on a whale watching boat. Hawaii humpback whale sanctuary begins 20th annual volunteer. Hawaii s whale season officially begins in december and four seasons resort maui at wailea is prepared to welcome these spectacular marine creatures while providing guests with aquatic, air and landbased experiences that are not to be missed the resorts concierge team can customise a whale watching itinerary to help guests enjoy experiencing these gentle giants of the sea. If you book a whale watching tour from maui, experience the thrill of spotting a spout about 300 yards off the. Some seasons we actually begin to see a few whales arriving as early as late october and early november.
With the arrival of humpback whale season in hawaii, ocean users are reminded to keep a safe distance from these annual visitors. We are fast approaching the fall months here on maui and we have begun to think about the maui whale watching season 2015. Seeing as we operate seven boats that offer whale watching tours in maui, this is a question were asked a lot and at all different times of the year officially, whale season in maui runs from december 15thmay 15th, although its still possible to see whales outside of the official whale season. Whale season returns from december to april at four. Humpback whales season starts early in hawaii by hnn staff october 6, 2015 at 8. Humpback whales, or na kohola, migrate from alaskan waters to hawaii in the winter and spring months of november sometimes earlier through may every year, seeking warm waters for breeding and birthing new calves. Watch mothers and calves interact, see males compete for females, hear underwater. One of the very best places to see whales is in the shallow auau channel between west maui, lanai, and molokai, but if you keep a close eye out. During these winter months thousands of pacific humpback whales migrate from their summer feedings grounds in the waters off alaska to the warm hawaiian waters to mate and nurse their. Humpback whale season on the hawaiian islands is between november and early may, but some months are better than others. Wailea, maui hi prweb december 22, 2015 hawaii s whale season officially begins in december and four seasons resort maui at wailea is already prepared to welcome these spectacular marine creatures while providing resort guests with aquatic, air and landbased experiences guaranteed not to be missed the luxury resorts concierge team can customize a whale watching itinerary to help. These gentle giants journey to hawaii from alaska each winter, maybe for the same reason many people prefer traveling to the islands during cooler months. Hawaii s humpback whale season is in full swing by november, and winds down with the majority of whales departing in april and may.
For a more intimate and highly educational experience, captain tom bottrell, a professional marine ecologist, offers excellent kona whale watching tours of no more than six people. Whale watching season returns from december to april. When the whales return to hawaii the following year, they are singing the song as it was at the end of the previous year. Whalewatch with the experts on mauis toprated ecotour and see these amazing creatures in their natural wild habitat. This is when most of the calving takes place, so be sure to keep. While on a whale watching tour in maui, our tour guides stopped the boat and shut down the engines so we could hear the whale songs on their. This whalewatch is led by certified marine naturalists for fun and informative interpretation of humpback whale behaviors and characteristics.
Explore whale watching hawaiian islands humpback whale. On occasion, we will have our first whale sighting as early as october or late september. If you book a whale watching tour from maui, experience the thrill of spotting a spout about 300 yards off the bow, and then motoring close for a. Hawaii, mexico, and california are hot spots for viewing the marine mammals on their annual journey. Humpback whales visit hawaiian waters each year from november to may with the peak of the season being from january to march. Enjoy kona whale watching on your next trip kona coast. You can use the species and date filters to see changes throughout the year.
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