Maui whale watch tours hawaii humpback whale watching. 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. The beaches upon which whales bodies often washed up were held especially sacred and were guarded by alii chiefs and kahuna priests, says sam ohu gon, senior scientist and cultural advisor for the nature conservancy of hawaii. Most whale watching tours run from middecember through march to midapril. Jan 27, 2016 we wanted to see how close we can get to the humpback whales here in oahu. Whale watching cruises are some of the most popular things to do in hawaiis whale season, which runs from december through april. 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. Our big, spacious boat and can follow the whales in comfort, no matter where they roam, throughout the humpback whale sanctuary. Home blog maui species of whales in hawaii december 15 april 15 is a special time of year.
The humpback whale season in maui lasts from november to may of every year. Officially, whale season in hawaii runs from december 15may 15, although the first whale of the season. Of these 22 whale and dolphin species, four the blue whale, the fin whale, the humpback whale, and the sperm whale,are endangered, while the rest are all federally protected. Hawaiis waters are serve as habitat to 23 species of marine mammals, of which 22 are cetaceans whales or dolphins and one is a pinniped the hawaiian monk seal.
To download the full whaleplanner as a graphic, please just click this link and save the graphic on the next page. Other good islands to go whale watching are maui and kauai. Now, there is a possibility of seeing pilot whales in kailuakona on the big island hawaii island. We are aware that there will be no humpbacks in the area at that time of year. However, there is no rule that keeps whales from approaching people. Every year, in late february or early march, the pacific whale foundation hosts the maui whale festival. While the first maui whale sighting differs every year, its lately been as early as september that humpbacks are spotted in maui. Aug 27, 2016 sickly humpback whale spotted in hawaii waters this image provided by national oceanic and atmospheric administration noaa shows a humpback whale sighted off maui, hawaii. We wanted to see how close we can get to the humpback whales here in oahu.
Both are indicators of a shift in seasons, and just as a snowflake falling from the sky signals winter for much of the mainland, the first sighting of humpback whales hearkens winter for us in hawaii during the winter months of decemberapril, the leeward waters of maui county house the worlds. Thousands of humpback whales missing from hawaiian waters new york, ny september 15. During hawaiis whale season you can go on a whale watching cruise along the big islands hilo, kona or kohala coast. If you are visiting during one of the months of low to medium humpback whale activity or from one of the islands that have less activity, taking a boat tour can help increase your chances of seeing whales. And of course, feel free to share it with your friends who might be interested in seeing whales.
September 22 noaas hawaiian islands humpback whale national marine sanctuary seeks advisory council applicants august 30 hawaiis in the wake of giants wins at blue ocean film festival august 16 noaas hawaiian islands humpback whale national marine sanctuary teams with surfrider foundation for water quality testing at maui beaches. I would only suggest doing this if you happen to be staying there. Swimming with wild dolphins in hawaii is the memory of a lifetime. Whale season arguably the best time to visit hawaii given the level of activity in the water, whale watching season in hawaii is arguably one of the most popular times to visit, and if you venture out on the water in winter on a whale watching tour or a kayak, be sure to have your camera ready and a healthy sense of adventure, since a time. Festivities are carried out all week, but most of the event is held on 2 days during the weekend.
Humpback whale watching december to april see humpback whales in hawaii. Sep 26, 2017 whale watching boat tours can offer a closer view of humpbacks. These gentle giants come to the warm hawaiian waters every year to breed and give birth to new calves. Jan 06, 2016 thousands of humpback whales missing from hawaiian waters new york, ny september 15. Its a very cool experience to see these magnificent animals in action and cruising along our warm hawaiian waters. From december to may, you may catch a glimpse of a majestic kohola humpback whale off the island of hawaiis shorelines. See humpback whales in the warm waters of hawaii on this 3hour whale watching tour from kailuakona. Our lead boat, maui princess, is the largest, most uncrowded whale watching boat on maui. Humpback whale season in hawaii nearly extinct in the mid 1960s, the humpback population has grown with global whaling bans but are still considered endangered. In the past, the global humpback whale population size was about 750,000 to 2 million animals.
Officially, whale season in maui runs from december 15thmay 15th, although its still possible to see whales outside of the officialwhale season dates. With a donation or an adoption of a whale you can help to make the world a place where whales and dolphins are free and safe. We offer each guest plenty of room to roam around, for the very best view of mauis humpback whales. The cultural significance of whales in hawaii hawaii. Sickly humpback whale spotted in hawaii waters this image provided by national oceanic and atmospheric administration noaa shows a humpback whale sighted off maui, hawaii. 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. The most frequently seen of mauis yearround whale residents are shortfinned pilot whales, which average 12 to 16 feet long and weigh 1. Flip nicklinminden pictures the sanctuary ocean count provides hawaii residents and visitors with the opportunity to actively participate in evaluating the status of humpback whales.
Hawaii big island whale watching tours hawaii discount. The best months to see whales is usually between midjanuary and march as this is considered peak whale watching season. Have a look here to see where humpback whale population around the world spend their summer and winter. I know that the best time to go whale watching in maui hawaii is the winter months decemberapril but im going to maui on my honeymoon in september the 4th12th and was wondering if there was any possibility i would see any whales lol silly question but i figured im going to be there id love to see a whale if anyone had any spots or suggestions that may work in september. From 2000 through 2012 weve encountered sperm whales on 32 occasions in hawaii, with sightings throughout the year with the exceptions of february, march, august and september. Whale watching ecoadventure from kailuakona 2020 big. My husband and i will be on the big island from september 8 to the 15.
Humpbacks are in hawaiian waters during the winter months to birth their calves and to mate. Humpback whales in maui whales visit december to april. This is a tip especially for those of you that want to go whale watching in hawaii. Hi, my fiance and i will be going to hawaii on sept 19 for 2 weeks. Dec 15, 2015 a whale watch on pride of maui begins at maalaea harbor and includes a barbecue lunch, mai tais, beer and two and a half hours at sea. David croxford the beaches upon which whales bodies often washed up were held especially sacred and were guarded by alii chiefs and kahuna priests, says sam ohu gon, senior scientist and cultural advisor for the nature conservancy of hawaii. Each island also offers a variety of whalewatching cruises, which will bring you up close and personal with the mammoth mammals. Hawaii visitors have voted dolphins and you best hawaii tour for two years running. With transportation from waikiki included, our allnew 55foot power boat departs from oahus pristine west coast. While there are many reasons to celebrate this recovery, on the heels of.
Humpback whales have returned and free whale watching in hawaii is really possible. See humpback whales in the warm waters of hawaii on this 3hour whalewatching tour from kailuakona. Oct 03, 2019 humpback whales have returned and free whale watching in hawaii is really possible. Thats the official whale watching season here on the island of maui, when over 10,000 humpbacks annually migrate from the summer feeding grounds in alaska. Humpback whale watching season starts early in hawaii. 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. 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. Captain zodiac board a 24foot zodiac boat in honokohau harbor in kailuakona and go on a threehour bouncy adventure through the water in search of whales. Whale watching on oahu graceful and gentle giants of the ocean, arching, breaching, and frolicking, hawaii s humpback whales take center stage during whale season. Hawaiian islands humpback whale news and events latest. This is when thousands of pacific humpback whales make the journey from the waters off alaska to hawaiis warm waters to breed and give birth to their young. In hawaii, orcas are joining a population of approximately 18,000 humpback whales that are commencing their 3,000 mile annual journey to hawaii.
Hawaii whale watching, oahu whale watch near ko olina, waikiki. However, peak hawaii whale watching season occurs during february and march. They are easy and fun to spot, if you plan to visit between december. The whaleplanner january a whale watching infographic. The first humpback whales have arrived back in hawaii this week. The whaleplanner september a whale watching infographic. In hawaii, whale watching is an avid activity, and like with most outdoors activities, there are rules.
Telegraph cove on vancouver island, the orca capital of the world. A humpback whale was spotted in western hawaii on thursday, aug. Next year 2017 may go down as one of the most critical years for humpback whale research in hawaii in the last fifty years. 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. Thousands of humpback whales missing from hawaiian waters.
When is the best time to see humpback whales in hawaii and. And for those lucky enough to experience this once in a lifetime influx of such extraordinary creatures these sea stars offer performances worthy of oscars, it is truly a. Scientists estimate that twothirds of the entire north pacific humpback whale population return to hawaii to breed. For the first time since 1966 when whaling was deemed illegal in the north pacific, humpbacks will no longer be considered an endangered species trying to come back from the brink of extinction. Sep 05, 2018 officially, whale season in maui runs from december 15thmay 15th, although its still possible to see whales outside of the officialwhale season dates. Thousands of humpbacks gather in the warm waters to mate and give birth.
Every year between december and march, these marine mammals migrate through the ocean to breed and give birth. Humpback whales are hawaiis other visitors every year. Enjoy the norwegian and icelandic winter and combine whale watching orcas, humpbacks and fin whales. So if you have not made your travel arrangements yet, shoot for these months. The current global population is about 30 to 40 thousand. A whale watch on pride of maui begins at maalaea harbor and includes a barbecue lunch, mai tais, beer and two and a half hours at sea. Joe mobley from the university of hilo conducted an aerial survey of the whales around hawaii. A humpback whale in mid lunge, feeding on bunker off nycs rockaway beach on september 15, 2014 in new york city. Discover what more than 300,000 dolphins and you guests have experienced. Their migration crosses 3,100 miles of ocean each season. Whale watching is a seasonal and very popular activity during the winter time in hawaii.
There are at about 10,000 to 15,000 humpback whales in the world, and over 1,000 of them visit the tropical waters of hawaii every year at the end of november. Whale watching boat tours can offer a closer view of humpbacks. You can listen to the whales under water, spot them from. Whale sightings in maui typically occur between november and may. Seeing one of these 40ton, 40foot long giants breach the water is an unforgettable sight. Whale season arguably the best time to visit hawaii given the level of activity in the water, whale watching season in hawaii is arguably one of the most popular times to visit, and if you venture out on the water in winter on a whale watching tour or a kayak, be sure to have your camera ready and a healthy sense of. The cultural significance of whales in hawaii hawaii magazine. Whale watching in hawaii is a relaxing activity and if youve got free time during the peak season, you can easily get a reservation for a whale tour or take a walk where whales are commonly spotted. Joe mobley from the university of hilo conducted an aerial survey of the whales. Types of whales in hawaii almost a dozen whale species. The seasons first whale is usually spotted in november, but the best time to see humpback whales in hawaii is between january and april, from any island. Humpback whale watching season starts early in hawaii live. Observers may not approach by vessel or by swimming within 100 yards of a whale known as the 100yard minimum rule. Jan 02, 2016 humpback whales slow to arrive in hawaii december usually marks the start of humpback whale season in hawaii, but experts say the animals have been slow to return this year.
Experienced leaders of hawaii whale watching tours know. September 22 noaas hawaiian islands humpback whale national marine sanctuary seeks advisory council applicants august 30 hawaii s in the wake of giants wins at blue ocean film festival august 16 noaas hawaiian islands humpback whale national marine sanctuary teams with surfrider foundation for water quality testing at maui beaches. Experience whale watching in hawaii, one of the most popular activities in the winter. We are looking at dan mcsweeneys whale watching tour. The whale is believed to be a kinolau animal form of the hawaiian ocean god kanaloa find out where to spot whales from shore and from the ocean across. Cruise in the comfort of hawaiis largest vessel with hightech stabilizers for smooth cruising and the most outdoor space with four walkaround decks and a top observation deck for optimal whale encounters. Apr 21, 2011 i know that the best time to go whale watching in maui hawaii is the winter months decemberapril but im going to maui on my honeymoon in september the 4th12th and was wondering if there was any possibility i would see any whales lol silly question but i figured im going to be there id love to see a whale if anyone had any spots or suggestions that may work in september. And even then i dont know if there are whale watching tours specifically for them. Hawaii whale watching tours whale watching cruises are some of the most popular things to do in hawaiis whale season, which runs from december through april. Marine mammal specialists estimate that up to 10,000 of these magnificent giants vacation in hawaiis warm waters.
From december to may, you may catch a glimpse of a majestic kohola humpback whale off the island of hawaii s shorelines. December 15th is the official start of the humpback whale season in hawaii, but guests on our private whale watching tour could spot whales as early as november, and since the feeling of watching a humpback from a kayak is one of the islands best adventures, we figured it was time to discuss some basics about humpback whales in maui. Whale watching boat tours and diy guide big island. On occasion, we will have our first whale sighting as early as october or late september. We try to obtain photographs of the underside of the flukes for individual identification, and these are contributed to a photoidentification.
That while their season in hawaii isnt normally set to get underway for about a month. One of the giants was reportedly seen breaching multiple times. They are easily recognized by their rather large and bulbous heads and their strongly curved, broadbased dorsal fins. Maui county is world famous as the destination for the pacific northwest humpback whales. With about 66% of the north pacific population wintering in hawaii each year, up to 10,000 humpback whales could come to hawaii this winter. This is the safest and most comfortable way to experience up.
The maui whale festival is held in kihei at kalama park in south maui, hawaii. While it is not whale watch season, would it be worth trying for a tour if there are tours during this period. Oct 05, 2016 next year 2017 may go down as one of the most critical years for humpback whale research in hawaii in the last fifty years. There are so many whales in hawaii during peak whale season that locals refer to the ocean as whale soup. This is the safest and most comfortable way to experience upclose whale.
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