So before planning your following hawaii holiday, adhere to these suggestions and you might simply have an unforgettable whale experience. Everything you need to know about whale watching in oahu. Get in touch with your wild side and meet your finned counterparts on our oahu whale watch and dolphin encounter charters hawaii is the only birthing grounds of humpback whales in the us, and has year round whale watching of other marine mammals. The explorer is a hardshelled boat with an inflatable edge like a large zodiac which gives a fast, smooth ride and a front row seat for every passenger. You can listen to the whales under water, spot them from. Weve put together a compilation of the best moments of our whale season on maui hawai. Maui whale watch tours hawaii humpback whale watching. Oct 08, 2015 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. The humpback whale concentrations are at their highest during the beginning of each year. Yes, maui whale season is here the humpback whales are the worlds largest nautical mammals that migrate from the cold waters of alaska to the warm shallow waters of hawaii. The trail, leading to a picturesque lighthouse, offers great views and in the. As our fantastic 20172018 whale watch season comes to a close, i just wanted to take the opportunity to offer a mahalo nui loa for allowing me to share the fun and the adventures of the entire seasons worth of ocean sports whale watch cruises with you. Hawaiian islands humpback whale explore whale watching.
A captain aboard the ocean discovery confirmed the sighting after. Jan 18, 2017 hawaii is a favorite wintering spot for na kohola humpback whales and has one of the largest seasonal populations of north pacific humpbacks in the world. 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. Get up close with humpback whales near the big island of hawaii on this guided, whale watching excursion. Most whale watching companies will begin in december and run through march and sometimes april. Download a pdf file one page showing detailed endpoint coordinates. Some say kohala is hawaiian for the humpback whale, and there is evidence to show that this beautiful beast has been visiting the waters near hawaii since ancient times. A short and basic guide for whale watching 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. 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. Jun 19, 2012 heres a rundown of everything you need to know for a great tripincluding the best places for low season deals. 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. Officially, whale season in hawaii runs from december 15may 15, although the first whale of the season. Got free re sail voucher but upgraded mine to atlantis submarine which was amazing to see things underwater. November, december and january are frequently listed as the start of the season with april and.
The winner of our 10th annual predict the 1st humpback whalesighting contest is cora, who guessed october 1. Whale watching hawaii oahu year round whale watch oahu. Generally speaking, december to may is seen as the best time for whale watching in oahu and the rest of hawaii. It is just about impossible for us to go out on the boat during this time and not see their abovewater displays and hear their songs. The baffling mystery of hawaiis disappearing humpback. The kohola humpback whale was well known to the early hawaiians.
Each season we look forward to the days when the wind is still and we can motor or paddle canoe offshore for a closer encounter. Whale megaptera novaeangliae reproductive class and malefemale interactions during the breeding season. Oct 07, 2016 have you seen a humpback whale in hawaii. Hawaii s humpback whale season is in full swing by november, and winds down with the majority of whales departing in april and may. Majestic waikiki whale watch afternoon cruise see hawaii.
Feds say first humpback whales of season spotted in hawaii. Hawaiian islands humpback whale national marine sanctuary is located from the shoreline to the 100fathom isobath 600 ft. Whale watching boat tours and diy guide big island. That while their season in hawaii isnt normally set to get underway for about a month. Learn more about hawaiis humpback whale season and the best places to see them. Hawaii sees fewer humpback whales returning for winter time. Holo holo charters, kauai whale watching tours are the first to observe a. November, december and january are frequently listed as the start of the season with april and may usually designated as the end of the season.
In your research, you may have seen different timeframes defining humpback whale season in hawaii. First hawaii humpback whale sighting for 20192020 season. It happened north of molokini crater, heading toward maalaea harbor. These gentle giants come to the warm hawaiian waters every year to breed and give birth to new calves. Each island also offers a variety of whalewatching cruises, which will bring you up. The annual maui whale festival, organized by the pacific whale foundation, is held during mauis peak humpback whale season. Life is a breach then you dive official oahu humpback whale season, mid dec.
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. Whale season in hawaii will be here soon so heres a whale tip for all you winter travelers. Geographic boundaries north, south, west, east sides. On september 29th researchers from noaa ship hiialakai spotted a humpback whale while heading home from the northwest hawaii islands. Home blog news first humpback whales of 2015 season spotted in hawaii the first humpback whale spotting of 2015 came early this year near the small island of niihau, which is off of kauai. Whale watching is the practice of observing whales and dolphins cetaceans in their natural. Hawaii ist fur whale watching eine besonders geeignete anlaufstelle. The testosterone profile of male humpback whales follows a. Brfas are closed to bottom fishing, except those reopened as indicated.
If you are serious about seeing humpback whales in their hawaiian mating and calving grounds, the last couple weeks in february and the whole month of march are the best times to be here. 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. Pacific whale foundation spotted their first whale of the season today, oct. Score one of our hawaii deals and take part in this annual migration. 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. The kohala coast is frequently known as the best area of hawaii for whale watching. Noaa hawaiian islands humpback whale national marine sanctuary. Orca are known to feed on both fish and marine mammals here in hawaii. Hawaiian islands humpback whale national marine sanctuary. 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. Whale season in the islands hawaii real estate market. Maui whale watching guide humpback whales in hawaii.
Explore more things to do in hawaii go to experiences page. The best of maui hawaii whale season hawaiian paddle sports llc. Humpbacks can be found in all of the oceans of the world and researchers now recognize 14 distinct populations of humpback whales. Maui hosts a whale festival each year with parades and exhibits at the height of the season in february. When is the best time to see humpback whales in hawaii. First humpback whales of season spotted in hawaii cbs news. Hawaii sees fewer humpback whales returning for winter. 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. Humpback whales have returned and free whale watching in hawaii is really possible. So unless youre already going in the next few weeks, now is a good time to plan for next season. Sightings are extremely rare with an estimate of only 400 individuals in the entire hawaiian archipelago baird et al. In fact, puukohola literally means hill of the whale in hawaiian. Scientists estimate that twothirds of the entire north pacific humpback whale population return to hawaii to breed, calve and nurse their young. You can use the species and date filters to see changes throughout the year.
The first humpback whale spotting of 2015 came early this year near the small island of niihau, which is off of kauai. Maui county is world famous as the destination for the pacific northwest humpback whales. The humpback whale season in maui lasts from november to may of every year. Their migration crosses 3,100 miles of ocean each season. Each year, a number of organizations and locals organize annual humpback whale festivals to welcome megaptera novaeangliae to the aloha state. Although there were more records during the humpback whale season, there. Revised stock boundaries for false killer whales pseudorca crassidens in hawaiian waters. Where to watch humpback whales from shore across hawaii.
From the islands beaches or lookouts, you might catch sight of them in the distance. As a hawaii regional and also passionate waterman, i have 5 basic tips that will surely help you get out one of the most of your hawaii whale viewing experience. 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. First humpback whale 2015 2016 season island of hawaii forum. Each year, the great humpback whales migrate some 4,500 miles, from summer feeding grounds in alaska, to mate in the warm waters of hawaii. Humpback whale season on the hawaiian islands is between november and early may, but some months are better than others. Its whalewatching season in hawaii, and these creatures.
Start looking for them in november with the season peaking between january and march every year. Towards the tail end of the season, humpback whale sightings are slim. 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. 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. Humpback whale season on the hawaiian islands is between november and. The testosterone profile of male humpback whales follows a predictable pattern for. A humpback whale was spotted in western hawaii on thursday, aug. On the east side, hilo bay is another place popular for whale sightings. 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. Feb 21, 2016 humpback whales mother, baby, and escort seen on the captain zodiac whale watching tour march 2015. Both tours are truly dedicated to the oahu whale watching experience, and expert naturalists share insightful information and educational commentary on the humpback whales behavior and biology.
These months are mauis ideal whale watching season and imagine doing so in a kayak. The first humpback whale sighting this year in hawaii was on september 29th near the small island of niihau. 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. End of season for whale watch so we didnt get to see one but it was lovely just to cruise around the ocean. Every year from november to may, maui locals welcome back their favorite guests the huge, majestic humpback whales who spend every winter in hawaiis warm and safe waters. The baffling mystery of hawaiis disappearing humpback whales.
The whales we see here each winter are part of the north pacific population. Testosterone concentrations of all noncalf biopsies n 182 collected in hawaii by month during the breeding season. 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. I made it to the bottom at 50 feet but for some reason the gopro stopped recording beforehand and i didnt know until later when i was downloading. Hawaiian islands humpback whale news and events latest. They are just finishing the season in alaska and will soon be returning to their beloved hawaii. Makana charters is the only na pali tour company offering personalized or private. You may also spot kohola from the southern shores of oahu, especially at makapuu lighthouse and along the seaside overlooks near leahi diamond head.
Whale watching on oahu graceful and gentle giants of the ocean, arching, breaching, and frolicking, hawaiis humpback whales take center stage during whale season. Insider tips for whale watching season in maui fodors. The giant whales are an iconic part of winter on the islands. If you are visiting kona during whale season, the chance of seeing whales is pretty good.
First humpback whale 20152016 season island of hawaii. Pdf testosterone trends within and across seasons in male. Whale season in hawaii lasts from november to may, with the peak of the season between january and. Get in touch with your wild side on our oahu whale watch tours. All of the footage was taken in 1 single whale watch trip aboard blue water rafting from kihei. 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. The makapuu lighthouse trail is a popular hike any time of the year, but from december through april, when humpback whales are in residence, its amazing.
The first humpback whale of the new season was seen on october 1, 2019 off the coast of kauai. Sep 26, 2017 when is the best time to see humpback whales in hawaii. Feb 22, 2015 enjoyed our second trip with hawaii ocean rafting, out of lahaina. 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. Only one whale was tracked southeast to hawaii island in 2015, but other tagging studies have documented eastward movements to oahu, penguin bank, and.
Many of the events are marked by stories, song, prayer, dance and poetry. Our whales feed in the waters of the gulf of alaska during the summer months and swim approximately 3000 miles to hawaii each winter presumably. Get your kindle here, or download a free kindle reading app. Hawaii whale watching, oahu whale watch near ko olina, waikiki. From december to may, you may catch a glimpse of a majestic kohola humpback whale off the island of hawaiis shorelines. There are a variety of ways in which you can catch a glimpse of hawaiis humpback whales. Mar 28, 2014 the season runs from december to april. Other good islands to go whale watching are maui and kauai. Wild side deemed one of the top five american whale watching tours. The first ever longterm 1 week resighting of a killer whale from hawaiian. Other species of whales are attracted to hawaiis warm, shallow waters year round, so wherever you travel on the island of hawaii, keep your eyes open for these marine visitors. 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.
Hawaii is a popular destination for whale watching because, during mating season, humpback whales are more active resulting in elevated surface activity. During hawaii s whale season, the ocean is full of activity from humpback whales migrating from the pacific northwest to breed and nurse their young. The inshore boundary of all areas is given as a minimum distance from shore in nautical miles. Hawaiis humpback whale season is in full swing by november, and winds down with the majority of whales departing in april and may. For the ultimate whale watching experience, visit any of the hawaiian islands and book a cruise in january, february, or march. A humpback whale in the tongass national forest, southeast alaska in 20. While the beginning of the season is the same as above, november, the end of the season. 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. Although humpback whales can be seen from all of the hawaiian islands, the shallow auau channel between maui, molokai and lanai is one of the best whale watching destinations in the world. Free whale watching in hawaii 2020 season underway.
Boatbased whale watching tours are available out of the hermanus new. Humpback whalewatching tours are in full swing in hawaii, and some visitors are discovering the giant mammals to be curious creatures. Whale watching cruises are some of the most popular things to do in hawaiis whale season, which runs from december through april. If you want to experience these gentle giants for yourself on your next cruise to hawaii, heres a few things you need to know. 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. Our research in hawaii occurs in the fourisland region of maui, which includes the waters surrounding the islands of maui, kaho.
Each year, from december through april, majestic humpback whales migrate from alaska to the warm waters of hawaii to mate, give birth, and care for their newborn calves. 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. While there are a variety of whale species that can be seen off the coast of hawaii, some of the most magnificent to view are the humpback whales. Whale season dates in hawaii span december to may, so youre mostly sailing in very cold weather. Tracking north pacific humpback whales to unravel their basin. Zodiac rafts allow the captain to get out to the whales more quickly and move to different sites, in our two hour tour, we moved to at least six quality whale encounters.
Whales come close to capsizing the boat with breach after breach. This page includes links to current news and stories on humpback whales and the sanctuary as well as links to new features on this website and the nmsp website. 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 whales in the company of whales in the wake of giants. What is the best hawaiian island for whale watching. Jan 02, 2016 december usually marks the start of humpback whale season in hawaii, but experts say the animals have been slow to return this year.
First humpback whales of 2015 season spotted in hawaii. Wild side deemed one of the top five american whale watching tours its whale season. Humpback whales visit hawaiian waters each year from november to may with the peak of the season being from january to march. We study humpback whales and numerous species of odontocetes using both systematic and opportunistic data collection methods. Of these, roughly 12 to 18 thousand 2015 estimate, see page 82, d. You should also wear sneakers or other rubbersoled shoes, as the boat can become slippery. Humpback whale watching season starts early in hawaii. Enjoy kona whale watching on your next trip kona coast. Humpback whale watching season starts early in hawaii live. Boat tours and whale watching cruises have become increasingly popular. Our favorite whale watch its fast which means you spend more time watching whales and less time looking for them. If no whales are sighted during your cruise guests can go out again for free. The last whales could stick around until april before they make their trek back to alaska. This whale surface behavior, such as breaching and tail slaps, make for exciting whale watching in hawaii.
1041 464 188 339 717 1202 56 389 608 1018 749 702 1469 1029 1406 1011 972 195 1280 1012 1055 1126 1561 1574 228 475 1460 355 431 376 470 1058 1460 900 1257 1431 760 1495