Enjoy kona whale watching on your next trip kona coast. Research indicates that at as many as 10,000 humpback whales may be in hawaii this upcoming season. For hawaii locals, fall time doesnt mean autumn leaves, scarves and boots, or chilly weather. Outlander season 5 avenue 5 season 1 supernatural season 15 shameless season 10 vikings season 6 hawaii five0 season 10 supergirl season 5 jumanji. Whale season in hawaii lasts from november to may, with the peak of the season between january and.
Download the app to stay uptodate on the latest sightings. Hawaii s whale population is reportedly increasing at a rate of about 7% a year which means every year our sightings and encounters increase. Kauai deals have started for humpback whale season. Hawaii is a popular destination for whale watching because, during mating season, humpback whales are more active resulting in elevated surface activity. Mar 28, 2014 the season runs from december to april. We will continue to seek guidance from these agencies, public health officials and government agencies on an ongoing basis. Whale season in hawaii it takes lots of patience and time for me to share these wonderful graceful creatures with you. When we visit hawaii during humpback whale season, we spend just about every spare moment whale watching. The scenic mcgregor point lookout west of maalaea and the beaches of kaanapali, kihei and wailea are also great spots to see whales. To the native hawaiians a whale is the representation of the hawaiian god kanaloa the god of all. Thousands of humpback whales return to hawaiian waters each year to breed, give birth and nurse their young. 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.
Enjoy the norwegian and icelandic winter and combine whale watching orcas, humpbacks and fin whales. In fact, there are plenty of areas on maui where humpbacks can frequently be seen from the shore during whale season. Thousands of humpbacks gather in the warm waters to mate and give birth. Whale watching on the big island of hawaii big island. 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.
We offer an exclusive discount on hawaiian airlines when you book online from our hawaii airfare sale page. The handbook highlights regulations that apply to ocean users who operate in hawaiian waters. The peak normally occurs between january and march, but whales. Many of the events are marked by stories, song, prayer, dance and poetry. Sep 26, 2017 its such a delight to see a humpback whales spout breath, or tail break the oceans surface, and absolutely thrilling to see a whale breach by jumping out of the water and creating a big splash. Get in touch with your wild side on our oahu whale watch tours. 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. 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. The humpback whale is known for making an annual migration of nearly 6,000 miles, one of the longest of any mammal. The whales depart hawai i again late april early may. 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. Mar 12, 2014 whale season in hawaii it takes lots of patience and time for me to share these wonderful graceful creatures with you. At birth, whale calves can weigh up to 3,000 pounds and are between 10 and 15 feet in length. Monitor dolphin and whale sightings in real time with our live whale tracker app, available on.
Humpback whales have returned and free whale watching in ha waii is really possible. Boat tours and whale watching cruises have become increasingly popular. Download a special information sheet about whales and the sanctuary. The foundation is a team of dedicated researchers, biologists, data. Hawaii whale research foundation was founded in 1987 by dr.
While it is not whale watch season, would it be worth trying for a tour if there are tours during this period. The humpbacks sing a haunting song, that you can hear when youre swimming under the water in hawaii during whale season. 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. Take a trip to the beach or a scenic lookout and watch for the blows, pec slaps, flukeup dives, and breaches of hawaiis humpbacks.
Hi, my fiance and i will be going to hawaii on sept 19 for 2 weeks. Satellite technology is used to download surface and underwater photographs, as well as, short recordings. Adults grow to be about 45 feet long and weigh a hefty 40 tons. Pacific whale foundations leadership team is closely monitoring updates from the center for disease control and the world health organization regarding covid19. I built my first rudimentary hydrophone in order to listen to the whales with a stereo microphone inside a condom, wrapped with duct tape and shoo goo. If you want to see whales from oahu your best bet would be to take some kind of boat tour. 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. There is nothing like seeing a humpback whale up close and will be something that you remember forever. So unless youre already going in the next few weeks, now is a good time to plan for next season.
The first humpback whale sighting this year in hawaii was on september 29th near the small island of niihau. Humpback whale watching season starts early in hawaii. 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. 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.
The whaleplanner january a whale watching infographic whaletrips. The best places to swim with whale sharks lonely planet. The first ever longterm 1 week resighting of a killer whale from hawaiian. Hawaiian islands humpback whale resource protection. 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. Whale watching season has started earlier than expected in hawaii. 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.
Roughly 10,000 whales are thought to migrate to hawaii each year, and although the increase is promising, they are still an endangered species and are protected by federal law from harassment. So if you have not made your travel arrangements yet, shoot for these months. Whale watching season whales have platelike bristles known as baleen in their mouths instead of teeth, and they feed on krill and schools of small fish such as herring. It seems like a certain few individual sharks enjoy hawaii and return periodically but its still a holy grail sighting. Hawaiian islands humpback whale explore whale watching. Altogether, this represents the most comprehensive analysis to date of humpback whale residency in the.
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. 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. Humpback whales visit hawaiian waters each year from november to may with the peak of the season being from january to march. 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. Years before we moved to hawaii, my husbands family would come to hawaii in the winter to see whales.
Brfas are closed to bottom fishing, except those reopened as indicated. Humpback whale season on the hawaiian islands is between november and early may, but some months are better than others. Where to watch humpback whales from shore across hawaii. 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. They only would come to hawaii when they knew they could see whales, usually around february. Whale sharks giants of the deep whale sharks have been in hawaiian waters for as long as anyone here can remember. 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. Let us take you for an awesome journey on our fast powered catamaran that has shade to offer while spotting whales. The most wonderful time of the year is whale watching season in hawaii. Humpback whales have a strong cultural value in hawaii. On average, the first whale sighting from a trilogy.
In your research, you may have seen different timeframes defining humpback whale season in hawaii. A single humpback whale was seen near the big islands kailuakona area on thursday, aug. Whale season is between the 15th of december until the 15th of may. Also see specially marked kauai vacation rentals in the promo collection. Each year, a number of organizations and locals organize annual humpback whale festivals to welcome megaptera novaeangliae to the aloha state.
Oct 03, 2019 humpback whales have returned and free whale watching in hawaii is really possible. As many as 10,000 whales winter in island waters, a good number of them visible. Best chance to see them would be in the winter off the big island kona side or the channel between lanai and molokai. For this reason, network response to entangled whales, involving any close approach closer than 100 yards to the animal, may only be attempted by authorized persons working under noaa fisheries mmhsrp permit who are experienced, trained, knowledgeable, and have proper support and equipment. About 1,500 to 3,000 humpback whales appear in hawaii waters each year. Its humpback whale season in hawaii hawaii magazine. Generally speaking, december to may is seen as the best time for whale watching in oahu and the rest of hawaii. Scientists estimate that twothirds of the entire north pacific humpback whale population return to hawaii to breed, calve and nurse their young. Captain dan mcsweeney, a whale researcher, and conservationist provides one of the. That while their season in hawaii isnt normally set to get underway for about a month. Feds say first humpback whales of season spotted in hawaii. Whale season on hawaii is between november and april. If you are visiting hawaii during this time, dont miss out and reserve your seat to see those magnificent creatures up close. It takes hours of filming due to a large mass of ocean to scan over the.
Hawaii s humpback whale season technically begins in november when the gargantuan mammals make the long journey from cold north pacific ocean seas to calve in hawaii s famously warm waters. If no whales are sighted during your cruise guests can go out again for free. Geographic boundaries north, south, west, east sides. Officially, whale season in hawaii runs from december 15may 15, although the first whale of the season. Whale watching doesnt require any skills or training just watch for the spouting and big splashes and youll see them. Download a pdf file one page showing detailed endpoint coordinates. Four seasons resort maui offers guests more ways than ever to. Hawaiian islands humpback whale education humpback whale. A humpback whale leaps out of the water in what is called breaching, as viewed from a whale watching boat operated by the pacific whale foundation off maui. Despite its name and size, the whale shark is not a whale but classified in a family of its own rhincodontidae. Whale sharks wild side specialty tours, oahu, hawaii. 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.
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. The inshore boundary of all areas is given as a minimum distance from shore in nautical miles. Environmental commitments pacific whale foundation. The annual maui whale festival, organized by the pacific whale foundation, is held during mauis peak humpback whale season. Whale watching boat tours and diy guide big island. Start your whale watching year with ease why not visit hawaii. Whales find boats a deadly hazard off hawaii nbc news. As whale season approaches, four seasons resort maui at wailea has. Dan salden and has studied humpback whale social affiliation each season since, each winter in hawaiian waters and some summers in alaskan waters. Go on our full day charters and the humpback season extends from nov. Its closest relatives are the leopard and nurse sharks.
Cruise along the coast in search of whales during season december until mid april. Humpback whale season in hawaii generally runs from november through may. The whale watching season in kauai runs from november through march. 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. We recommend heading out on whale watching tour to get the best views possible, and to experience the beauty of the ocean.
One of the giants was reportedly seen breaching multiple times. For more information, call our reservation team at 8003255701 to plan your kauai. Jim darling, whale trust biologist, in a statement about the wave gliders 100day survey from hawaii to mexico and back. There are a variety of ways in which you can catch a glimpse of hawaii s humpback whales. Ive seen a few from my home on the north shore of kauai. The walking dead season 10 12 episode strike back season 8 5 episode macgyver season 4 6 episode lincoln rhyme. 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. Check out our tips and tricks to see whales on hawaii if you are interested in learning how to see andor listen to the whales yourself, or our 6 great whale watching tips to make the best our of any whale watching cruise. Maui whale watching guide humpback whales in hawaii. 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. While the first maui whale sighting differs every year, its lately been as early as september that humpbacks are spotted in maui.
Every winter, over 5,000 humpback whales travel from alaska to hawaii. Other good islands to go whale watching are maui and kauai. Nov 17, 2016 whale watching is a great big island activity. Humpback whale watching season starts early in hawaii live.
A humpback whale was spotted in western hawaii on thursday, aug. Sep 05, 2018 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 officialwhale season dates. Start your morning early and head out for a full day on the water to include whale watching, amazing views of the napali coastline, and snorkeling, with food and beverages included for a five or seven hour excursion. The foundation is a team of dedicated researchers, biologists, data analysts and support staff. Hawaiis whale population is reportedly increasing at a rate of about 7% a year which means every year our sightings and encounters increase. The humpback whales leave the icy waters of alaska and migrate 6000 miles to hawaii every year to give birth and care for their calves. Whale rescue is complex and dangerous for the whale rescuers as well as the animal. The last whales could stick around until april before they make their trek back to alaska. Free whale watching in ha waii 2020 season underway. Whale watching on the big island 2020 big island of hawaii. Seeing one of these 40ton, 40foot long giants breach the water is an unforgettable sight. But you dont have to go on a whale watching tour to spot whales. You can listen to the whales under water, spot them from. Whale watching season in hawaii is always a special time, and will be a great part of your trip.
Get involved sanctuary ocean count hawaiian islands. When is the best time to see humpback whales in hawaii and. Types of whales in hawaii almost a dozen whale species. 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. Officially, whale season in maui runs from december 15thmay 15th, although its still possible to see whales outside of the official whale season dates. 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. From december to may, you may catch a glimpse of a majestic kohola humpback whale off the island of hawaii s shorelines. Hawaii s humpback whale season is in full swing by november, and winds down with the majority of whales departing in april and may. Explore more things to do in hawaii go to experiences page. The whales dont have calendars though there are whales here now, and have been for a month. Whale watching on oahu graceful and gentle giants of the ocean, arching, breaching, and frolicking, hawaiis humpback whales take center stage during whale season. The humpback is the star of the annual whale watching season, which usually begins in december or january and lasts until april or sometimes may. Free whale watching in hawaii 2020 season underway. Head for the coastlines of all hawaiian islands right now.
1639 155 1244 1590 537 762 195 74 211 795 1103 537 1325 607 187 1203 9 539 1121 727 457 81 1142 1142 830 73 1622 1551 768 1305 1436 934 933 1227 232 142 740 663 270 82 593 230 1383 259 832 1210 1365 1058