Oct 03, 2019 humpback whales have returned and free whale watching in hawaii is really possible. And even though these deep diving whales will spend ample time on the surface, they tend to congregate over offshore water that is many thousands of feet deep. Maui whale festival help save the whales maui whale. From december to may, you may catch a glimpse of a majestic kohola humpback whale off the island of hawaii s shorelines. The cultural significance of whales in hawaii hawaii magazine. 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.
If this is something you want to see, the whales tend to hang out around maui, hawaiis big island, lanai, and molokai. 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. During this time literally thousands of pacific humpback whales make their journey from the cold waters off alaska to hawaiis warm waters to mate, breed and raise their young. Maui hosts a whale festival each year with parades and exhibits at the height of the season in february. If you book a whale watching tour from maui, experience the thrill of spotting a spout about. Protecting the ocean through science and advocacy and inspiring environmental stewardship. Download a special information sheet about whales and the sanctuary. Humpback whales begin arriving in hawaii in november and head back to alaska in late may. Explore more things to do in hawaii go to experiences page. In maui in february, there are enough whales to go around and a number of possibilities to view these frolicking, 45 ton leviathans. 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.
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. Our fast and safe rafting vessels are low to the water and perfect for close whale watching encounters and small groups making every seat a front row seat. It is generally believed that february is the absolute peek of the season. 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. During the months from december to may, pods of humpback whales migrate through hawaiis warm waters, and this tour guarantees whale sightings. Each year, tens of thousands of whales travel thousands of miles from their summer feeding grounds to winter breeding grounds. 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. Each december, whale watching begins for hawaii, but tourists are seeing very few whales out in the water when they venture out for their whale watching expeditions. Now, there is a possibility of seeing pilot whales in kailuakona on the big island hawaii island. God held the rains back till after we got off the ship. Reef fishing and snorkel adventure for one or two adults or children from tradewind charters up to 44% off. How februarys humpback whale counts in hawaii turned out.
So if you have not made your travel arrangements yet, shoot for these months. 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. Daytime guided sightseeing boat trip from hawaii glass bottom boat adventures up to 40% off. The whaleplanner february a whale watching infographic. If this is something you want to see, the whales tend to hang out. The whales are very active during the day, but reports have shown that early birds, before 8. 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. View your options here at tom barefoots t the hawaii whale watching season is the most anticipated time of year regarding activities in the islands. Honolulu whale watching deals in honolulu, hi groupon.
The humpback whale is known for making an annual migration of nearly 6,000 miles, one of the longest of any mammal. Sanctuary ocean count hawaiian islands humpback whale. Each year, tens of thousands of whales travel thousands of miles from their summer. Hawaii whale watching tours run from december through may and are very popular. The maui whale festival maui whale day maui hawaii. 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. Whale watching in february lahaina forum tripadvisor. Discover how to view these amazing creatures on your hawaii vacation. Whale watching cruise for one, two, or four from pink sails waikiki up to 72% off. That while their season in hawaii isnt normally set to get underway for about a month. Humpback whale megaptera novaeangliae breaching, maui, hawaii notice must accompany publication. Humpback whale calls heard in midocean basin maui now. We captured five humpback whales off the coast of lahaina, hawaii over the course of two days in early february, 2020.
During the months from december to may, pods of humpback whales migrate through hawaii s warm waters, and this tour guarantees whale sightings. 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. However, peak hawaii whale watching season occurs during february and march. Hawaiian islands humpback whale education humpback whale. Putting it all together how to maximize whale watching in hawaii. Hawaiis humpback whale population has not made its yearly return to the islands yet. 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. Officially, whale season in hawaii runs from december 15may 15, although the first whale of the season. But first things first the participants of the aforementioned competition pod became so violent and spread out at the surface, the. Types of whales in hawaii almost a dozen whale species. 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.
A list of tours that take you humpback whale watching during hawaiis winter months. Whale watching cruises are some of the most popular things to do in hawaiis whale season, which runs from december through april. The whales typically arrive in late december and stay through february. 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. Ive been on trilogy, four winds ii with a twofersnorkeling molokini and whale watching, and on the kapalua kai which goes north from kaanapali beach to honolua bay most trips. Thousands of humpbacks gather in the warm waters to mate and give birth. Read the full story check out video footage make a donation media inquiries.
Things to do on maui in february humpback whale season. May 03, 2016 humpback whale megaptera novaeangliae breaching, maui, hawaii notice must accompany publication. We are excited to announce that the dates and location for whale tales 2017 have been finalized. With a small group of people, watch the gentle giants swim, feed, breach and play around your boat.
The maui whale festival is held in kihei at kalama park in south maui, hawaii. If you have planned a hawaii vacation during this time, you should have no problem spotting whales. If no whales are sighted during your cruise guests can go out again for free. Maui whale watching is one of the most popular activities to do in hawaii. Rescue news hawaiian islands humpback whale news and events. What is the best hawaiian island for whale watching. 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. The humpback calls were recorded up to 2,184 km 1179 nm offshore spanning 30 days between january 20, when the wave glider left hawaii, to february 23, 2018. Scientists estimate that twothirds of the entire north pacific humpback whale population return to hawaii to breed, calve and nurse their young. Humpback whales in the company of whales in the wake of giants. Each occasion is designed to celebrate and inspire environmental stewardship alongside a strong community of maui residents and. Go whalewatching off the coast of oahu on this excursion from waikiki or ko olina. 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.
Hawaii whale watching, oahu whale watch near ko olina, waikiki. So, if you really, really want to see lots of humpback whales on your hawaii vacation, go during the peek of the season between january, february and march. In 2014, a sick sperm whale was sighted off of kihei, and it was presumed that the whale had ventured to shallower water as it fought to stay alive. 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 whaleplanner january a whale watching infographic.
The current global population is about 30 to 40 thousand. Hawaiian islands humpback whale explore whale watching. In hawaii, maui is a top whale watching spot for boatbased viewing. Every ticket supports active marine research and the whale entanglement response team. Start your whale watching year with ease why not visit hawaii. February 19 adult humpback whale freed of lifethreatening entanglement in the hawaiian islands humpback whale national marine sanctuary. Whale watching cruises are some of the most popular and fun things to do in hawaiis whale season, which runs from december through april. Humpback whales in maui, hawaii february 2020 mavic. Life is a breach then you dive official oahu humpback whale season, mid dec. Whale tales 2017 will feature a multiday program with presentations offered throughout the day by worldclass presenters from around the globe. Years before we moved to hawaii, my husbands family would come to hawaii in the winter to see whales. You will likely see whales on just about any trip, from any beach. Maui is one of the worlds top whale watching destinations, and its no wonder when an estimated 10,000 humpback whales migrate to maui waters each winter.
Jan 05, 2016 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. Or the big whales, such as finbacks and blue whales. The best time to see them is in februarymarch, and the best places to see them are pretty much on the entire south shore of maui and the east shore and far west shores of oahu. 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. Enjoy the norwegian and icelandic winter and combine whale watching orcas, humpbacks and fin whales. A special whale count is held the last saturday of january, february, and march on the islands of oahu, kauai, and hawaii. Whales abound, and youre practically guaranteed to see them. The humpback whales of maui and molakai tour destination. Humpback whale season on the hawaiian islands is between november and early may, but some months are better than others. The count is held the last saturday of january, february, and march during peak whale. Jun 28, 2010 the best time to see them is in february march, and the best places to see them are pretty much on the entire south shore of maui and the east shore and far west shores of oahu. Using our dji mavic mini drone, we were able to see a mother holding her. These gentle giants come to the warm hawaiian waters every year to breed and give birth to new calves. The whale is believed to be a kinolau animal form of the hawaiian ocean god kanaloa.
Go here from your mobile device and click your account to create a user login. 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. From december to may, you may catch a glimpse of a majestic kohola humpback whale off the island of hawaiis shorelines. Whale watching off of waikiki, hawaii, february 2017 youtube. One of the giants was reportedly seen breaching multiple times.
Even though noaa estimates there are almost 3,000 melon headed whales in hawaii, the chances of seeing one on a paddling tour in maui is definitely exceptionally slim. Every winter, over 5,000 humpback whales travel from alaska to hawaii. The sea smoke has won several awards, including accolades for voyages across the pacific ocean. The gurgles, whistles, and squeaks of humpback whales singing off hawaiis island shores can now be heard live. On the morning of wednesday, february 19, 2014, a response effort to free an entangled humpback whale off lahaina, maui, was mounted and the animal was successfully disentangled. The star of honolulu celebrates their 60 year anniversary. Sep 26, 2017 putting it all together how to maximize whale watching in hawaii. Maui whale watching guide humpback whales in hawaii. In the past, the global humpback whale population size was about 750,000 to 2 million animals. Whale watching boat tours and diy guide big island. Hawaiis humpback whale season is in full swing by november, and winds down with the majority of whales departing in april and may. They only would come to hawaii when they knew they could see whales, usually around february.
Every year, in late february or early march, the pacific whale foundation hosts the maui whale festival. How februarys humpback whale counts in hawaii turned out march 2, 2017 by suzanne kayian leave a comment the whales are back in force this year. Its all about the gray whales in february, their migration is one of the longest of all marine animals. Whale watching with friends on a beautiful february 2017 day in hawaiinei. The warm waters off hawaii are the best spot to meet the humpbacks now. 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. Humpback whales in hawaii get all of the attention but there are actually over a dozen.
Hawaii s humpback whale season is in full swing by november, and winds down with the majority of whales departing in april and may. Jan 04, 2016 hawaiis humpback whale population has not made its yearly return to the islands yet. 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. 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.
Whale watching is a seasonal and very popular activity during the winter time in hawaii. Join us february 24 27, 2017 at the ritzcarlton, kapalua. Feb 27, 2017 whale watching with friends on a beautiful february 2017 day in hawaiinei. Its an experience anyone visiting hawaii should at least experience once. The cultural significance of whales in hawaii hawaii. Seeing one of these 40ton, 40foot long giants breach the water is an unforgettable sight. Festivities are carried out all week, but most of the event is held on 2 days during the weekend. In 12 years of studies by cascadia research, a total of 32 sperm whales were sighted in hawaii31 of which were off of the big island. Since 1980, maui whale festival has offered a series of inspiring events held during mauis peak humpback whale season. Whale watching on oahu graceful and gentle giants of the ocean, arching, breaching, and frolicking, hawaiis humpback whales take center stage during whale season. Humpback whales have returned and free whale watching in hawaii is really possible.
Jan 02, 2016 humpback whales slow to arrive in hawaii. The winter months are humpback whale season, which peaks in february. Go whale watching off the coast of oahu on this excursion from waikiki or ko olina. Weve been to oahu, maui, and the big island but only in late may and june, but we are looking to take my mom in february to oahu and i was wondering if you can see whales on oahu. Despite the ocean voyagers initial encounter with a very energetic competition pod see above photo, the most interesting part of this days cruise was the antics of one particularly active humpback whale calf. When is the best time to see humpback whales in hawaii and. 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 trust, hawaiian islands humpback whale national marine sanctuary and division of.
Humpback whales in maui whales visit december to april. Incredible sailing experiences and ample deck space 58 feet long by 28 feet wide make the sea smoke a favorite choice for. The most wonderful time of the year is whale watching season in hawaii. The whale watching season in kauai runs from november through march. The migration of whales to and around the hawaiian islands is a seasonal event that peaks in january and february, and has always been an occurrence familiar to native hawaiians.
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