Every winter, over 5,000 humpback whales travel from alaska to hawaii. Scientists estimate that twothirds of the entire north pacific humpback whale population make the annual trek to 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. Get involved sanctuary ocean count hawaiian islands. According to noaa, the peak season for whale watching in oahu is january to march. The most wonderful time of the year is whale watching season in hawaii. Each island also offers a variety of whalewatching cruises, which will bring you up close and personal with the mammoth mammals.
Whales find boats a deadly hazard off hawaii nbc news. Boat tours and whale watching cruises have become increasingly popular. Insider tips for whale watching season in maui fodors. Humpback whales visit hawaiian waters each year from november to may with the peak of the season being from january to march. The north pacific humpback whales travel from alaska over 3000 miles to the warm waters of hawaii every year. Whale watch tours the very best way to experience whale watching on molokai is to get out on a boat tour. 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. Each winter december through may, thousands of kohola humpback whales travel to hawaii from colder waters to breed, calve and nurse their young. Hawaiis shortfinned pilot whales, pictures, video, facts. From juneau to kodiak, these whale watching areas are popular among tourist and residents alike. Humpback whale season on the hawaiian islands is between november and early may, but some months are better than others.
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. Go visit hawaiis 8th annual contest to predict the season. If you book a whale watching tour from maui, experience the thrill of spotting a spout about 300 yards off the. Whale season officially runs from the month of november to may. So unless youre already going in the next few weeks, now is a good time to plan for next season. At birth, whale calves can weigh up to 3,000 pounds and are between 10 and 15 feet in length. Early in the season, the first sightings are usually of males who have made the swim from alaska, awaiting the females who usually show up between thanksgiving and christmas. When youre in hawaii, you can listen underwater and hear the humpbacks whale song from up to 12 miles away. The whales are drawn to the areas shallow waters, especially the auau channel between maui, molokai and lanai, making maui an ideal jumpingoff spot for. The pilot whale genus is part of the dolphin delphinidae family, second in size only to the killer whale.
Best places to see whales in alaska and where to see whales in alaska is answered in full. Everything you need to know about whale watching on maui. 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. Although the first sightings of the year are often in october or even as early as september, different whales arrive at different times. Our whale watching tours depart kaunakakai harbor daily during whale watching season dec 15 apr 1. Humpback whale watching season starts early in hawaii live. The whales can be found in the waters between november up until may but spotting a whale out in some of the channels is much higher in frequency from january to march. The first humpback whale spotting of 2015 came early this year near the small island of niihau, which is off of kauai. But humpback whales visit the hawaiian islands every year from november to may, so its possible that you can see whales outside of. 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. 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. Go on our full day charters and the humpback season extends from nov. Although the peak period of humpback whale aggregation in hawaiian.
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. A humpback whale was spotted in western hawaii on thursday, aug. Explore whale watching hawaiian islands humpback whale. The best time to go whale watching in hawaii is between the months of november and april, as this is when pacific humpback whales are known to thrive in the area waters. Maui whale watching is one of the most popular activities to do in hawaii. The sanctuary offers information to the public on safe and legal whale watching. Humpback whale season in hawaii generally runs from november through may, although whales may be encountered in limited numbers during other months.
About 1,500 to 3,000 humpback whales appear in hawaii waters each year. Up to 10,000 whales visit the hawaiian islands each year. Hawaiian islands humpback whale explore whale watching. Apr 10, 2015 peak hawaii whale season around february, the majority has made the voyage to these balmy waters and are ready to put on a show. However, their behavior is closer to that of the larger whales. More than 10,000 north pacific humpback whales migrate from southeastern alaska to the warm waters of hawaii each year to mate, give birth and nurture their calves.
Humpback whales migrate in throngs from their cold alaskan feeding grounds in the summer to our warm hawaiian waters in the winter. Explore more things to do in hawaii go to experiences page. Maui whale watching guide humpback whales in hawaii. The harbour at maalaea is within easy reach for a variety of boat trips with the pacific whale foundation for snorkelling on molikini, getting up close to the humbacks and enjoying the sunsets. The first humpback whale sighting this year in hawaii was on september 29th near the small island of niihau. The whales journey more than 3,000 miles from the gulf of alaska to hawaii, and stay from december through may. Whale season in hawaii lasts from november to may, with the peak of the season between january and march. In addition to maui, the big island offers some of the best whale watching in hawaii. Its humpback whale season in hawaii hawaii magazine. 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. Humpback whale watching season starts early in hawaii. And during whale season, hundreds of volunteers fan out across the state to count and observe whale behavior.
Hawaiian islands humpback whale news and events december. The last whales could stick around until april before they make their trek back to alaska. The humpback is the star of the annual whalewatching season, which usually begins in december or january and lasts until april or sometimes may. Whale watching what months best time to go kihei forum. It takes hours of filming due to a large mass of ocean to scan over the. However, peak hawaii whale watching season occurs during february and march. Putting it all together how to maximize whale watching in hawaii. Although the whales can be seen from shore, to truly appreciate these amazing creatures, youll want to be close to them. The season s 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. 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 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 peak season for whale watching on maui is january, february, and march, though whale season in maui officially runs from december 15may 15. Go here from your mobile device and click your account to create a user login.
Jun 19, 2012 insider tips for whale watching season in maui. 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. Best time to see whales in alaska alaska whale watching. Waikoloa whale watching 8am whale watch hawaii ocean sports offers wake up with the whales a 90 minute morning whale watch on a sailing catamaran, casting off. So if you have not made your travel arrangements yet, shoot for these months.
Marine mammal specialists estimate that up to 10,000 of these magnificent giants vacation in hawaiis warm waters during the winter months. 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. Research indicates that at as many as 10,000 humpback whales may be in hawaii this upcoming season. As many as 10,000 whales winter in island waters, a good number of them visible from our state. Marine mammal specialists estimate that up to 10,000 of these magnificent giants vacation in hawaiis warm waters. The annual maui whale festival, organized by the pacific whale foundation, is held during mauis peak humpback whale season. 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. They only would come to hawaii when they knew they could see whales, usually around february. Early in the season, the first sightings are usually of males who have made the swim from alaska, awaiting the females. The peak season to go whale watching in hawaii is between january to march. Years before we moved to hawaii, my husbands family would come to hawaii in the winter to see whales. Where to whale watch in hawaii fodors travel guide. Whale season in hawaii lasts from november to may, with the peak of the season between january and. Aug 14, 2017 right now, humpback whales are swimming in the cool, food rich waters of alaska fueling up for their long journey to hawaii.
Hawaiis humpback whale season is in full swing by november, and winds down with the majority of whales departing in april and may. The waters surrounding maui are the stage for some of the best whale watching in the world. 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. Jan 07, 2009 head for the coastlines of all hawaiian islands right now. Head for the coastlines of all hawaiian islands right now. February is considered the peak time to see these beautiful creatures.
Many of the events are marked by stories, song, prayer, dance and poetry. Get in touch with your wild side on our oahu whale watch tours. Youd be hardpressed not to see at least a few, even if youre only experiencing through binoculars. The majestic whale watch lunch cruise is 2 12 hours long from 11. 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. Alaskan whales winter makin whoopee in hawaii pretty smart and summer havin babies and eating tons of fresh seafood in alaska. Adults grow to be about 45 feet long and weigh a hefty 40 tons. Even within the whale season dates, there is a lot of fluctuation in the sightings youll see and the density and activity of the whales. Each island also offers a variety of whale watching cruises, which will bring you up close and personal with the mammoth mammals. The whales head to hawaii in search of warm waters to mate and raise their calves.
Enjoy kona whale watching on your next trip kona coast. Hawaiis humpback whale season technically begins in november when the gargantuan mammals make the long journey from cold north pacific ocean seas to calve in hawaiis famously warm waters. From charter boats to passenger rafts, a stroll past the kiosks lining lahaina harbor reveals a variety of options during the peak of whale watching season, between january and early april. During hawaiis whale season you can go on a whale watching cruise along the big islands hilo, kona or kohala coast. You will see them easily from land no need to go out on a whale watching boat. Whale watching in hawaii hawaii whale watching tours. It is generally believed that february is the absolute peek of the season. 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. The pacific whale foundation recommends traveling at a speed no greater than 12. The where and when of the best time to see whales in alaska.
Just make a break for the kona coast or the waikoloa area if you want to do some big island whale watching. Whale watching boat tours and diy guide big island. Where to watch humpback whales from shore across hawaii. These destinations offer hawaii whale watching tours that highlight those whales that choose to congregate in the alenuihaha channel. Sep 26, 2017 putting it all together how to maximize whale watching in hawaii. There are so many whales in hawaii during peak whale season that locals refer to the ocean as whale soup. Right now, humpback whales are swimming in the cool, food rich waters of alaska fueling up for their long journey to hawaii. 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. 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. After spending their summer feeding in the coastal waters of alaska, the humpbacks migrate to hawaii to mate and give birth during the winter and spring months november to may, making february and march the peak time for whale sightings.
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 whale season on the hawaiian islands is between november and. Hawaii big island whale watching tours hawaii discount. The whales visit hawaii between late november and early may. The name pilot whale is believed to originate from the idea that the pods or herds were piloted by a leader whale. 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. They come from alaska, and its estimated that up to 3,000 of them are known to congregate off the hawaiian islands during the winter months. Here is a selection of big island whale watching tours or other cruises on which you are likely to see whales. When is the best time to see humpback whales in hawaii and. We are proud to offer whale watching tours from maui, kauai, oahu, and big island. Each year, a number of organizations and locals organize annual humpback whale festivals to welcome megaptera novaeangliae to the aloha state.
Lahaina harbor is home to a wide range of whale watching tours. Go visit hawaiis 8th annual contest to predict the seasons. Whales are often normally seen, and your guide will make their best effort to find these marine mammals so you can have the best tour possible. But if youre more than 12 miles away, you can listen to live whale songs online. As humpback whales start to make their spring migration, native hawaiians are lining up to marvel at these peaceful giants. Though the peak of the humpback whale season runs from january through march, a few anxious whales cant wait that long and arrive even sooner. Hawaii whale watching, oahu whale watch near ko olina, waikiki. There are a variety of ways in which you can catch a glimpse of hawaiis humpback whales. Peak hawaii whale season around february, the majority has made the voyage to these balmy waters and are ready to put on a show.
Whale watching in hawaii is the perfect way to enjoy the incredible humpback whales as. 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. We have timeshare so need to put in a request but not sure which island we need to be on for whale watching mauibig island some body. Hi i am from new zealand can you please tell me when is the best timemonths to visit hawaii for whale watching.
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