Whale season in hawaii

Enjoy the norwegian and icelandic winter and combine whale watching orcas, humpbacks and fin whales. Operating off the kona side of the big island in the deepwater channel between hawaii and maui, torpedo tours has booked an impressive list of whale sightings on its dives. These gentle giants find hawaiis warm waters and lack of natural predators ideal. The best time to see whales on maui is november through may when thousands of north pacific humpback whales grace hawaiian waters during their annual winter migration. 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. Chinese heritage festival, hula o na keiki, made in maui county festival hawaii island. 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.

Every winter, over 5,000 humpback whales travel from alaska to hawaii. On occasion, we will have our first whale sighting as early as october or late september. 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. Usually the very first of the humpback whales to visit will first appear sometime in november followed by a couple more sightings as days pass but the bulk of the. Hawaii s humpback whale season is in full swing by november, and winds down with the majority of whales departing in april and may. The humpbacks sing a haunting song, that you can hear when youre swimming under the water in hawaii during whale season. Apr 06, 2020 hawaii is known as a top destination for whale watching, especially for an estimated twothirds of the north american population of humpback whales that vacation in hawaii.

Each winter december through may, thousands of kohola humpback whales travel to hawaii from colder waters to breed, calve and nurse their young. 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. There are a variety of ways in which you can catch a glimpse of hawaiis humpback whales. Of course the whales arent quite aware of the thousands of tourists in hawaii waiting for their arrival, so they come when they want to. Start your whale watching year with ease why not visit hawaii. The health and safety of our guests and employees is our top priority. Whalewatching is one of the most popular winter activities in hawaii, and for good reason.

I moved to maui in 1980, i was absolutely taken back and totally mesmerized when whale season came for the first time. 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. After all, there is just something about seeing these magnificent giants of the sea playing, jumping and their incredible water spouts when they come to the surface to breathe. Hawaiian islands humpback whale marine life top 10. I fondly remember my mother in law, who lived in maui, would always be looking out for whales throughout the maui whale watching season although sometime she would look for them while driving along the ocean, which would freak me out whale watching in hawaii is one of the most popular winter activity and one of the best islands by far for. 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. Below you will find our top ten viewing locations by island. 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. 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. Hawaiian islands humpback whale marine life top 10 whale.

This whale surface behavior, such as breaching and tail slaps, make for exciting whale watching in hawaii. They escape the cold and stay in the warm hawaiian waters from. Between october and midmay each year, migratory humpback whales visiting warm tropical waters for calving and breeding are the stars of the local whale watch tours. You can even take a whale watching tour to see these playful creatures up close. Take a trip to the beach or a scenic lookout and watch for the blows, pec slaps, flukeup dives, and breaches of hawaiis humpbacks. Hawaii whale watching hawaii whale watching tours are the big winter event. Hawaii whale watching, oahu whale watch near ko olina, waikiki. Each year, a number of organizations and locals organize annual humpback whale festivals to welcome megaptera novaeangliae to the aloha state. The first humpback whale sighting this year in hawaii was on september 29th near the small island of niihau. Go on our full day charters and the humpback season extends from nov. Humpback whales make their annual journey to hawaii between the months of november and april whale season, and the big island is our favorite of the.

Theres arguably no better place in the world to see humpback whales than maui. Whale sightings in maui typically occur between november and may. The annual maui whale festival, organized by the pacific whale foundation, is held during mauis peak humpback whale season. Humpback whale watching season starts early in hawaii live. Hawaii is known as a top destination for whale watching, especially for an estimated twothirds of the north american population of humpback whales that vacation in hawaii. Last week a young, playful whale appeared beside some kayaks. See below for how and when to see whales in the wild. Explore whale watching hawaiian islands humpback whale.

The first arrivals could start showing up as early as late november, but theyre few and far between. If you see an injured or entangled marine mammal, keep a safe and legal distance and call noaas marine mammal stranding and entanglement hotline at. 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. Officially, whale season in maui runs from december 15thmay 15th, although its still possible to see whales outside of the officialwhale. 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.

By 1993, it was estimated that 4,000 whales from the north pacific ocean came to 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. Best tours on oahu whale watching season in hawaii. So its hard on the mother, but perfect for the baby. Humpback whales spend their summers in waters near alaska where food is more abundant than in warmer waters. They migrate over 3,500 miles to get to hawaii where they breed and give birth. The best way to experience maui whale watch season is to take a guided boat tour with a professional captain and crew. You can learn about whale habits, find out how to spot them in the ocean, and maybe hear a whale song. 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. Its whalewatching season in hawaii, and these creatures.

Maui is a top whalewatching spot for boatbased viewing. What you need to know about the maui whale season the. Did you get a chance to visit maui during whale season. Officially, whale season in maui runs from december 15thmay 15th, although its still possible to see whales outside of the officialwhale season dates. Hawaiis humpback whale season is in full swing by november, and winds down with the majority of whales departing in april and may. Humpback whalewatching tours are in full swing in hawaii, and some visitors are discovering the giant mammals to be curious creatures. Other good islands to go whale watching are maui and kauai. Hawaiis whale watching season takes place from late november to midapril. Scientists estimate that twothirds of the entire north pacific humpback whale population return to hawaii to breed, calve and nurse their young. In fact many of our hawaii tour guests inquire as to when whale season is and when whale watching tours become available to book. The majority of the whales that migrate to hawaii bask in the warm, hospitable, and generally calm maui waters. Whale season usually stretches from mid december through mid april. Whales can be seen quite easily from most shorelines around the hawaiian islands.

Out of an abundance of caution related to the evolving covid19 situation, four seasons resort maui at wailea will temporarily suspend operations. Hawaiis humpback whale season begins big island now. Whale watching boat tours and diy guide big island. Research indicates that at as many as 10,000 humpback whales may be in hawaii this upcoming season. Officially, whale season in hawaii runs from december 15may 15, although the first whale of the season is usually spotted sometime in early october. Whale season is the opportunity to observe these magnificent creatures, which populate the waters near the hawaiian shore to breed, give birth, and raise their young calves in safety.

I fondly remember my motherinlaw, who lived in maui, would always be looking out for whales throughout the maui whale watching season although sometime she would look for them while driving along the ocean, which would freak me out whale watching in hawaii is one of the most popular winter activity and one of the best islands by far for. It is generally believed that february is the absolute peek of the season. Check out our favorite moments from this past season. Sep 26, 2017 putting it all together how to maximize whale watching in hawaii. Tips offered to enjoy hawaiis famed humpback whales from shore to sea. Whale watching tours on the big island of hawaii 2020. The waters surrounding maui are the stage for some of the best whale watching in the world. Shortly after i moved to maui, i met greg kaufman, who founded the pacific whale foundation in 1980. Lahaina harbor is home to a wide range of whale watching tours. And while the whales do take an extended reprieve near the islands, they are not there year round, and there may be better areas than others to catch a glimpse at their massive beauty. Enjoy kona whale watching on your next trip kona coast. Maui luxury 5star beach resort four seasons resort maui. The best months to see whales is usually between midjanuary and march as this is considered peak whale watching season. Hawaii ist fur whale watching eine besonders geeignete anlaufstelle.

What is the best hawaiian island for whale watching. Whale watching season has started earlier than expected in hawaii. I was lucky enough to move into a condo in north kihei that overlooks maalaea bay. Dec 19, 2014 the hawaiian islands humpback whale national marine sanctuary has actually recognized hawaii to be the only state in the u. It is believed that the humpback whales migrate to hawaii each winter because of the ideal warm waters, varying ocean depths, and lack of natural predators. Sep 16, 2018 in fact many of our hawaii tour guests inquire as to when whale season is and when whale watching tours become available to book.

At 25 to 40 tons, pacific humpback whales are the fifth largest whale species in the world. Hawaiian islands humpback whale explore whale watching. Fall hawaii international film festival, vans world cup of surfing maui. The pacific whale foundation now has over 200 employees, they research marine mammal behavior and the threats they face. 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 whale season on the hawaiian islands is between november and early may, but some months are better than others. The whales are drawn to the areas shallow waters, especially the auau channel between maui, molokai and lanai, making maui. Whale sprout from the whale watch cruise boat in the waters near maui island. However, for the best experience, we recommend a professionally guided whalewatching 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. Apr 03, 2020 whale season usually stretches from mid december through mid april. Whale watching is available for visitors to enjoy between december and may.

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. Many of the events are marked by stories, song, prayer, dance and poetry. Whale watching is one of the most popular winter activities in hawaii, and for good reason. Putting it all together how to maximize whale watching in hawaii. Thousands of humpbacks gather in the warm waters to mate and give birth. The last whales could stick around until april before they make their trek back to alaska. Generally speaking, december to may is seen as the best time for whale watching in oahu and the rest of hawaii. Hawaii is the only place in the united states where humpback whales mate, calve, and nurse their young. 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. A single humpback whale was seen near the big islands kailuakona area on thursday, aug. May 09, 2018 did you get a chance to visit maui during whale season. The hawaiian islands humpback whale national marine sanctuary has actually recognized hawaii to be the only state in the u.

Humpback whales visit hawaiian waters each year from november to may with the peak of the season being from january to march. 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. Humpback whale watching season starts early in hawaii. If you are visiting kona during whale season, the chance of seeing whales is pretty good.

Maui whale watching guide humpback whales in hawaii. Jan 17, 2018 humpback whale watching tours are in full swing in hawaii, and some visitors are discovering the giant mammals to be curious creatures. Whale watching season on kauai february 18, 2014 1 comment in kauai activities, kauai events and festivals by tanya if you want to see whales, now is the time. On average, the first whale sighting from a trilogy. The north pacific humpback whales, known as koholai, arrive in hawaii as early as. The hawaii whale watching season is the most anticipated time of year regarding activities in the islands. 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. When is the best time to see humpback whales in hawaii and.

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. Boat tours and whale watching cruises have become increasingly popular. Its whalewatching season in hawaii, and these creatures are. While nursing in hawaii, humpback whale mothers are unable to feed again until they and their calves make the long voyage all the way back to alaska in spring. Whale season in maui hawaii hawaiian paddle sports llc. You can listen to the whales under water, spot them from. While the first maui whale sighting differs every year, its lately been as early as september that humpbacks are spotted in maui. Hawaii is a popular destination for whale watching because, during mating season, humpback whales are more active resulting in elevated surface activity. If whale watching is on your bucket list, look no further than maui, hawaii. The whale watching season in kauai runs from november through march. Get in touch with your wild side on our oahu whale watch tours.