We’re in the midst of whale season here in Hawaii. The winter months are when the humpback whales make their way from the cold polar regions of the north to the warm tropical waters of the south. And those visiting Hawaii at this time are in for a treat.
Migration
The humpback whales are generally found in and around the Alaskan waters. This is where they call home and is also their feeding ground. But when the colder temperatures set in during the winter months, the whales begin to make their migration towards warmer climates.
The journey begins around November or December each year. The massive creatures weighing around 29 tons travel about 3,000 miles to reach the Hawaiian islands. It takes them between 6 to 8 weeks to complete their trip.
The humpbacks spend most of the winter months in Hawaii, not returning to their homes until around April or May. The time they spend in the warmer waters of the tropics are considered their breeding time. This is when the whales mate and give birth to new calves.
Events, Cruises, and More
In 1980, the Pacific Whale Foundation was created in order to protect the ocean and offer educational tours and programs. The Foundation is a non-profit organization and is largely supported through
Maui is the prime location of whale-related events as most humpbacks seem to gather here. And each February the Maui Whale Festival puts on a series of events to celebrate the humbacks of Hawaii. Various events include special fundraising walks, film festivals, concerts, and town parties.
Whale Sightings
Maui might be the prime spot for humpback whales, but it’s not the only spot. The humpbacks can be seen all over the islands, and some even close enough to see from the shore. An older blog post we wrote back in 2014 outlines a list of locations here on the island of Oahu that are great spots for whale-watching. Check it out and enjoy your time watching for whales this season.
Image By: Hawaii Ocean Project
