Maui Whale Watching Official Guide
October & November – First whale sightings
December – March, Whale season
February – Peak season
Without a doubt, one of the most amazing marine wildlife adventures you’ll 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 waters and shorelines for their annual Winter migration through the North Pacific Ocean (roughly November-March).
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Since the early 1970s, the North Pacific humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) have been under protection by a variety of national and international agreements.
The principal U.S. agreements are the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 (MMPA), the Endangered Species Act of 1973 by the NOAA (National Oceanic And Atmospheric Administration), and the Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna And Flora Treaty (CITES) of 1973.
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North Pacific humpback whales are the fifth largest whale species in the world and can weigh anywhere between 25-40 tons (50,000 -80,000 lbs), and approximately 1 ton (2,000 lbs) as newborns.
20
minutes is the
maximum dive
time
80,00036 200
poundskg is the weight of
an adult whale, equal
to 6 elephants
40
minutes a male
humpback's song
often lasts
10045
poundskg a whale
calf can grow
every day
50
years is average
life expectancy
3,5005 632
mileskilometers humpback
whales migrate
each year
Humpback whales can grow up to 60 feet in length, the females being larger sized of the breed.
Their upper (dorsal) body is primarily a dark shade of grey, with distinct areas of white on their flippers (pectoral fins) and under (ventral) bellies. On average, the North Pacific humpback whale can live for about 50 years (although there have been accounts living up to 90 years), and reach sexual maturity between 5-7 years old.
The dorsal fin is located about 2/3 of the way down their backs. It has a slight hump on the forward edge.
The fluke is a humpback’s tail. It helps to propel them through the water. Each whale has black and white markings on the bottom side of the tail which are unique to each one like fingerprints are to us.
North Pacific humpback whales are the fifth largest whale species in the world and can weigh anywhere between 25-40 tons (50,000-80,000 lbs), and approximately 1 ton (2,000 lbs) as newborns.
Humpback whales can grow up to 60 feet in length, the females being larger sized of the breed.
Their upper (dorsal) body is primarily a dark shade of grey, with distinct areas of white on their flippers (pectoral fins) and under (ventral) bellies. On average, the North Pacific humpback whale can live for about 50 years (although there have been accounts living up to 90 years), and reach sexual maturity between 5-7 years old.
The North Pacific humpback whales feed on small crustaceans, krill, plankton, and small fish, consuming up to 3,000 lbs of food per day. Humpbacks don’t ever feed in Hawaii’s oceans; they only feed during their Alaskan Summers, focusing on storing strength and the blubber that they will live off of during their annual Winter migration to Hawaii.
The term “humpback” refers to the high arch made by the body of the whale while diving. The heads of the humpback whales are wide and rounded when seen from above, but more slender in profile. The tops of their heads and lower jaws are covered in bumpy knobs, which are ducts that contain at least one fibrous hair follicle whose purpose provides a sense of “touch,” like a whisker. Humpback whales have 20-35 underbelly (ventral) grooves that extend past their naval, and compared to other whale species, their bodies are not as streamlined. Humpbacks are more rounded, and they narrow down towards their tailstock (peduncle).
Humpback whales have large front flippers (pectoral fins) that grow on average up to 15 feet each in length and can range from all white to all black, with individual patterns on each whale. The color patterns on a humpback whale’s dorsal fins and tails (flukes) are just as individual as a palm print for humans; it has become one of the ways that marine scientists have been able to identify specific whales during research.
Kohola (Humpback Whales) have been visiting Hawaii since the ancient Polynesian Era, 1-600 AD.
Archeologists have found Hawaiian petroglyphs (ancient carvings on stone) that represent proof that humpback whales have historically frequented the Hawaiian Islands. Kohola petroglyphs were found in Olowalu on Maui, Pohue on the Big Island, and Palaoa Hill (Whale Hill) on the Island of Lanai. The petroglyphs depict an ancient human figure riding the back of a whale.
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Hawaii’s North Pacific humpback whales travel over 3,500 miles from Alaskan waters to Hawaiian oceans every year during their annual Winter migration.
Marine scientists have noted that they can travel between 3-7 miles per hour, with very few stops. It is believed that each one-way journey can take up to 4-6 weeks, and as little as 36 days. It is also believed that an average of 8,000-10,000 humpback whales visit Hawaii every year, and the number is growing with the increase in population.
Why do the North Pacific
humpback whales migrate
to Hawaii?
The humpbacks travel from the cold Alaskan waters to the warm, subtropical climate of Hawaiian oceans for three main reasons; to breed, to birth, and to raise their young calves in safety. Humpback whales have an 11 to 12-month gestational period, so baby humpback calves are both conceived and birthed in Hawaii. So, it is safe to assume that last season’s breeding, becomes the following season’s birthing. Marine scientists believe that humpback whales enjoy Hawaii’s oceans for the warm waters, the variety of ocean depths, underwater visibility, and the lack of natural predators.
The North Pacific humpback whales mate in Hawaii’s oceans. The humpbacks are known to be polygamous mammals, which means that they are not monogamous but promiscuous breeders.
Males do not play a parental role in the early life of calves, and research has noted that genetic testing shows that over the breeding life of an individual female, calves will have different fathers. Post-mating, female humpback whales, are rarely seen in the presence of the males in which they mated.
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The North Pacific humpback whales mate in Hawaii’s oceans. The humpbacks are known to be polygamous mammals, which means that they are not monogamous but promiscuous breeders.
Males do not play a parental role in the early life of calves, and research has noted that genetic testing shows that over the breeding life of an individual female, calves will have different fathers. Post-mating, female humpback whales, are rarely seen in the presence of the males in which they mated.
Although, you will see male humpbacks protecting and guarding female whales during their stay in Hawaii. These males are also continually seen throughout the Winter season exhibiting aggressive behavior towards any other males, continuing to protect the females from the birth of the baby calves to the final escort out of Hawaiian waters. Aggressive male-to-male behavior is antagonistic with common displays of vocal outbursts, chasing, fighting, thrusting, thrashing, bubble and spouting displays. This behavior can result in bloodshed, but they do not fight to the death.
The humpback whale gestation period is 11 to 12 months. Calves are born anywhere between 13 to 16 feet in length, and on average weigh 2,000 lbs. These mammals feed on their mothers 50% fat milk, and gain approximately 100 pounds, and gain 1 inch per day. Humpback whale mothers are incredibly playful, protective and affectionate with their baby calves. The mother will wean a baby calve anywhere between 4-6 months old.
Towards the end of the Winter Season, during Hawaii’s first months of Spring, it is quite common to see the quickly growing humpback whale calves frolic and play on the surface of the ocean. In Hawaiian waters, the baby calves will learn the motor skills and vital masteries that are necessary for survival. These early learned behavioral skills will translate into the adult behaviors that will ensure their safety and livelihood for the long migration back to Alaska.
The graceful, magical and intelligent North Pacific humpback whales exhibit a variety of behaviors in and above the ocean surface. In Hawaii, and especially from Maui, spectators have a rare chance to witness their marine skills from the shoreline or on
a fantastic Hawaii whale watching tour.
The North Pacific humpback whales have incredible skill and ritual that is unlike any other whale, they sing underwater, and can be heard from up to 12 miles away.
Not all humpbacks sing; it is only specific males, and those males are lone mammals. They are singular in their species, and it is unknown if these whales breed, or if the skill blossoms at a specific age.
The North Pacific humpback whales have incredible skill and ritual that is unlike any other whale, they sing underwater, and can be heard from up to 12 miles away.
Not all humpbacks sing; it is only specific males, and those males are lone mammals. They are singular in their species, and it is unknown if these whales breed, or if the skill blossoms at a specific age.
There are much speculation and research into this fantastic humpback whale characteristic. The males sing 50 to 60 feet below the ocean surface with their heads pointing down, and their tails pointed up.
Why Do The Humpback Whales Sing?
All of the reasons why the humpback whales sing is unknown. Some believe that there are spiritual and ceremonial reasons, and others think that it is just communication. Marine scientists do know that the Humpback males sing in breeding grounds to attract females and that the songs ward off foreign males. Their songs can last from 20-40 minutes and are likened to a complex classical music concerto when broken down into specific phrases and units.
Season after season in Hawaii, the Whale Songs are recorded by multiple non-profits and vested marine life protection groups. There is such a meticulous pattern to their songs that it has been noted that where they stop the song at the end of a season, is where they pick right up again at the beginning of the next. It is possible to hear them underwater when you’re swimming or snorkeling near the Humpback Whales. On Maui, you can listen to the whale song while underwater in West Maui; Lahaina, Ka’anapali, and Kapalua beaches.
The Island of Maui is without a doubt the best place to be in Hawaii for whale watching from the shoreline.
You can watch them from your coastal resort, from the lanai (porch/balcony) of your vacation rental or hotel room, or from a scenic lookout. See them from the sand, and be very careful if you are watching them as you are driving. The most common road to see humpback whales breach and play from a distance is on the stretch of Highway 30 between Ma’alaea and Lahaina.
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Whale sightings are possible in October but are considered rare.
North Pacific humpback whales, False killer whales, Sperm whales, Orcas, Cuvier’s beaked whales, Pygmy killer whales, Dwarf killer whales, Short-finned pilot whales, Melon-headed whales
February is peak season for whale watching on Maui.
Humpback whales can be seen as early as October with sightings increasing through November. December through March is considered whale season.
Humpback whales migrate every year from Alaska to mate and give birth in the warm waters of Maui.
Maui is the best place to see humpback whales!
Anytime is the best time! But, if you’re looking for the best scenic times, early morning or sunset is considered prime. 11 am to 3 pm yields the best overhead light.
Maui whale watching tours are truly
an exceptional experience!
If you are ready to check out the North Pacific humpback whales in Hawaii, know that there are a variety of ways to experience it, and the best place to do it is on the Island of Maui.
You can book a classic Maui whale watching tour, or a combo whale watching and snorkel tour. You can also see the humpback whales in a calmer atmosphere during a romantic sunset cruise, or a private boat charter.
When whale watching on Maui, you can expect to be on the very best ocean vessel for optimum whale watching and safety. Only with a professional Captain and an expert crew, guests will learn more information about the North Pacific humpback whale; habits, new research and statistics, ways to spot them in the ocean, and a chance to hear a whale song. On a whale watching tour, everything you need can be provided including meals and beverages, snorkel gear, safety equipment and more.
When you see them with your own eyes, nothing compares. Kohola (humpback whales) are majestic creatures.
