MAUI Whale Season Maui Hawaii
October & November – First Maui Hawaii whale sightings
December – March, Whale season
February – Peak season
Without a doubt, one of Maui Hawaii 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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Conservation
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 Maui Hawaii 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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Biology
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.
WHALES ARE KAMAAINA
Hawaiian History
“Kohola”
Kohola (Humpback Whales) have been visiting Hawaii since the ancient Polynesian Era, 1-600 AD.
18th Century
1778
1819
1824
1859
Early 1900s
1973
1992
1998
Ancient kahunas (priests) would recite the Kumulipo chant—the Hawaiian chant
of creation—the second section tells the birth of the whale: “Hanau ka palaoa
noho I kai”— born is the whale living in the ocean.
Mistaken as the Lono (God associated with fertility),
James Cook was greeted upon his arrival to Hawai’i.
Hawai‘i’s whaling era begins when two New England ships become the first
whaling ships to arrive in the Hawaiian Islands.
Whale products are in high demand.
The whaling industry is prominent in the
island economy for about 40 years.
The end of the whaling industry is brought about by the discovery of
a new type of oil in Pennsylvania which replaces whale oil.
The global population of humpbacks is depleted
by the commercial whaling industry.
The United States government makes it yasadışı to hunt, harm, or disturb
humpback whales. The Endangered Species Act is passed. The humpback
whale is listed as endangered.
Congress enacts the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine
Sanctuary, recognizing the vital role the Hawaiian Islands have in the
preservation of endangered humpback whales.
The Sanctuary is managed in an equal partnership by the National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the State of Hawai‘i.
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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Migration
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.
Mating
& Birthing
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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12
months is a humpback whale gestation period
2000
pounds is an average weight of calves
1
inch per day is the rate of calves growth
Surface
Behavior
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.
Blow
Adult humpbacks swim to the surface to breathe usually every 10-15 minutes,but they can remain submerged for up to 45 minutes. Humpback calves come to the surface to breathe every 3-5 minutes, so it’s quite common to see them more frequently mid-season. The first way to sight a humpback whale is to look for the blowing spray above the ocean surface; this is the whale breathing!
Spy hop
When a humpback vertically rises above the ocean surface, this is called a spy hop, or a head rise. Marine scientists believe that this is the humpback’s way of sensing what’s going on on the ocean surface. In Hawaii, we think that this is the humpback whale’s way of saying ALOHA.
Tail slap
A tail slap is when a humpback raises its fluke (tail) out of the water and forcefully slaps it on the surface. This can be a repetitive behavior, which marine scientists believe is a warning in whale communication.
Pectoral slap
Humpbacks will slap one or both of their flippers (pectoral fins) against the ocean
surface. This is believed to be a signal for communication between whales.
Head lunge
It is common to see the male humpbacks’ lunge their heads towards and against each
other during aggressive and competitive behavior. This is also called a head slap.
Peduncle throw
This is one of the most uncommonly seen behaviors, mostly exhibited in aggression. A
peduncle throw is when a humpback powerfully throws the lower portion of its body
sideways across the surface of the ocean.
Peduncle arch
A peduncle arch, also known as a ‘round out,’ is one of the most easily spotted behaviors
of the Humpbacks. You don’t see much of the whale, except for a rounded part of their back
skimming over the surface of the ocean as they prepare to dive.
Fluke up dive
Characterized with an even amount of the tail on the surface of the ocean, a fluke up dive
is seen when humpbacks are in an upside down upward arch, slowly rolling into a dive
towards the floor of the ocean.
Breach
You will definitely know when you see a humpback whale breaching! This is surely
their most dramatic and acrobatic-like act where they quickly gain speed and launch
their whole body out of the ocean! They powerfully land on the surface of the ocean
with a huge splash!
Fluke down
When a humpback throws his whole tail out of the water and triumphs with a
dramatic slap on the ocean surface, it is called a peduncle slap.
Download guide
12
miles away their singing can be heard
40
minutes is how long their songs can last
60
feet below the ocean surface the male’s sing
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Whale songs
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.
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Shoreline
Viewing
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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FAQCan you see whales in Hawaii in October?
Whale sightings are possible in October but are considered rare.
What types of whales are in Hawaii?
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
What is the best month to see whales in Maui?
February is peak season for whale watching on Maui.
When can you see whales in Maui?
Humpback whales can be seen as early as October with sightings increasing through November. December through March is considered whale season.
Why do humpback whales go to Hawaii?
Humpback whales migrate every year from Alaska to mate and give birth in the warm waters of Maui.
Maui Hawaii Which Hawaiian island is the best for whale watching?
Maui is the best place to see humpback whales!
What is the best time for whale watching in Hawaii?
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.
Best Boat Tours
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.
Pride of Maui
Whale Watch Tour
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Pride of Maui
Whale Watch Tour
Enjoy guaranteed humpback whale sightings beautiful scenery, and snorkeling all at once on the Pride of Maui. The trip also boasts anopen bar and grilled lunches.
Pride of Maui
Sunset Whale Watch Cruise
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Pride of Maui
Sunset Whale Watch Cruise
Along with whale watching, you’ll enjoy freshly prepared food, cocktails, and live music all against the backdrop of a fabulous Mauisunset. What more could you ask?
Leilani Whale Watch
Small Group Boat Tour
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Leilani Whale Watch
Small Group Boat Tour
This small group private boat tour features knowledgeable naturalists tohelp educate guests about both Maui and the humpback whales that spend their winters here.
Hawaiian Paddlesports
Whale Watch Tour
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Hawaiian Paddlesports
Whale Watch Tour
See North Pacific humpback whales from a genuinely awe-inspiring perspective, right by the water as you head out in an Outrigger Canoe, Stand Up Paddleboard, or Kayak.
Maui Kayak Adventures
Whale Watch Tour
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Maui Kayak Adventures
Whale Watch Tour
Get up close and personal with the whales by paddling out to greet them.With no engine noise, Kayaks allow viewing whales with less disturbanceto their natural routine.
Redline Rafting Whale
Watching Tour
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Redline Rafting Whale
Watching Tour
See the whales up close on a whale watching Raft tour with Redline Rafting. Small group tours with an onboard marine naturalist and hydrophone to listen to the whales. Three departures daily from Kihei.
Maui Whale Gallery
When you see them with your own eyes, nothing compares. Kohola (humpback whales) are majestic creatures.