When choosing a hotel or condo, from our experiences, weve found that the very best humpback whale action is along west and south maui and the kohala coast of hawaiis. Humpback sighting marks start of whale season october 1, 2019, 4. There is a big difference between seeing a whale and experiencing a whale. The peak season is from january through march, but you might see them in april or possibly as late as early may. The original endangered species conservation act esca of 1969 has been amended and updated as. Because the channels surrounding maui house so many humpback whales, it isnt uncommon to spot a whale from out your airplane window.
View them in their environment on board the maui magic snorkel adventure, watch them as they perform amazing acrobatics, and hear them in the water while you snorkel. At pacific whale foundation, our whale watching season officially kicks off in early november with our welcome home the whales cruise. The hawaiian islands humpback whale national marine sanctuary has actually recognized hawaii to be the only state in the u. Mauis humpback whale season is decembermarch of every year.
Each occasion is designed to celebrate and inspire environmental stewardship alongside a strong community of maui residents and. Together in these groups, humpback whales frolic around mauis coastal waters. Maui whale watching tours are a great way to see humpback whales in the wild. Come experience the best maui whale watching from an explorer super raft. As january comes to a close and we head into peak humpback whale season, its always an amazing experience to witness the majesty of these mammals. See the most comprehensive whale watching visual guide all about humpback. Maui s whale watching season the standard whale watching season is a 6 month window from from december to mid may when the whales migrate to the warmer waters of hawaii to raise their young. A humpback whale was spotted in western hawaii on thursday, aug. Lucky for us, west maui is arguably the best place to see humpback whales in hawaii, as it borders the the hawaiian islands humpback whale national marine sanctuary hihwnms. Humpback sighting marks start of whale season maui now. If you snorkel, snuba, or scuba during whale season, you will get the chance to hear the humpback whales singing underwater. There are a number of whales that remain in hawaiian waters year round but the massive influx of humpback whales makes spotting a whale during the migration season basically a guarantee.
The winner of our 10th annual predict the 1st humpback whalesighting contest is cora, who guessed october 1. Maui whale watching tips all about maui travel tips. The humpback has a distinctive body shape, with long pectoral fins and a knobbly head. They can be seen in thier natural environment in pods of males, females and calves. Humpbacks make this journey in groups called pods that congregate for a couple days at a time. There is a popular whale watching site along the pali highway a few miles west of maalaea harbor. While it is possible to see whales throughout the year in hawaii, mauis whale watching season is based on the yearly migration pattern of the humpback whales. Check out this closeup humpback whale watching encounter just off the shores of west maui. The first humpback whale sighting this year in hawaii was on september 29th near the small island of niihau. February, dubbed humpback whale month, is considered to be the peak time for whale spotting.
When choosing a hotel or condo, from our experiences, weve found that the very best humpback whale action is along west and south maui and the kohala coast of hawaiis big island. Weve visited all of the hawaiian islands during 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. One very unusual characteristic is that the whale song of the entire northern pacific population changes as the breeding season progresses so that the song at the end of the year is very different from that at the beginning. Onboard whale naturalists, hydrophone, and delicious food, premium bar drinks, and warm chocolate chip cookies all included. When is the best time to see humpback whales in hawaii and which. Hawaiian islands humpback whale national marine sanctuary.
When we visit hawaii during humpback whale season, we spend just. November to january are normally the months where humpback whales start showing on the waters off maui. Maui whale watching guide humpback whales in hawaii. Humpback whales spend their winters here in hawaii where they come to breed and give birth to their young. Join us during whale season and combine snorkeling along with humpback whale watching. Being mugged on a whale watch in maui by humpback whales is the ultimate whale watching experience where photo opportunities give way to cherished memories.
Maui is the premier spot in the state to whale watch because they favor the shallow maui waters which are around 300600 feet deep. First hawaii humpback whale sighting for 20192020 season. With majestic humpback whales flocking to mauis shores dec. Often referred to as a whale mugging, these two guys were extremely fortunate to get the whale. These huge mammals travel between 3 and 9 mph at over 1,000 miles per month without stopping. If youre a humpback whale that weighs 45 tons and feeds on. When baby humpbacks are born in maui, they typically spend an entire. The whales are abundant and provide maui residents and visitors a great opportunity to watch humpback whales in their natural habitat.
Early in the season, the first sightings are usually of males who have made the swim from alaska, awaiting the females. Ellen raimo caught this shot of a canadian visitor and a humpback whale off maui on tuesday, feb. Hawaiian islands humpback whale national marine sanctuary is located from the shoreline to the 100fathom isobath 600 ft. You may also spot kohola from the southern shores of oahu, especially at makapuu lighthouse and along the seaside overlooks near leahi diamond head. Humpback whale season is the holiday season last week monday the 8th, the pacific whale foundation on maui was excited to announce the sighting of hawaiis first humpback whale of the season. Humpback whale watching season starts early in hawaii.
It is known for breaching and other distinctive surface behaviors, making. 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. A truly amazing, jawdropping experience, when vacationing to maui during the winter season, a humpback whale watch is a mustdo. 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. The humpback whale season in maui lasts from november to may of every year. Humpback whales spend their summers in waters near alaska where food is more abundant than in warmer waters. The peak season for whale watching on maui is january, february, and march, though whale season in maui officially runs from december 15may 15. Maui whale watch tours hawaii humpback whale watching.
Their songs last up to 40 minutes, and you be heard from up to 12 miles. Mauis first humpback of season spotted in auau channel. Although humpback whales can be seen from all of the hawaiian islands, the shallow auau channel between maui, molokai and lanai is one of the best whalewatching destinations in the world. What you need to know about the maui whale season the. Winter in maui may be just another day in paradise warm sunshine, sandy beaches and incredibly lush foliage but it also means peak whale season. Each winter december through may, thousands of kohola humpback whales travel to hawaii from colder waters to breed, calve and nurse their young. Maui sees the greatest concentration of humpback whales during their season near the island. Whale season on maui is roughly from november to march. Humpback whale songs are extremely complex, last between 6 and 18 minutes and can be repeated over and over again.
Every winter, the north pacific humpback whales migrate from the frigid waters of alaska to mate, give birth, and bask in the warm seas of the hawaiian islands, enjoying their own sort of tropical vacation. 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. They migrate over 3,500 miles to get to hawaii where they breed and give birth. They are our most treasured annual visitors, and maui whale watching becomes an obsession during this period.
The shallow waters of the channels between maui, molokai, lanai and kahoolawe offer favorable. What you need to know about the maui whale season the old. The humpback whales return to hawaii for a few months every year to mate and give birth, so malolo takes. We offer a whale season pass 10 trips for those of you who love to whale watch. Officially, whale season in maui runs from december 15thmay 15th.
You will see them in ways like never before, making for a personal experience that you will never forget. Maui whale watching is one of the most popular activities to do in hawaii. Both counts will take place three times during peak 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. While these fascinating giants are at their peak in numbers between january and. On colder months, you could visit maui and witness one of natures incredible activities, the annual migration of humpback whales from cool. Maui whale watching is most thrilling aboard the malolo. Humpback whales visit hawaiian waters each year from november to may with the peak. It depends on the change of seasons, water temp and storms up in alaska, but as soon as the water gets too cold the humpback whales make their annual visit to maui. The pacific whale foundation had their first humpback whale sighting of the season back on oct. The waters surrounding maui are the stage for some of the best whale watching in the world.
Whale watching maui maui best whale watching tours. While the first maui whale sighting differs every year, its lately been as early as september that humpbacks are spotted in maui. Learn more about hawaiis humpback whale season and the best places to see them. On average, the first whale sighting from a trilogy. Whale watching on maui if youre visiting maui any time in winter, theres a decent chance you could spot a whale before even reaching the island. Whale watching season in maui is novembermay with peak season typically running between midjanuary and march. In hawaii, maui is a top whale watching spot for boatbased viewing. With peak humpback whale season and couples snuggling up for valentines day, maui in february is a busy time. The whale watching season around maui is annually from december through march. Aaron bement reported seeing the while one of the daily molokini snorkel cruise. This is one of our many blessings, as whale watching is a beloved activity among visitors and residents alike. December 15th is the official start of the humpback whale season in hawaii, but guests on our private whale watching tour could spot whales as early as november, and since the feeling of watching a humpback from a kayak is one of the islands best adventures, we figured it was time to discuss some basics about humpback whales in maui.
Whale sightings in maui typically occur between november and may. Each year, a number of organizations and locals organize annual humpback whale festivals to welcome megaptera novaeangliae to the aloha state. In the 1960s there were as few as 1,400 pacific humpback whales, now, in 2019, there are over 22,000 due to conservation efforts. At 25 to 40 tons, pacific humpback whales are the fifth largest whale species in the world. 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 pacific whale foundation pwf counted 984 humpbacks during a february 2017 census in maui, up from 732 in 2016. Season doesnt officially start until december 15th and runs to around april 15th, but there have already been sightings of new arrivals.
The humpback whale megaptera novaeangliae is a species of baleen whale. Photographer daniel sullivan captured a picture of whales leaping out of the water monday off mauis. Mauis first humpback whale of the season was spotted wednesday morning in the auau channel by a pacific whale foundation boat carrying kids on an ocean camp excursion. Since 1980, maui whale festival has offered a series of inspiring events held during mauis peak humpback whale season. Maui whale watches start early december and continue until early april. 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. Maui whale watching best guide to humpback whales on. Maui whale festival help save the whales maui whale. Whale watching maui the best humpback whale watching in maui. Throughout the month, humpbacks definitely garner the majority of spotlight. It is one of the larger rorqual species, with adults ranging in length from 1216 m 3952 ft and weighing around 2530 metric tons 2833 short tons. In addition to whales, february is also host to a variety of unique, entertaining events, from live concerts to chinese new year festivals. This high speed catamaran leaves from maalaea harbor and can get you to the whales quickly. Humpback whales in maui whales visit december to april.
The best months to see whales is usually between midjanuary and march as this is considered peak whale watching season. But on occasion, we will have our first whale sighting as early as october or even late september. On occasion, we will have our first whale sighting as early as october or late september. Humpback whales in maui whales visit december to april whale watching tour to maui, hawaii traveler corner maui voted best island in the world. Although the whales are generally seen in abundance, in the unlikely event that whales are not seen, you may return for a free maui whale watching cruise.
Humpback activity is heating up in maui nui with peak season quickly approaching, and were here to help you make the most of the 2020 whale. Things to do on maui in february humpback whale season. Humpback whales migrate annually from alaska to maui to calve, mate, and rear their young. Explore whale watching hawaiian islands humpback whale. The above density map only reinforces our experiences. Humpback whale season is early in 2018 the maui blog. Whales migrate from alaskan waters every year to calve, mate, and rear their young in the warm maui ocean. If whale watching is on your bucket list, look no further than maui, hawaii.
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