Maui humpback whales season

Humpback whales tend to gravitate towards warm, temperate waters in the tropics and subtropics during the winter breeding season. View them in their environment on board the maui magic snorkel adventure, watch them as they perform amazing acrobatics. 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. While these fascinating giants are at their peak in numbers between january and march, whale season officially begins in december. Maui whale watching best guide to humpback whales on maui. Kauai 1 humpback whale watching on kauai kauai s humpback whales or kohala come to hawaii every year to mate and birth their young in the warm, tropical waters. Both counts will take place three times during peak whale season. There are fabulous whale watching tours on kauai, the island of oahu, and off the shores of big island. Maui whale watch tours hawaii humpback whale watching. Great whale count volunteers observe humpback whales from. Whale sightings in maui typically occur between november and may. The first humpback whale sighting this year in hawaii was on september 29th near the small island of niihau. See more ideas about humpback whale, maui and hawaii.

A new project that aims to quantify the nursing behavior of humpback whale calves in the maui breeding grounds. 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. Humpback whale facts 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. 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 whale watching destinations in the world. 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. Feb 09, 2020 however, this was my first time visiting maui during the humpback breeding season, and i was honestly overwhelmed. Last year, pacific whale foundation made its first sighting. Maui, hawaii is one of the best places to watch humpback whales anywhere in the world, and they are here from december to april.

Throughout the month, humpbacks definitely garner the majority of spotlight. Whale watching maui maui best whale watching tours. Maui whale watching tours are a great way to see humpback whales in the wild. The waters surrounding maui are the stage for some of the best whale watching in the world. Thousands of humpback whales return to hawaiian waters each year to breed, give birth, and nurse their young. Heres our guide for where to spot whales on maui and mauis best familyfriendly whale watching tours as big as a school bus, as acrobatic as a ballerina, and full of otherworldly songs, humpback whales migrate from alaska to the hawaiian islands every year. Photographer daniel sullivan captured a picture of whales leaping out of the water monday off mauis. These whales can be found in the open ocean and closer to shore throughout the hawaiian islands.

Maui whales, humpback whales, napili point resort rentals, whale watching from your condo, ocean view condos, fully furnished condos, napiii condos, steps away from the ocean. When baby humpbacks are born in maui, they typically spend an entire. Preliminary data detailing sanctuary ocean count whale sightings by site location are available at. Humpback whales visit hawaiian waters each year from november to may with the peak of the season being from january to march. Maui whale watching tours maui beachfront rentals maui. 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.

The north pacific humpback whales migrate from the gulf of alaska to the hawaiian islands every winter season. In fact, the waters surrounding the main hawaiian islands are a national marine sanctuary for humpback whales. Hawaiian islands humpback whale national marine sanctuary is located from the shoreline to the 100fathom isobath 600 ft. Stay at a hotel along the areas of high humpback density. Whales migrate from alaskan waters every year to calve, mate, and rear their young in the warm maui ocean. Many of the events are marked by stories, song, prayer, dance and poetry. Whale watching maui the best humpback whale watching in maui. Maui is one of the best spots to catch sight of humpback whales. Feb 01, 2020 its currently peak humpback whale season. Apr 25, 2020 the humpback whales visit maui, hawaii every year late dec through early may to give birth and mate.

These magnificent creatures can be seen from november through may, but peak season is during the winter months of january and february when most of the calving occurs. The best months to see whales is usually between midjanuary and march as this is considered peak whale watching season. Every winter, roughly 10,000 humpback whales arrive in the hawaiian islands to breed, calve and nurse their young. The whales are abundant and provide maui residents and visitors a great opportunity to watch humpback whales in their natural habitat. One of their favorite spots to congregate is just off the coast of west maui. With peak humpback whale season and couples snuggling up for valentines day, maui in february is a busy time. What you need to know about the maui whale season the old. You may also spot kohola from the southern shores of oahu, especially at makapuu lighthouse and along the seaside overlooks near leahi diamond head.

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. Together in these groups, humpback whales frolic around mauis coastal waters. Boats, by law, cannot approach a humpback whale any closer than 100 yards, but oftentimes the curious whales will swim up and mug the boat. Noaas hawaiian islands humpback whale national marine sanctuary reminds the public that humpback whale season in hawaii is underway. February is peak season for whale watching on maui. Each year, thousands of north pacific humpback whales migrate from their chilly feeding grounds in alaska to the balmy waters off hawaii to give birth and breed. Pacific whale foundation spots its first whale of the season. They come every single year during the winter in order to mate and give birth. Although the humpback whales journey throughout hawaiian waters, the largest concentration of whale pods settle in the waters that surround maui county. Maui whale watching tips all about maui travel tips. 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.

Maui sees the greatest concentration of humpback whales during their season near the island. 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. The whales are drawn to the areas shallow waters, especially the auau channel between maui, molokai. The whales journey more than 3,000 miles from the gulf of alaska to hawaii, and stay from. T heres no better place to watch whales than in maui waters. We recommend west or south maui and the kohala coast of. The whale watching season around maui is annually from december through march. In hawaii, maui is a top whale watching spot for boatbased viewing. The humpback whales are back in hawaii for the winter season. 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. 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.

On occasion, we will have our first whale sighting as early as october or late september. Dec 12, 2019 humpback whales spend their winters here in hawaii where they come to breed and give birth to their young. First humpback whale of the season sighted off maui maui. Humpback whales migrate annually from alaska to maui to calve, mate, and rear their young. They can be seen in thier natural environment in pods of males, females and calves. Great whale count volunteers collected data from 12 sites across maui on march 30. During the winter months of decemberapril, the leeward waters of maui county house the worldsdensest humpback whale population. More than 10,000 north pacific humpback whales migrate from southeastern alaska to the warm waters of hawaii each year to mate, give birth and nurture their calves. This is one of our many blessings, as whale watching is a beloved activity among visitors and residents alike. Every year, over 10,000 humpbacks annually migrate to the warm, shallow waters of maui, and create thunderous splashes and aerial performances not seen in other species of whales. If you are lucky, you may also catch a sighting of humpback whales from the air on your air maui helicopter tour, which provides a really unique and interesting vantage point. The humpback whales choose to escape the colder north pacific waters and race more than 3,000 miles to frolic in the pleasant blue, warm waters of the hawaiian islands. The humpback whale season in maui lasts from november to may of every year.

To truly go whale watching on maui, however, and experience the wintertime magic, you need to book a whale watching tour to see the humpbacks up close. Maui humpback whales mauis whale season is december through march. While it might be the busiest season of the year, but it is also the perfect time. While maui is the best location for humpback whale spotting, the other islands also see many whales in season. Mauis first humpback of season spotted in auau channel. 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. A total of 219 whales were seen from maui throughout the day. Learn humpback whales facts, why humpbacks migrate to maui and some of the. Scientists estimate that twothirds of the entire north pacific humpback whale population make the annual trek to hawaii. Officially, whale season in maui runs from december 15thmay 15th, although its still possible to see whales outside of the officialwhale season dates. With tourism on furlough, hawaiis whales are enjoying. Maui whale watching guide humpback whales in hawaii. Although the number may vary from year to year, scientists estimate that as many as 12,000 humpback whales migrate from their feeding grounds off alaska to breed, calve, and nurse their young in the warm waters.

February, dubbed humpback whale month, is considered to be the peak time for whale spotting. Maui ocean centers sphere breaks the barrier and does what has never been done before. Sep 22, 2019 if you are lucky, you may also catch a sighting of humpback whales from the air on your air maui helicopter tour, which provides a really unique and interesting vantage point. 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. It is just about impossible for us to go out on the boat during this time and not see their abovewater displays and hear their songs. For people who love whales, a high point of this winters breeding and birthing season for migratory north pacific humpback whales in hawaii was a surge of 4% in whale sightings by volunteers in. Each winter december through may, thousands of kohola humpback whales travel to hawaii from colder waters to breed, calve and nurse their young. Explore whale watching hawaiian islands humpback whale. The whales are drawn to the areas shallow waters, especially the auau channel between maui, molokai and lanai, making maui. 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. Whale season in hawaii typically runs from november to may, but its not uncommon for the first whales to be spotted earlier than that. As of 2016, the north pacific humpback is no longer deemed an endangered species, but they are still protected by both state and federal law.

Every winter, when storms sweep through the north pacific and the ocean gets particularly chilly, humpback whales head southspecifically to the warm waters of hawaiis auau channel alongside maui. Officially, whale season in maui runs from december 15thmay 15th. Theres arguably no better place in the world to see humpback whales than maui. The time frame for whale season december 15th april 15th was chosen as a time to enforce certain protections, for the humpback whales because that time frame is when most are in maui. North pacific humpback whales travel over 3,500 miles from alaska to hawaii every year to mate and give birth. Tips offered to enjoy hawaiis famed humpback whales from shore to sea. Where to spot whales on maui whale season on maui is roughly from november to march. December 15th is the official start of the humpback whale season in hawaii. Certain ocean activities in maui are prohibited during whale season. Aaron bement reported seeing the while one of the daily molokini snorkel cruise.

Pacific whale foundations ocean spirit spotted its first whale of the season this morning, oct. The project is a collaboration between the university of hawaii at manoa marine mammal research program, the goldbogen lab at stanford universitys hopkins marine station and the friedlander lab at university of california, santa cruz. Using stateoftheart technology, we bring you eyetoeye with mauis humpback whales in their realm beneath the waves. Nov 07, 2018 if you snorkel, snuba, or scuba during whale season, you will get the chance to hear the humpback whales singing underwater. Nov 03, 2018 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. Sep 26, 2017 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.

Things to do on maui in february humpback whale season. 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. While these fascinating giants are at their peak in numbers between january and. Mauis humpback whales join us during whale season and combine snorkeling along with humpback whale watching. Rare video captures humpback whale nursing behaviors off maui. Humpback whales can be seen as early as october with sightings increasing through november. 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.

While the first maui whale sighting differs every year, its lately been as early as september that humpbacks are spotted in maui. 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. It is generally believed that february is the absolute peek of the season. A smattering of whales first begins arriving in maui during november, with the population ramping up in december and january before peaking in. They travel to the warm and tropical waters to breed and birth their calves. When is the best time to see humpback whales in hawaii and. 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. By far the most exciting behavior humpback whales will display is the breach. Humpback whales in maui whales visit december to april. Their songs last up to 40 minutes, and you be heard from up to 12 miles. Each year, a number of organizations and locals organize annual humpback whale festivals to welcome megaptera novaeangliae to the aloha state. In light of the sighting, noaa is reminding the public to keep a safe distance from.

Boats, by law, cannot approach a humpback whale any closer than 100 yards, but oftentimes the. Along with whale watching, they provide oneofakind intimate sunset sailing and snorkeling tours as well as private charter boats that can hold up to 48 passengers, all. 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. The best and worst time of year to whale watch in maui. Oct 10, 2019 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. These huge mammals travel between 3 and 9 mph at over 1,000 miles per month without stopping. Although humpback whales can be seen from all of the hawaiian islands, the shallow auau channel between maui. See humpback whales in their natural habitat with sea maui in lahaina, hi. Some of these seasonal protections include ceases the use of jet skis as well as parasailing tours, to prevent any collisions with swimming whales. According to a press release from the national oceanic and atmospheric association, the whale breached about three times, allowing the captains enough time to identify it as a mediumsized. What you need to know about the maui whale season the. The pwf claims it is the first verified humpback whale sighting of the season off maui, but at least one other boat company reported a sighting this week to the maui now newsroom. Humpback whale season is early in 2018 the maui blog.

If you snorkel, snuba, or scuba during whale season, you will get the chance to hear the humpback whales singing underwater. Check out our tips for enjoying mauis whale season below and access our free adventure guide for even more activity recommendations. On average, the first whale sighting from a trilogy. Maui county is world famous as the destination for the pacific northwest humpback whales. Hawaiian islands humpback whale national marine sanctuary. Maui whale watching best guide to humpback whales on. The annual maui whale festival, organized by the pacific whale foundation, is held during maui s peak humpback whale season. In addition to whales, february is also host to a variety of unique, entertaining events, from live concerts to chinese new year festivals.