Each winter december through may, thousands of kohola humpback whales travel to hawaii from colder waters to breed, calve and nurse their young. This seasons first humpback whale has been spotted. When you dive with whales in hawaii, remember that the whales are diving with you. Whale watching in hawaii hawaii whale watching tours. Each winter december through may, thousands of kohola humpback whales travel to hawaii from colder waters. Early season whale watch tours are happening nowsightings are guaranteed. See our wheretostay guides for maui and the big island for insights on accommodation selection. The first whales arrive in november and some stay until may.
Pga tour sentry tournament of champions january each year. Every winter, pods of pacific humpback whales make the 3,000mile swim from the chilly waters of alaska to bask in mauis summery shallows, fluking, spy hopping, spouting, and having an allaround. The whales are drawn to the areas shallow waters, especially the auau channel between maui, molokai. It is illegal when in the water by boat or any other means. Oct 03, 2019 humpback whales have returned and free whale watching in hawaii is really possible. Every seat is a front row seat in our whale watching tours. Have a whale of a time visit maui for whale season.
While hawaii whale watching tours can be booked on all of the main islands, maui is arguably the top place to arrange them. A pod of four killer whales, orca whales, was found by cascadia research collective on friday 111 off the coast of kona hawaii. By the peak of the season from januarymarch, thousands of humpbacks have gathered in hawaii from hilo to hanalei, with the largest concentration of whales residing between maui, molokai, and lanai. We recommend heading out on whale watching tour to get the best views possible, and to experience the beauty of the ocean.
As maui gears up for whale season, experts are mulling the reasons behind. Maui whale season maui scuba diving mike severns diving. Whale watching season generally runs from december through april, when the tropical waters off mauis south coast are teeming with north pacific humpback whales. As whale season approaches, four seasons resort maui at wailea has. Whale watching aboard our flagship pride of maui is even better.
Whale watching in maui is commonly considered some of the best in the world. Pacific whale foundation helping protect our oceans. May 03, 2016 humpback whale megaptera novaeangliae breaching, maui, hawaii notice must accompany publication. Federal law requires divers to keep a distance of least 100 yards from the humpbacks that make the islands their home from late november to early may. The most wonderful time of the year is whale watching season in hawaii.
That while their season in hawaii isnt normally set to get underway for about a month. Generally speaking, december to may is seen as the best time for whale watching in oahu and the rest of hawaii. Every winter, over 5,000 humpback whales travel from alaska to hawaii. If youre headed to maui too, heres one of the best ways to see whales on maui. Our small group rafting vessels host small groups of guests so you get up close and. Early in the season, the first sightings are usually of males who have made the swim from alaska, awaiting the females who usually show up between thanksgiving and christmas. Maui whale watching season 2015 is approaching, we cant wait.
Twohour 360 view of whale watching off the coast of lahaina with humpback naturalists aboard up to 22% off. When choosing a hotel or condo, from our experiences, weve found that the very best humpback whale action is along. Free whale watching in hawaii 2020 season underway. Whale watching boat tours can offer a closer view of humpbacks. While the best hawaiian island for whale watching is said to be maui, theres a chance you can see whales in oahu too if you go during whale season. Pacific whale foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit organization founded in 1980 to protect the ocean through science and advocacy, and to inspire environmental stewardship. The humpback whales return to hawaii for a few months every year to mate and give birth, so malolo takes you out to see them from december 8 th april 15 th.
This whale surface behavior, such as breaching and tail slaps, make for exciting whale watching in hawaii. Every year from november to may, maui locals welcome back their favorite guests the huge, majestic humpback whales who spend every winter in hawaiis warm and safe waters. He estimated that in maui county alone, about 200,000 to 250,000 people take whale watching tours every season, going out on approximately 30 to 40 vessels of varying size. Killer whale research and tracking in hawaii the researchers were able to deploy a satellite tags, as seen on dorsal fin in photo to left, on three of the four killer whales. Maui whale festival help save the whales maui whale. Weve visited all of the hawaiian islands during humpback whale season. This is only the groups third encounter with the killer whales even. This is the first time researchers have been able to tag orca whales in hawaii to track their movements around the islands. For instance, jet ski and parasailing operators are closed december 15 to may 15 in order to protect the whales from potential injury from highspeed watercraft and propellers. The best way to see these whales on a maui whale watching tour is with redline rafting. Every ticket supports active marine research and the whale entanglement response team.
Daily during whale season middecember through midapril at 8am, 10am,12. One of the most popular and fun things to do during this time is to go on a whale watching cruise. Feb 20, 2010 whale watching in maui, hawaii maui guide. There are so many things to see and activities to choose from here in this paradise that is maui, hawaii. You can use the species and date filters to see changes throughout. However, our tours start at the beginning of january, guaranteeing whale sightings. While maui is the best location for humpback whale spotting, the other islands also see many whales in season. We are governed by a volunteer board of directors and our work is funded through fundraising activities, memberships and donations from supporters worldwide. The whale watching industry plays a strong role in the.
Every year from december through may the humpback whale migrate to the warm tropical waters of hawaii. Whale watching in first week of april 2018 maui forum. You can use the species and date filters to see changes throughout the year. It is estimated that more than 10,000 of these whales migrate to the hawaiian islands. Lahaina whale watching deals in lahaina, hi groupon. There was a bit of miscommunication regarding the location of the boat. One of the giants was reportedly seen breaching multiple times. The first humpback whale sighting this year in hawaii was on september 29th near the small island of niihau. The humpback whale is known for making an annual migration of nearly 6,000 miles, one of the longest of any mammal. Since 1980, maui whale festival has offered a series of inspiring events held during mauis peak humpback whale season.
Reading another post captain steves or utlimate whale watch, these two. Humpback whale megaptera novaeangliae breaching, maui, hawaii notice must accompany publication. Humpback whales travel to maui to give birth and breed in the warm water between the hawaiian islands. The explorer is a hardshelled boat with an inflatable edge like. 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. We want your whale watching tour to be unforgettable. If you prefer to avoid the crowds, we are the goto guys. Every year from november to may, maui locals welcome back their favorite guests the huge, majestic humpback whales who spend every winter in hawaiis warm. 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. 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. Whale watching from maui decmay and snorkeling all year. The earliest humpback whale sightings are usually in november, sometimes october. In hawaii, the return of the kohola is considered more of a homecoming than a visit.
Our favorite whale watch its fast which means you spend more time watching whales and less time looking for them. The above density map only reinforces our experiences. The island of maui is the best hawaiian island to watch these majestic mammals. With tourism on furlough, hawaiis whales are enjoying. In addition to maui, the big island offers some of the best whale watching in hawaii. The last whales could stick around until april before they make their trek back to alaska. Best time to visit maui updated for 2020 hawaii travel guide. Some native hawaiians also believe the kohola are aumakua family guardians, and so these gentle giants are treated with great respect. Sickly humpback whale spotted in hawaii waters this image provided by national oceanic and atmospheric administration noaa shows a humpback whale sighted off maui, hawaii. Hawaiis whale watching season runs from december through may. Our small group rafting vessels host small groups of guests so you get up close and personal with mauis whales, dolphins, turtles, tropical fish and other marine life. A humpback whale was spotted in western hawaii on thursday, aug. April is close to end of whale watching season, correct, does tour guarantee seeing the whale or perhaps is weather dependent. These early sightings are rare and usually just include a few early arriving juvenile male whales.
Just make a break for the kona coast or the waikoloa area if you want to do some big island. Go here from your mobile device and click your account to create a user login. Their migration crosses 3,100 miles of ocean each season. During your whale watch cruise, these amazing animals will often display themselves in full glory, giving you the ultimate whale watching on maui experience. If youre fortunate enough to be here during winter, a whale watching tour is a must. Our fast and safe rafting vessels are low to the water and perfect for close whale watching encounters. 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. Sep 05, 2018 seeing as we operate seven boats that offer whale watching tours in maui, this is a question were asked a lot and at all different times of the year officially, whale season in maui runs from december 15thmay 15th, although its still possible to see whales outside of the officialwhale season dates. That is because some of the best whale watching in hawaii can be enjoyed in the warm and shallow waters that can be found off of the islands west coast.
Maui whale watching tips all about maui travel tips. The waters surrounding maui are the stage for some of the best whale watching in the world. Maui whale watch tours hawaii humpback whale watching. Seeing as we operate seven boats that offer whale watching tours in maui, this is a question were asked a lot and at all different times of the year officially, whale season in maui runs. Jan 02, 2016 humpback whales slow to arrive in hawaii.
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. When you are going on a whale watching cruise you have to understand its not a circus and the whale will not appear and jump in front of you when you want it to. This high speed catamaran leaves from maalaea harbor and can get you to the whales quickly. Whale watching season in hawaii is always a special time, and will be a great part of your trip. The guys on the boat told us about the whales and the history of whaling in hawaii, there was a bar on the boat to buy drinks.
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. Each year, tens of thousands of whales travel thousands of miles from their summer feeding grounds to winter breeding grounds. There is nothing like seeing a humpback whale up close and will be something that you remember forever. Sep 26, 2017 weve visited all of the hawaiian islands during humpback whale season. We are fast approaching the fall months here on maui and we have begun to. Maui whale watching is most thrilling aboard the malolo. During your whale watch cruise, these amazing animals will. We recommend west or south maui and the kohala coast of the big island. Stay at a hotel along the areas of high humpback density. Four seasons resort maui offers guests more ways than ever to. Early in the season, the first sightings are usually of. Maui whale watching guide humpback whales in hawaii. The humpback is the star of the annual whale watching season, which usually begins in. While the best hawaiian island for whale watching is said to be maui, theres a chance you can.
Mar 01, 2020 i went on the cruise end of april thats the end of the whale season in hawaii, we still managed to see a couple of whales. Protecting the ocean through science and advocacy and inspiring environmental stewardship. We recommend heading out on whale watching tour to get the best views possible, and to experience the. Hawaiian islands humpback whale explore whale watching. Our fast and safe rafting vessels are low to the water and perfect for close whale watching encounters and small groups making every seat a front row seat. Hyatt regency maui resort and spa invites guests to celebrate whale season with a variety of special offerings, including the resorts popular. Each occasion is designed to celebrate and inspire environmental stewardship alongside a strong community of maui residents and. Federal law requires divers to keep a distance of least 100 yards from the humpbacks that make the islands their home. Hawaii ist fur whale watching eine besonders geeignete anlaufstelle. Humpback whale watching season starts early in hawaii live. Humpback calves are born in hawaiian waters, making them kamaaina or native born. 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.
Everything you need to know about whale watching on maui. As temperatures start dropping nearly everywhere else in the u. They only would come to hawaii when they knew they could see whales, usually around february. Pacific whale foundation is a 501 c 3 nonprofit organization founded in 1980 to protect the ocean through science and advocacy, and to inspire environmental stewardship. Hawaii is a popular destination for whale watching because, during mating season, humpback whales are more active resulting in elevated surface activity. Humpback whales have returned and free whale watching in hawaii is really possible. Every winter, pods of pacific humpback whales make the 3,000mile swim from the chilly waters of alaska to bask in maui s summery shallows, fluking, spy hopping, spouting, and having an allaround swell time.
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