Hawaii’s waters attract migratory and resident whale populations. Warm, clear waters create an ideal habitat, making Hawaii a prominent location for marine observation.
The Dominant Visitor: Humpback Whales
Humpback whales are the most frequently observed species. They undertake one of the longest migrations, traveling 3,000 miles from their feeding grounds in Alaska to Hawaii’s warm, shallow waters. This migration occurs primarily for breeding, calving, and nursing young, as northern waters are unsuitable for newborns. Humpbacks do not feed during their six months in Hawaii, relying on fat reserves from their summer feeding grounds.
These whales, known as koholā in Hawaiian, can weigh 25 to 40 tons and reach up to 45 feet, with females typically larger. Their distinctive dark gray coloring, often with white patterns, helps identify individuals. Humpbacks engage in various behaviors, including courtship displays, male competition, and mother-calf interactions. Common surface behaviors include breaching and tail slapping. They also produce complex songs, a form of communication primarily among males.
Humpback whales hold significant cultural importance in Hawaii, revered as sacred beings and ancestral guardians. The ancient Kumulipo creation chant mentions palaoa, or whales, and the Hawaiian ocean god Kanaloa is said to have taken their form. Their annual return signals winter and symbolizes abundance. The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary was established to protect these whales and their habitat.
Other Whale Species in Hawaiian Waters
Beyond humpback whales, Hawaii’s deep offshore waters support several other whale species. Sperm whales, the largest toothed whales, are present year-round. These deep-diving creatures can reach 60 feet and weigh 45 tons, with males significantly larger. They are known for massive, block-shaped heads containing spermaceti, assisting buoyancy control during dives up to 3,000 feet for 90 minutes while hunting squid and fish. Sightings tend to peak from December through April, particularly off the Kona Coast of the Big Island, where deep waters are close to shore.
Short-finned pilot whales are frequently encountered, often in pods of 15 to 50 individuals. These social animals, a large member of the dolphin family, are found year-round and are known for acrobatic behaviors, including breaching and fin slapping. They are identified by bulbous foreheads and a dorsal fin wide at the base, positioned towards the front of their body. While present throughout Hawaii, possible resident populations are located off the coast of Kona and southwest Lāna’i.
False killer whales comprise three distinct populations: an offshore pelagic group, a Northwestern Hawaiian Islands population, and an endangered insular population. These large, toothed whales, part of the dolphin family, can reach 15 to 20 feet. They are characterized by slender bodies and small, conical heads without a distinct beak. The insular population, numbering fewer than 170 individuals, faces significant threats, primarily from interactions with fisheries.
Beaked whales, a family with over 20 recognized species globally, are among the most elusive and deepest-diving cetaceans in Hawaii. Cuvier’s beaked whale and Blainville’s beaked whale are the most commonly documented of these secretive species, though sightings are infrequent. These whales possess a beak-like snout and a single pair of teeth, visible only in males.
Best Times and Places for Viewing
The optimal period for whale watching, particularly for humpback whales, extends from mid-December through mid-May, with peak activity between January and March. Thousands of humpbacks congregate in Hawaii’s warm, protected waters for breeding and calving. While early December and late April may offer sightings, the highest concentration of whales is observed from late January to early March.
Maui is considered the premier destination for whale watching due to the shallow, protected waters of the Auʻau Channel between Maui, Molokaʻi, and Lāna’i. This basin provides a safe haven and nursery for humpbacks, leading to consistent viewing opportunities. Lahaina and Kaanapali on Maui’s west coast are popular departure points for tours.
The Big Island offers whale watching, with sightings common along the Kohala Coast and in Hilo Bay. Oahu provides opportunities for both boat tours and shore-based viewing, particularly from Makapuʻu Point. Kauai occasionally offers whale watching from locations like Kilauea Lighthouse or the Na Pali Coast.
Responsible Whale Watching Guidelines
Observing whales requires adherence to guidelines protecting animals and observers. Federal and state regulations ensure responsible interactions with humpback whales. A primary regulation prohibits approaching humpback whales closer than 100 yards by any means, including vessels, individuals in the water, or drones. This 100-yard rule applies year-round within Hawaiian waters and extends out to 200 nautical miles from the islands.
Operating an aircraft within 1,000 feet of a humpback whale is prohibited. These rules prevent disturbance and harassment, ensuring the whales’ natural behaviors are not disrupted. Vessel operators should maintain a vigilant lookout for whales, especially from November through May, and operate at a slow, safe speed in areas where whales are present. If a whale approaches a vessel, the operator should turn off the engine to allow the whale to pass undisturbed. Choosing reputable tour operators who prioritize whale safety and adhere to these regulations contributes to the conservation of these marine mammals.