At the beach on Kauai yesterday, something was noticeably wrong. It was our beloved humpback whales – they weren’t there. We begin to see them anytime starting in October or November, but while a small number have been seen in Hawaii this season, we have not spotted even one.
Annual humpback whale migration
10,000+ of these behemoths travel to Hawaii from Alaska each winter, typically in groups of three or four, to mate and give birth. Humpbacks are a protected endangered species with fewer than 10% of population remaining.
Missing whale theories abound
One theory is that the humpbacks are traveling south later this year as a result of an increase in their population. They may need to compete for food sources longer in Alaska to prepare for the arduous two thousand mile journey to the Hawaiian Islands. Another theory is that the change is due to this year’s El Nino conditions. And lastly, this phenomena might be somehow related to the humpbacks’ first sighting in twenty years this past fall in Long Island Sound. So it is thought that their migrations could be changing as a result of increasing ocean temperatures.
Annual Hawaii whale count – you can take part
We’ll soon know more when the annual humpback whale count starts. And it isn’t too late for you to become a volunteer. The counts take place across the islands later in January as well as in February and March.
You might also enjoy reading:
- Free Whale Watching in Hawaii. Where to see humpback wales on the Big Island, Kauai, Maui and Oahu.
- Killer Whales Join Burgeoning Humpback Population in Hawaii.
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I would like to fulfill my moms’ last wish on her bucket list by taking her to Hawaii; problem is I have no idea which island is the most economical for us to visit. She is very active, neither of us can swim, but like the beach,she likes to visit interesting and historical places. It is just the 2 of us and I wonder how much money would be needed to stay there for 5 days and 6 nights… not incl. hotel stay…but to eat 2 meals a day and some inexpensive sightseeing. Also what part of the year is the best time to go. I thank you very much in advance for any information that you may provide is appreciated.
Respectfully yours,D.Jane
Hi Doris.
Everything that you’re asking about is found here: https://beatofhawaii.com/the-cheapest-time-to-fly-to-hawaii/. Please have a look and after checking out the series of 7 articles, let us know if you have any further questions.
Aloha.
Aloha, I would like to know if the whales are coming in around Mahukona or nearby areas. Are there any areas that may be quite plentiful? Mahalo Nui Loa for your time, aloha, Roy
Hi Roy,
We don’t know the answer to whales around Mahukona but are open to others providing it.
Aloha.
Something fun to do when the whales are here is float in the ocean (ears under water) and listen to the whales singing. I did that yesterday at Black Rock Kaanapali. We are blessed!
Will be visiting Oahu the last 2 weeks of February 2016, I ‘m looking for a recommendation for whale watching on a small boat charter. Do not want to go on one of the tours boats that hold hundreds of people. Thanks
Mahalo
Dennis
Hi Dennis,
Other readers may suggest. If we were looking, we’d use forums or the online or book version of Hawaii Revealed
. There’a a great resource in any event. Hope that helps.
Aloha.
We have seen a lot of them off of Kona on the big island for the last few weeks.
Where are seeing a lot off of Kaanapali and Kapalua in Maui this week.
I’m not sure where you are looking for whales but we have seen LOTS this year! Yesterday there was a pod off of spouting horn, traveling with a pod of dolphin 😉 Can see at Maha’ulepu cliff’s, Makahuena, Sheraton Beach, Salt Pond airport – Just gotta look… Of course last week and the week before the water was very active and it is difficult to see a breach or spouts over the surf, but they are here!
Hi Cynthia,
This has been widely noted by locals and ceatcean experts alike – it is an unprecedented phenomena.
Aloha