Humpback whales can be spotted off the Hawaiian shores every year from December through the beginning of May. Originally from the waters of Alaska, more than half of them leave every October and travel around 3,000 miles to reach the shores of Hawaii by December.
Not all humpback whales migrate to the warm waters of Hawaii as some prefer to stay in Alaska all year. Others will travel to Mexico or Japan. According to the National Marine Sanctuary located in Hawaii, "The main Hawaiian Islands may contain the largest seasonal population of North Pacific humpbacks in the world."
What Are Humpback Whales?
Known to grow 52 feet long and weigh up to 50 tons, humpback whales range in color from grey to black with white patches on their undersides. They swim near coastlines and can survive under water for long periods of time before needing to reach the surface for air. In Hawaii, the humpback whale represents a Hawaiian God named Kanaloa, and is treated with great respect.
Humpback Whales Migration to Hawaii
Their purpose of their migration is for the whales to breed and give birth. Humpback calves are not born with a blubber layer and need warm water for the first few weeks of their lives to survive. During their stay the whales do not eat. According to the Island Marine Institute, "Because of Hawaii's location in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, the water is relatively nutrient free (which is why our waters are so clear and blue) and too warm to support enough of the humpback's food to sustain them year round. They must migrate back to colder water to feed and rebuild their blubber supply."
Watching the Humpback Whales
Since the whales are in the shallow parts of the coastline it is possible to see them from the shore. The whales can be seen from every island in Hawaii, but according to Hawaiian vacation source, Aloha from Hawaii, the best place to watch whales from the shore are the Auau Channel, Maui, The Big Island, and Kauai.
Another way to watch the humpback whales is to join a whale watching tour. These tours will take visitors out on boats to get a close-up view as the whales come up for air.
Humpback whales are not the only species that can be found in the waters of Hawaii. Every year visitors get to see dolphins, sea turtles, seals, and the beautiful coral reefs. For more information on watching whales in Hawaii, visit Aloha from Hawaii.
Sources
- Hawaii Whale Watching. Aloha from Hawaii, 2011. Web. 26 May, 2011.
- Humpback Whales. National Marine Sanctuary, 2008. Web. 26 May, 2011.
- Migration of Humpback Whales to Hawaii. Island Marine Institute, 2008. Web. 26 May, 2011.
- Why do the humpback whales migrate? The Whalesong Project, 2011. Web. 26 May, 2011.
Jenny Shinsky - Jenny is a freelance writer and has written many online and print articles through her current employer. She has a Bachelor's Degree in ...
