Thar She Blows!

Thar She Blows!!

These words date back to when the lookout on a boat would yell out when a whale was spotted and are still spoken today!

Aloha from Hawaii!  It’s a magical time of year when the Humpback Whales arrive in Hawaii after making their long 3,000 mile journey from Alaska!  This journey is the longest taken by any land or sea animal. Before the Humpbacks set out from Alaska to Hawaii they feed in the nutrient waters of Alaska and fatten up because once they leave the chilly waters and get to warm and sunny Hawaii, they do not feed.  They are in Hawaii for the females to give birth, raise their young and mate. Did you know that an adult humpback whales weighs between 25-40 tons and can reach up to 45 feet in length?  Not to mention, the females tend to be larger!!  

Whale Season…

If you happen to be in Hawaii during whale season, which runs from December to April, consider yourself Lucky!!  The best time to see the whales are in January and February when numbers are the highest.  Be sure to bring your binoculars because that’s the best way to see them from shore! The best way to see these amazing creatures is on a whale watch or any other boating adventure!  Just get out on the water if you want to get up close and personal!  But remember you have to give them their space which is at least 100 yards…because it’s the Law!  The average number of whales that visit the Hawaiian waters each year range between 8,000-10,000.  The waters surrounding Maui are the most popular for whale watching because they offer the whales protection.  Maui is surrounded by three other islands which are Kaho’olawe, Lanai and Molokai.

So get out there and try to spot a whale!  As long as you look out at the ocean and have a little patience I know you’ll be rewarded with some amazing action from our winter visitors!  The humpback whales never disappoint!  They may not always pose for pictures or selfies but they are amazing nonetheless!  It’s always sad when the whales leave the islands in the spring…but we know that every year right before Christmas we’ll get to see our old friends again and that makes it all better!  ALOHA!