Are the whales still in Maui?

Asked by: Barbara Allen

Whale sightings in Maui typically occur between November and May. The best months to see whales is usually between mid-January and March as this is considered peak whalewatching season. On occasion, we will have our first whale sighting as early as October or late September.

Where are the whales today in Maui?

The best place to see whales in Maui is the Maui Nui Basin. It’s estimated that more than half of the humpback whale population migrates to the Maui Nui Basin for breeding every winter. The Maui Nui Basin refers to the waters between Maui, Lanai and Kaho’olawe and is a protected sanctuary for the whales.

What month is best for whale watching in Maui?

Whale watching season in Maui is November-May with peak season typically running between mid-January and March.

What time of day are whales most active in Maui?

What is the best time for whale watching in Hawaii? Anytime is the best time! But, if you’re looking for the best scenic times, early morning or sunset is considered prime. 11 am to 3 pm yields the best overhead light.

Where are the humpbacks now?

The humpbacks are on their way back south now – meet them in the southeast! Or go even further south to watch the blue whales and southern right whales off the coast of Victoria.

What time of day are whales most active?

Whales are never diurnal, but they can be crepuscular. This means they are most active during twilight hours which are both before sunrise and after sunset.

What is the best month to see whales in Hawaii?

If whale watching is on your bucket list, look no further than Maui, Hawaii! The best time to see whales on Maui is November through May when thousands of North Pacific Humpback whales grace Hawaiian waters during their annual winter migration.

Can you see whales from shore in Maui?

In fact, there are plenty of areas on Maui where humpbacks can frequently be seen from the shore during whale season. The scenic McGregor Point lookout west of Maalaea and the beaches of Kaanapali, Kihei and Wailea are also great spots to see whales.

Can you swim with whales in Maui?

Although snorkeling with whales is often seen on social media or portrayed in documentaries on the ocean and marine researchers, it is not permitted here in Lahaina, Maui.

Which Hawaiian island is best for whale watching?

Oahu. As Hawaii’s busiest island, Oahu has the most choices when it comes to whale watching cruises. Hawaii Nautical has boats that dock at both the Waianae Boat Harbor on the west side of the island and Kewalo Basin on the south side near Waikiki; they even offer an afternoon tour.

Are the whales back in Maui?

Humpback whales have returned, and with that comes our ideas for where to enjoy free whale watching in Hawaii. The first sighting of the season took place early, in October, between Maui and Molokini. Starting each November, the annual data collection begins, which has been in place since the 1980s.

Does whaling still happen today?

Whaling is illegal in most countries, however Iceland, Norway, and Japan still actively engage in whaling . Over a thousand whales are killed each year for their meat and body parts to be sold for commercial gain. Their oil, blubber, and cartilage are used in pharmaceuticals and health supplements.

Where are the whales this time of year?

Monterey Bay, California

Monterey Bay in California is one of the best places in the United States to whale watch, no matter what time of year. However, for winter whale watching, humpback and blue whales are seen as late as December. From December to April, the bay is teeming with gray whales.

What is the best month to go whale watching?

When is the best time to view the whales? The best time of year to view Orca whales is in May through September. If you’re looking for humpback whales then we suggest September through January.

How many whales are in Maui?

Every year, over 10,000 humpbacks annually migrate to the warm, shallow waters of Maui, and create thunderous splashes and aerial performances not seen in other species of whales.

Are whales still in Hawaii?

On the island of Hawaii, whales are often seen along the shores of the Kohala Coast, as well as Hilo Bay on the east side of the island. The Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site is another great viewing spot, with its sweeping, elevated views near Kawaihae Harbor.

When can I see whales in Maui?

Whale sightings in Maui typically occur between November and May. The best months to see whales is usually between mid-January and March as this is considered peak whalewatching season. On occasion, we will have our first whale sighting as early as October or late September.

Are there dolphins in Maui?

Spinner dolphins seen in Maui most frequently on the Maui Magic, particularly along the South Maui Coastline, although they can surprise us anywhere and at any time! The number in a pod of dolphins varies, anywhere from just a couple to up to 20 or more.

Are there killer whales in Hawaii?

Killer whales are one of 18 marine mammals found in the Hawaiian Waters however many of these are rare and never seen. Some of the more common marine mammals found in Hawaii are: Humpback Whales, Monk Seals, Bottle nose dolphins, Spinner Dolphins, Stripped Dolphins and other dolphins and whales.

Are orcas near Maui?

The reality, however, is that they do exist in Hawaii, but they aren’t a part of a resident population that is regularly spotted in the islands. There have been a handful of orca sightings off the Big Island of Hawaii as well as Maui and Lana’i, and a dead orca once washed ashore along the southern coastline of Lana’i.

Do blue whales live in Hawaii?

Blue whales are one of the rarest whales to be seen in Hawaii, and most confirmations are not sightings but sound recordings of their songs (their call is the loudest animal sound in the world) around the islands throughout the year.

Are there dolphins in Hawaii?

Hawaiian name: Nai’a. Three species of dolphins are commonly seen in Hawaiʻi’s near shore waters: spinner, bottlenose and spotted.

What to do if a dolphin approaches you?

Although dolphins may seem curious, many of their behaviors are often misinterpreted as “friendly” when they actually are, in fact, signs of disturbance or aggression. If a dolphin approaches you in the water, do not engage, pursue, or otherwise interact with the dolphin, and take immediate steps to move away.

Is it illegal to swim with dolphins in Hawaii?

(CNN) — Hawaii residents and tourists will no longer be able to swim or get in close contact with Hawaiian spinner dolphins, according to a new rule by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Is it OK to swim with dolphins in Hawaii?

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration rule under the Marine Mammal Protection Act prohibits swimming with or getting within 50 yards of a spinner dolphin that is within 2 nautical miles of the shore of the main Hawaiian Islands.

Do dolphins bite humans?

Dolphins bite.

Dolphins have sharp teeth that they usually use to rip apart their prey. Bottlenose dolphins, for example, have between 80 and 100 teeth that they use to grab, grip and secure their prey. However, the creatures can (and do!) bite humans on occasion.

Why did Hawaii ban swimming with dolphins?

In an effort to protect Hawaii’s spinner dolphins from human harassment, U.S. regulators have banned swimming with the marine mammals close to shore.