Ever wonder what makes humpback whales sing? Researchers around the worlds have been asking this same question and looking for answers! Let’s talk about what we do know about humpback whale songs! Whale songs are only sung by bulls (male humpback whales). Although cows (female humpback whales) can make sounds, only the bulls produce the famous songs that we hear. … Read More
Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary
Humpback whales travel more than 3000 miles to mate, give birth and rest in the safe waters of the Maui Nui Basin. Because of the whale’s annual migration, Hawaii established an organization called the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, to work to protect these gentle giants during their stay in Maui’s water. The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National … Read More
Whale Surface Movement and Humpback Whale Behavior
Ever wonder what whales are doing when they pop their heads out of the water or flip their tails? Scientist have spent time studying whale behavior, creating terminology and analyzing these surface behaviors, so we’re going to give you a crash course in their finds! TAIL THROWS When a humpback whale lifts its giant fluke or tail out of the … Read More
Whales and Hawaiian History
Visitors and locals alike wait in anticipation for humpback whale migration every year, traveling hundreds of miles to make Hawaii their home during the winter months. Our fascination with these gentle giants started long before photographs, videos and whale watching tours and has been a part of the Native Hawaiian culture for centuries. In the Native Hawaiian creation chant, whales … Read More
Rare Videos of Newborn Humpback Whale
The humpback whale calf is so new that its dorsal fin and tail flukes appear soft and flimsy, and its mother is still excreting blood, while sometimes supporting the calf on her back. The rare video minutes after birth was captured by the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s Marine Mammal Research Program (MMRP) in January 2019. MMRP Director Lars Bejder was using a … Read More
Snorkeling With Whales in Maui
Can We Snorkel With Whales? Is a frequent question we get asked here at Ultimate Whale Watch & Snorkel. 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 Maui. Maui was chosen to be a protected place for humpback whales because of their … Read More
When are Whales in Hawaii?
When should you plan your island trip to see the last great animal migration? Humpback whales are in Hawaii seasonally, traveling back and forth from colder, food abundant climates like Alaska, to warmer waters like Hawaii for mating and giving birth. If you are hoping to go whale watching in Hawaii, it’s important to plan around the humpback whales’ migration! … Read More
Mini Guide to Whale Watching in Maui 101
When to Whale Watch? Whale Watching in Maui is seasonal December to April, so plan your tropical vacation during the months of whale migration. Best time to whale watch in Maui is the month of February when most of the whales are in the Maui Nui Basin. It’s estimated 12,000 – 14,000 humpback whales will make their way to Maui … Read More
Best Time of Day to See Whales in Maui
What’s the Best Time of Day? Whale watching in Maui is one of the most popular activities to do when visiting this amazing tropical island. There are many questions to ask when planning your whale watching tour, including what is the best time of day to see whales in Maui? Good News! The good news is that humpback whales are … Read More
Best Island In Hawaii for Whale Watching
What is the best island in Hawaii for whale watching? But with multiple Hawaiian Island destinations to choose from, how do you know which island is best for whale watching during your vacation? Humpback whales migrate to Hawaii every year during the cool winter months and begin arriving in November (Check out whale watching calendar). By February, Hawaii has become … Read More