The North Pacific Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) is one of the most majestic creatures on Earth. Every year, they perform one of the longest migrations of any mammal, traveling from their feeding grounds in Alaska to their breeding grounds in Hawaii.
Whales travel over 3,000 miles each way. They do not eat during their time in Hawaii, relying instead on their blubber reserves accumulated while feeding on krill and small fish in the nutrient-rich Arctic waters.
The Au'au Channel between Maui, Lanai, and Molokai is shallow (averaging 300 feet deep) and protected from heavy ocean swells. This creates a "safe nursery" for newborn calves who don't yet have enough blubber to survive in rougher waters.
Breaching: The most spectacular sight. A whale uses its powerful tail to launch up to 40% of its body out of the water. This is believed to be a form of communication or to dislodge parasites.
Slapping (Pec & Tail): Whales often slap their massive pectoral fins or tails on the water's surface. The sound travels for miles underwater and is used for social signaling.
Spy Hopping: A whale pokes its head vertically out of the water to see what's happening above the surface.
Singing: Only the males sing, and their complex songs can last up to 20 minutes. You can often feel the vibration of the song if you are near a whale in a boat.