Like dark submarines traversing the ocean depths, more than 10,000 humpback whales migrate to the Hawaiian Islands every year, filling the waters with sub aquatic shapes and sounds . Travelling 3,000 miles from the chilly waters of Alaska, the humpback whales arrive to the Hawaiian Islands between November and April to mate, calve and nurse their young. Known as “Kohola” to the Hawaiian people, Humpback whales are considered “aumakua” or family guardians.
The Auau Channel between Maui and Lanai offers the endangered humpback whales shallow and calm water to pass the winter. This area of the Hawaiian Islands has been deemed the Hawaiian Island Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, the country’s only federal, single-species sanctuary.
This sanctuary creates one of the best locations in the North Pacific to view these remarkable creatures. Many operators offer whale watching tours by boat, but with a good set of binoculars and a bit of patience, the humpback whales can be spotted directly from the shores of Maui. Contact Hawaii Hideaways today for the perfect accomodations. We can make the best recommendations for whale watching directly from your front lanai. Some of our guests favorite for whale watching include, The Aquarium at La Perouse, South Seas, Infinity Bay, Sea Star, Sea Pearl Estate and Island Palace.
