Enormous humpback whales flock to the warm waters of Hawai’i from late November to mid-April, when they head back to the cold but nutrient-rich waters off the coast of Alaska. They mate and give birth near Hawai’i, where they nurse their young to get them ready for the long journey ahead.
When they’re in town, these incredible creatures — each can weigh up to 300 pounds — are on display, much to visitors’ delight. Mothers encourage calves to build stamina by leaping into the air in incredible routines that are a combination of ballet and playtime. It’s often possible to spot a humpback’s entire body — measuring 10 to 15 feet in length — out of the water.
Numerous whale watching tours help you get close to these creatures. The tours head offshore to well-known spots frequented by whales, and it’s often easy to find them. Possibly the best place in the world to witness humpback whales is the Auau Channel between West Maui and Lanai and Molokai. Boat tours are numerous in this area.
But it’s also possible to see humpback whales from the coast. Simply keep your eyes peeled as you stand on the beaches of Maui from November to April — you’re bound to spot fins and spouts any time you gaze out at the open ocean.
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