On 7/21/25 Captain Jack, Captain Zach and First Mate Val, spotted a humpback whale 3 miles off Lahaina, Maui.
Staff members quickly contacted NOAA and the Humpback Whale Marine Sanctuary to report this out of season sighting. Seen here, the individual was fluke up diving and maintained a down time of 15 minutes. We have yet to identify this individual, but will update you when we can find an accurate match through Whale I.D.
When we see humpback whales out of season (Months June, July, August, September or October), we are initially concerned for the change in their migration pattern which is why we contacted NOAA and Sanctuary to get their help with monitoring and matching the animal.
Often we are able to match their I.D. using software called happywhale.org. This software tracks the animal by using photos of their fluke which has a distinct pattern like a fingerprint. Info like the whales name, origin, births, etc can be tracked this way, helping researchers better understand the daily lives of humpback whales.
Based on the sighting evidence the humpback whale appeared to be in good health and some are speculating this was not part of the typical group of Northern Pacific Humpback whales that migrate from Alaska to Hawaii every winter.
Maui is the best place to see Northern Pacific Humpback whales in Hawaii because about 80% of the population will come to Maui rather than the other Hawaiian islands. This is due to the protected nature of the Maui Nui Basin and mama whales feeling safe to birth and raise their calves here before embarking on the long swim back to Alaska to feed in the summer.
Whale watching the summer in Hawaii is not a regular offering because the whales are typically not sighted. Instead snorkeling or dolphin watch tours are offered during the off season. Whale Watching in the summer can be done in Alaska where most of Hawaii’s whales migrate to feed before returning to the islands.
You can whale watch in Maui from December through April, peak months are January, February and March. Check out this coming seasons schedule with Hawaii Ocean Rafting.
See you on the water!