Hawaiian Island Humpback Whale

Hawaiian Island Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary encompasses 2000 square miles off all of Hawaii’s main islands with the exception of Niihau and Kaho’olawe. The shallow warm waters in this sanctuary are one of the most important whale habitats in the world. Between late October and early June, Pacific humpback whales migrate to these warm waters to breed and nurse their young. During this time, many people flock to the area to watch the whales….though it must be done in moderation so as not to scare off the whales.

Humpbacks were listed as an endangered species in 1973. One of the missions of the Hawaiian Island Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary is to learn more about these whales and help to protect them. Currently, there are 3,000 North Pacific humpback whales in the world. Scientists estimate that two-thirds of the existing North Pacific humpback whale population can be found here every year.

Other inhabitants of the Hawaiian Island Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary are 23 species of marine mammals including the pilot whale and the spinner dolphin, trigger fish, highly endangered Hawaiian monk seals, and green sea turtles.

In addition to its work with whales, the sanctuary is involved with several research projects focusing on other species, water quality and beach monitoring projects. The sanctuary staff works closely with the Native Hawaiian community, learning more about traditional practices relating to the sea and helping to educate others about these traditions.

The fifth largest of the great whales, the humpback, or "Kohola" in Hawaiian, is the official marine mammal of Hawaii. Yet some scientists estimate that the humpback only arrived in Hawaiian waters as early as 200 years ago. The absence of the humpback in traditional native Hawaiian lore supports this belief.

Although this site was designated in November of 1992, the Governor of Hawaii approved this sanctuary in June 1997.

Trivia: During the winter breeding season, Hawaii's sanctuary waters are filled with some of the longest and most complex whale songs. Lonely male "Kohola" (that's Hawaiian for "Humpback") court female Kohola with a frequency range broader than that of any other cetacean: 20-800 hertz.

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