When Do Humpback Whales Migrate to Maui?

Winter in Hawaii is marked by rainbows, big waves, and the annual return of the awe inspiring humpback whales. Every year thousands of humpback whales journey from the cold waters of Alaska to the Hawaiian Islands. In this blog, we will cover the when, why and how humpback whales migrate to Maui.

Humpback Whale Overview

Humpback whales are one of the most recognizable whale species. They inhabit every ocean on the planet and are known for their acrobatic displays and unique behaviors. Humpbacks average 40-50 feet in length. Adults can weigh up to 90,000 pounds and newborn calves are the size of a small pickup truck. 

While they aren’t considered the largest whale (that distinction goes to the blue whale), humpbacks are incredibly surface active. In Hawaii, humpbacks are often seen slapping their tails and pectoral fins, teaching their young, resting on the surface, and sometimes even breaching (when the whale leaps with its entire body out of the water). 

Why Do Humpback Whales Migrate to Maui?

Every year North Pacific humpback whales undertake an epic journey between feeding areas near Alaska and their tropical breeding grounds in Hawaii. This annual migration can clock in at 3,000 miles one way and takes 6-8 weeks. It is one of the longest migrations of any animal species on Earth. 

Humpbacks experience distinct seasonal shifts between eating, resting, and storing up energy during the summer, to expending this energy while traveling, mating, birthing, and nursing in the winter. 

While scientists still don’t understand the exact reasons why humpbacks migrate such great distances each year, much of it likely comes down to a few key points: 

1. Avoid predators – Orcas (aka “killer whales”) are the number one natural predator of humpback whales. Hawaii’s nearshore waters are beyond the range of orcas, making Hawaii a safer place for humpbacks to give birth and nurse their calves. 
2. Shifts in food availability – Humpback whale food sources like krill and small fish that are abundant in the summer months off the coast of Alaska become more scarce during the winter. 
3. Energy balance – It takes a lot of energy to birth a baby humpback whale. This energy requirement increases in cold water when whales not only have to give birth, but also maintain a core body temperature. Therefore, traveling to warmer waters to mate and give birth may make more sense – energetically speaking – for humpbacks – even if those warmer waters are thousands of miles away. 

When Do Whales Migrate to Maui?

Humpback whales are winter visitors to Hawaii. As temperatures begin to drop in the North Pacific, humpbacks begin their seasonal migration south to warmer, tropical breeding grounds. 

October through December in Hawaii is considered “early season” for humpbacks. The first whales tend to arrive around the beginning of October and are often spotted by snorkel tours or fishing boats. These first whales are typically moms nursing their calves, followed by young juveniles. Whales continue to reach Hawaii in small numbers until about mid-December. This is also when most whale watching boats begin to guarantee whale sightings. 

By January, the waters off of Maui are transformed into “whale soup.” Starting in January, it is nearly impossible NOT to see a whale somewhere in the ocean – whether it is a blow far out in the distance or a whale leaping a few hundred yards off the beach. 

January through March is peak whale season in Hawaii. During this time you can experience a wide range of whales and whale behaviors – from fast-paced “competition pods” with multiple whales, to mother whales with newborn calves. 

By April, most of the humpbacks have begun their trip back to Alaska. While you may still spot the occasional whale during “late season” (after mid-April), it is extremely rare to see whales in Hawaii after May. 

The whale watching season in Hawaii is highly dynamic. Migrating humpbacks stay in Hawaii for only 2-6 weeks. Whales that arrive in early December, for example, are likely headed back to Alaska by the time January rolls around. This constant coming and going of whales throughout the winter months means that behaviors and social groups also change as the season progresses. 

Why Maui is the Best Island for Whale Watching

Maui is by far the whale watching epicenter of Hawaii. Scientists estimate that 10,000-12,000 humpbacks pass through Maui County waters each year. This is nearly half of the entire North Pacific humpback whale population. 

The majority of the whales visiting Maui waters tend to concentrate along the island’s southern and western coastlines. Here the waters are shallow, protected from large waves, and warm. It’s a safe place for pregnant whales to give birth and nurse their young, or for whales to mate. Due to its importance for humpbacks, this area is part of the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary.  

The large number of whales in this specific area also means you don’t have to go far to experience whale action. During peak whale season, whales can be spotted from most of the best beaches on Maui. Listen closely, you can often hear the song of the humpback whale from under the surface while snorkeling on Maui during whale season. For a more up close and personal experience including whale education, visitors can opt for a boat-based whale watching tour.   

Whale Season	Months	Whale Activity	Visitor Experience
Early Season	October-December	Individual whales and moms with year-old calves begin showing up on the breeding grounds. Whales generally spread out and are not consistently spotted.	May see the occasional whale off the coast. Whalewatching boats do not guarantee sightings until December 15.
Peak Season	January-March	High amount of whale activity around Maui. Competitive male groups (“competition pods”) often formed. Pregnant females giving birth towards February and March.	Whales are regularly spotted. Guaranteed whale sightings.
Late Season	April-May	High prevalence of mothers with newborn calves. Overall number of whales have decreased since peak season.	Decreased whale sightings. Whale watching boats often do not guarantee sightings after April 15. May occasionally see whales in nearshore waters.
Off Season	June-September	Whales have migrated back to summer feeding grounds	Whale watching not available; opt for snorkeling or other water sports like paddle boarding in Kihei.