Every year, the humpback whales (Hawaiian name: kohola) migrate to the warmer Hawaiian waters from Alaska to give birth.
Scientific researchers from the Pacific Whale Foundation have been studying this migration since the 1980s. The Pacific Whale Foundation identifies and tracks individual whales over time, using photo identification. Each whale’s fluke (or tail) has unique, identifying markings and patterns, allowing it to serve as a type of fingerprint that is unique to that whale.
Based on their research, we know each whale remains in Hawaiian waters for about six weeks over a four-month period during the winter months — February being high season.
Once a week, the Ultimate Whale Watch is personally guided by whale researchers and marine biologists.
For tour days and times, visit the foundation's website.