Seasonal· Lanai· Hawaii
Humpback Whale Season (Molokai and Lanai)
20° 57.0′ N · 156° 51.0′ W · approximate
From late autumn to spring thousands of North Pacific humpbacks crowd the shallow channels between Maui, Molokai and Lanai, part of the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary: breaching, singing and nursing calves all around the boat.
Practical
Coordinate is approx, the meeting of the Kalohi and Auau channels inside the sanctuary. Federal regulations (Coast Pilot): it is unlawful within 200 nm of Hawaii to approach within 100 yards of a humpback whale, cause a vessel to approach within 100 yards, operate aircraft (drones included) within 1,000 ft, or disrupt a whale's behavior. NOAA recommends 15 knots or less in coastal waters from November through April and 6 knots or less within 400 yards of a whale. Keep a dedicated lookout: collisions with calves are a real risk. Molokai Fish and Dive runs winter whale watches from Kaunakakai; the Maui-Lanai ferry treats December 15 to May 15 as whale season.
Best for
Whale encounters from your own deck
Season
About November-April, peak January-March
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