It’s official–the Northern Pacific Humpback Whales have begun arriving in Maui waters for their annual breeding and calving season, taking shelter in the warm and protected waters between the islands. While the peak whale sighting season is in January, they begin arriving in November and settle in through the winter months and beyond–some remaining through April and into May to enjoy a tropical respite from their wanderings throughout the Pacific.

The Humpback’s scientific name, Megaptera novaengliae (Great wings of New England), refers to its its 15-foot pectoral fins, while the name Humpback was coined by whalers, possibly because of its appearance while diving–and diving would have been the natural and necessary response to whaling ships shooting harpoons. First recorded by whalers in the 1840s in the Maui area, no one knows just how long they have been coming here, but their arrival is celebrated throughout the islands.

Newborn Humpback calves born in Hawaiian waters weigh an average 1.5 tons, while their parents would tip the scales at a ton per foot–adding up to 85,000 to 90,000 pounds of gentle giant. Nowhere but the ocean can such a creature exist and navigate the waters with such grace. The Humpback is grayish-black in color, each with its own distinct white markings, making identification of each whale possible. Breathing through a double blowhole located on top of their head, Humpbacks create “spouts” that can be seen at distance and is one of the easiest ways to spot them from the shore. Other behavior traits that make whale-watching fun and interesting are tail slaps and head slaps on the water. The “breach” is the most spectacular sight, with up to 2/3 of the creature launched out of the water in a joyous display, returning to the water with an exuberant splash.

Whale-watching is a favorite experience for tourists to Maui who choose in the winter months, as well as a welcome sight to locals–signaling the change of season and encouraging those who love them by appearing in ever-increasing numbers. Whales are an important and irreplaceable part of the islands–making it imperative that they are protected and respected by those who share their world.

Recently, the whale has been at the center of the Hawaii Superferry controversy–once again emphasizing the conflict between preserving our natural treasures and streamlining the commercial world. So far, efforts have slowed the incursion of commerce, but vigilance and oversight must  be continued and enforced. Fortunately, the subject is front and center, and many groups and individuals have committed to the cause. Join in–stay watchful, stay on the side of the whale. Everyone profits when the whale flourishes.

Keep them safe. Keep them swimming. Keep them Maui.

– Haole Anna, Paia