The first humpback whale sighting of the season off the shores of Hawaii made its splash on Sept. 21, beating the expected seasonal timeline by a whale's tail. Official sources like Whale Trust have confirmed the early arrival of these marine giants to the delight of whale watchers and ocean enthusiasts alike. According to Whale Trust spokesperson Caitlin Carroll in an email to Spectrum News Hawaii, the first sighting was reported by Sea Maui Catamarans.
And speaking of early bird specials, Kauai joined the cetacean welcoming committee with a sighting of its own on Tuesday. Chandra Bertsch, the general manager at Holo Holo Charters, shared with KHON2, "We [saw it] early this morning. Our captain crew and all our guests were treated to a big surprise."
An additional sighting on Tuesday, courtesy of Hawaii Ocean Rafting, was documented in the middle of the 'Au'au channel off of Maui. Meanwhile, Kauai's Holo Holo Charters boasted their own kick-off to whale season with an encounter captured off the west side of the island. Thousands of these aquatic mammals make the annual journey from colder climes to Hawaii's warmer waters for breeding and nurturing their young.
Holo Holo Charters seems to understand that with great whale watching comes great responsibility. "We want to make sure we're always giving them ample space," Bertsch highlighted in her plea for respectful observation. Sightings such as these are almost guaranteed, especially from December through March, but the company stresses the importance of following federal and local regulations to ensure the safety and respect of the animals. Bertsch added, "We don't want to inhibit their home," emphasizing the company's commitment to conservation and respectful tourism, as noted by KHON2.
For those looking to track the migratory marvels, resources like the Pacific Whale Foundation offer tools such as their Whale Sightings Tracker, accessible online. Additionally, information on safe and responsible whale watching can be found through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), providing guidelines on how to enjoy Hawaii's natural spectacle without causing harm to the beloved baleen visitors.
