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Welcome to the National Marine Sanctuaries web site. Here you'll discover the marine life and extraordinary habitats that make up your nation's marine sanctuaries and our continuing efforts to conserve these ocean and coastal treasures.
The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, which is jointly managed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the State of Hawai`i, lies within the shallow warm waters surrounding the main Hawaiian Islands and constitutes one of the world's most important humpback whale habitats. Through education, research and resource protection activities, the sanctuary strives to protect humpback whales and their habitat in Hawai`i.
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Latest Sanctuary News & Features

singing humpback whale
Flip Nicklin/
Minden Pictures

arrow View the 2012-2013 Disentanglement Season Summary New
arrow NOAA Ship Oscar Elton Sette to Conduct Surveys in Waters Off Kona New
arrow All Summer Long: Participate in the Sanctuary Classic New
arrow New Members Appointed to Advisory Council New
arrow Maui - Humpback Whale Freed of Life-Threatening Entanglement
arrow Kihei Visitor Center Open on Saturdays
arrow Maui: Learn more about current volunteer opportunities

Successful Humpback Whale Rescue

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Sanctuary's trained responders attach to the gear entangling a humpback whale.
Click here to read the rest of the story on how they free a 40-ton animal.


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Support the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation.
Explore
Visit our Visitor Center in Kihei, Maui
Watch
Watch whales in the sanctuary
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Revised June 18, 2013 by HIHWNMS Webmaster | Contact Us | Web Site Owner: National Ocean Service
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