Humpback Whales

The humpback whale is an endangered species. Scientists estimate that the pre-whaling population of the North Pacific stock of humpback whales numbered approximately 15,000. In 1993 it was estimated that there were 6,000 whales in the North Pacific Ocean, and that 4,000 of those came to Hawai‘i.  The population is estimated to be growing at between 4% and 7% per year. Today, as many as 10,000 humpback whales may visit Hawai`i each year.

Learn more!

~ Where the Whales Go

~ Whale Sounds

~ Whales Underwater

~ Humpback Whale Behaviors

~ Whale Facts

Where the Whales Go

Most of the North Pacific stock of humpback whales winter in three nearshore lower latitude mating and calving areas: Hawai‘i, western Mexico and the islands of southern Japan. During the spring and summer they migrate as far as 3,000 miles to feeding areas over the continental shelf of the Pacific Rim, from the coast of California north to the Bering Sea (between Alaska and Siberia). Humpbacks continuously travel at approximately three to seven miles per hour with very few stops. The main Hawaiian Islands may contain the largest seasonal population of North Pacific humpbacks in the world.

	Migration data from SPLASH Research.
	HIHWNMS

The North Pacific stock of humpback whales feed during the summer in northern waters (between approximate latitudes of 40-75° N). The cool, nutrient rich waters around Alaska provide ideal feeding locations. Humpback whales have plate-like bristles known as baleen in their mouth instead of teeth. They feed on krill and small schooling fishes, such as capelin and herring. A variety of feeding methods are used including bubble net feeding and lunge feeding. Humpbacks rarely feed in their wintering areas and it is not known if they feed along their migratory routes.

	Humpback whales feeding in Alaska.
	Flip Nicklin/Minden Pictures/NOAA Fisheries Permit #987

Hawai‘i is the only state in the United States where humpback whales mate, calve, and nurse their young. Humpbacks may find Hawai‘i suitable because of the warm waters, the underwater visibility, the variety of ocean depths, and the lack of natural predators. Mothers can be seen breaching alongside their calves and males can be seen competing with one another for females in fierce head-to-head battles.

	Mother and calf humpback whale, aerial view.
	Flip Nicklin/Minden Pictures/NOAA Fisheries Permit #987

Whale Sounds  

Although many species of whales and dolphins are vocal, humpback whales are best known for their songs. The “humpback song” consists of sequences of sounds that are repeated over and over in a pattern. Patterns of humpback whale sounds change from year to year and can vary in different parts of the ocean. Scientists have found that male humpback whales sing while in their breeding grounds. Other humpback whale sounds have also been recorded in feeding areas. Each of the sounds made by the humpback is thought to have a distinct purpose. Research continues on this fascinating topic. Listen to a humpback whale song recorded in sanctuary waters.

	Singing humpback whale in sanctuary waters.
	HIHWNMS, NOAA Fisheries Permit #782-1719

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Whales Underwater  

Humpbacks spend over 90% of their lives under the surface of the water. They are often called "gentle giants" because of the tendency of these large mammals to glide slowly and gracefully while underwater. Current studies focus on understanding the subsurface behaviors of this endangered species.

	Humpback whales "dance" in the sanctuary.
	HIHWNMS, NOAA Fisheries Permit #782-1719

Humpback Whale Behavior

Humpback whales can be seen in Hawai‘i’s nearshore waters during winter and their impressive acrobatic displays are often visible from miles away. 

Whale Facts

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