First Humpback Spotted Off Maui Marks the Start of the Season
Maui just received one of its favorite fall homecomings: the first humpback whale of the season has been spotted off Ka‘anapali. The sighting marks the beginning of months filled with tail slaps, breaches, and spouts along our coastlines. For locals, it’s the official signal that whale season has arrived. For visitors, it’s a reminder that there’s no better time to experience the magic of the Valley Isle.
The Migration and Its Magic
Every year, humpback whales travel more than 3,000 miles from the icy feeding grounds of Alaska to the warm, sheltered waters of Hawai‘i. Here, in the ʻAuʻau Channel between Maui, Lānaʻi, and Kahoʻolawe, they breed, give birth, and raise their calves. This is one of the most important marine gatherings in the world—and Maui is at its very center. By January and February, sightings become so common that it’s hard to spend a day near the ocean without seeing a spout in the distance or a calf practicing its first playful breach. These moments aren’t just breathtaking, they’re part of what makes Maui living so unique: the natural world is always right outside your door.
Events, Excursions, and Shoreline Viewing
The first sighting kicks off a wave of seasonal activities across the island. The Pacific Whale Foundation’s Great Whale Count, held on the last Saturdays of January, February, and March, draws volunteers and visitors for a day of shoreline surveys and community science. Whale festivals, cultural programs, and marine education events also fill the calendar, blending conservation with celebration. Whale watching tours from Māʻalaea, Lāhainā, and Ka‘anapali offer front-row seats to the action, with naturalists onboard to share stories and science. On shore, favorite lookouts in Wailea, Mākena, and Kapalua make for perfect family afternoons, where a little patience often leads to the thrill of spotting a fluke or hearing the resounding splash of a breach.
For Maui homeowners, whale season isn’t just a spectacle—it’s a lifestyle. Imagine sipping morning coffee on your lanai while watching a pod glide through the channel, or inviting friends over for sunset cocktails with a breaching whale as the evening’s entertainment. These are the experiences that define island living and add value beyond square footage or amenities. Maui is defined by more than its seasons—it’s defined by the way land, sea, and community come together. Working with a local Maui real estate expert ensures you don’t just find a property, you secure a position in one of the world’s most remarkable markets.
Posted by Roger Pleski R(S) on
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