The Annual Winter Humpback Whale Migration Is At It's Peak
February on Maui is a magical time, especially for those who love the ocean and the incredible creatures that call it home. Every winter, the warm waters surrounding Maui become a hub of activity as humpback whales make their annual journey to the Hawaiian Islands. These magnificent creatures travel thousands of miles from their feeding grounds in Alaska to the tropical waters of Maui for one primary reason: survival.
Humpback whales migrate to Maui to breed, give birth, and nurse their young in a safe and nurturing environment. The waters around Maui provide the ideal conditions for this: they’re warm, shallow, and free from most natural predators like orcas, which can threaten vulnerable calves. For humpback whales, these factors make Maui a perfect sanctuary during the winter months.
Another reason whales favor Maui is the island's calm leeward waters. Sheltered from strong ocean currents and harsh weather, the area between Maui, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, and Kahoʻolawe—known as the Auʻau Channel—is particularly popular among whales. This protected stretch of ocean becomes a natural nursery, where calves can safely grow and strengthen under their mothers’ watchful care.
Maui’s waters also serve as a gathering place for socialization and mating among adult humpbacks. During the winter, visitors to Maui may witness awe-inspiring displays of breaching, tail slapping, and other behaviors, which are thought to be part of communication and courtship rituals. These surface activities offer an incredible opportunity for whale watchers to observe these gentle giants up close.
The idea for World Whale Day started in 1980 by Greg Kauffman, the founder of the Pacific Whale Foundation to help raise awareness about the threat of extinction faced during that time. Twenty years ago there were only 2,000 in the North Pacific, there are now approximately 20,000. This year Whale Day will be celebrated on February 16th with the yearly whale counting.
The humpback whales’ annual migration is a reminder of the interconnectedness of our planet’s ecosystems. Their journey to Maui is not just a spectacle but a vital part of their lifecycle. It’s also an invitation for us to protect these waters and ensure that Maui remains a haven for marine life for generations to come.
Whether you're a resident or a visitor, witnessing the whales’ arrival in Maui is a breathtaking experience that highlights the beauty and resilience of nature. Winter in Maui truly is whale season, and there’s no better time to appreciate the wonders of these majestic creatures.
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