They are the largest and most consistent tourists to visit Hawaii. Like many tourists they come here to mate, but unlike tourists they also come here to give birth.
The drive to Lahaina from the airport
The humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) averages between 40 and 50 long and weigh over 40 tons. They have a distinctive knobby snout...
and exceptionally long pectoral fins.
Researchers identify them by the distinctive patterns on the underside of their broad tails.
They do not feed during their stay in the warm clear waters of Hawaii. The water is clear and cobalt blue due the lack of nutrients in the water. While in Hawaii a humpback whale lives off its blubber and it can lose up to 30% of its body weight. A female might be nursing and pregnant during her winter fast. While she is shedding weight her calf will gain 5 pounds an hour on her incredibly rich milk the viscosity of cream cheese.
A common grouping of whales is a female with a new calf and male escort. DNA studies show the male is not the father of the calf but the suitor of the season. Occasionally you see a competition pod with two or more males vying for the position of male escort (not that kind) This particular competition pod was not at all afraid of the our 30' inflatable tourist boat. In fact they thrice swam right under the boat, once hitting us with a giant bubble ring.
Competition pod with a pectoral fin slap and a head lunge.
Of course the most spectacular act is the acrobatic breach. As I photographer I can tell you that the largest and most spectacular breach always happens in the exact opposite direction that you are aiming your camera. It is a law.
On this trip we were lucky enough to see a mother and her calf repeatedly breaching allowing at least a chance of a photograph. It was late in the day and the light was not great but I managed to capture a few images...
Mother and calf
Mama
Calf with mother landing in background
One more of mama
By the early 1970's this population of whales was hunted down to approximately 1,000 individuals. Now there are somewhat more that 15,000 of these amazing animals wintering in Hawaii.
The greeting committee at the mouth of Lahaina harbor (green sea turtle)
A tail-slapping calf right off the coast.
I hope you have enjoyed this brief distraction. Aloha.
Some links:
Humpback Whale Wiki Article
Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary
Earthtrust Humpback Article
More of my photos are HERE