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Whale seasonAnnual · breeding grounds

Hawaii Humpback Whales

Thousands of North Pacific humpbacks migrate to Hawaii's warm shallows to breed, calve and sing.

December 2026 to March 2027SeasonDecember 2026 to March 2027
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Hawaii Humpback Whales

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National Marine Sanctuaries / Public domain (Wikimedia Commons)

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December 2026 to March 2027Season
Maui & the Hawaiian Islands, USAWhere it happens
~10,000humpbacks winter in Hawaii
Viewing advice

Whales are in Hawaiian waters December to April; sightings peak in February.

The best time to see Hawaii Humpback Whales in 2027 is December 2026 to March 2027. Timing status: Season.

Every winter, thousands of humpback whales leave Alaska for the warm, sheltered waters between the Hawaiian islands to mate and give birth. The Auau Channel off Maui is the epicentre, where breaches and tail-slaps are visible right from shore.

Hawaii Humpback Whales: Talk about acrobatics! Here, a humpback whale breaches in Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary
Photo information

Hawaii Humpback Whales

Photo
National Marine Sanctuaries
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Where to see it

These are the spots that catch it best. Tap one to see what's worth a trip nearby.

Cosmic events during this window

Cosmic events that peak while this season is on, so one trip could catch both. Meteor showers show the moon, since a dark sky is what makes them.

Related natural events

More moments to explore.

Frequently asked questions

When is Hawaii Humpback Whales 2027?

Hawaii Humpback Whales 2027: December 2026 to March 2027.