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whale season

officially started today. Are they plentiful?

The official start of whale season in Hawaii is generally in December, with the peak months being January through March. During this time, humpback whales migrate from Alaska to the warm waters of Hawaii to breed, give birth, and nurse their calves. So yes, whale season has officially started, and sightings are becoming more common, especially along the western shores of Maui, which is one of the best places to spot these majestic creatures.

In terms of how plentiful they are right now, it’s still early in the season, so the number of whales might not be as high as it will be in January and February. However, it’s not uncommon to see whales during December, and the sightings typically increase as the season progresses. Many whale watchers start to see activity in the waters off Maui as early as November, but the majority of the whales tend to arrive by mid-December, with the peak migration occurring between January and March.

  • Where to see whales: Popular whale-watching spots on Maui include the waters off Lahaina, Kaanapali, and Kihei. The channel between Maui and Lanai is also a hotspot for whale sightings.
  • Whale watching tours: If you’re hoping for a guided experience, there are plenty of whale-watching tours that run from now through March. These tours often increase in frequency as the whale season peaks, and they offer the best opportunities for close-up views of the whales.
  • What to expect: As the season progresses, you'll see more breaches, tail slaps, and even mothers with their calves. If you're lucky, you may catch a spectacular breach or other exciting behavior, but even just watching them spout or surface is a treat.

If you're visiting Maui in the coming weeks, definitely keep an eye out for whale sightings, especially if you're near the coast or on a boat tour. While they may not be in huge numbers yet, the season is off to a great start, and the chances of seeing these incredible animals will only improve as the winter months continue.

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