The North Pacific humpback whales begin their migration approximately 3,000 miles from the cold arctic waters to the warm waters of Hawaii, to mate, give birth to their calves, and rear their young.  The shallow waters surrounding Maui are known as the "cradle of the humpback" due to the significant number of humpbacks raised in this area.

The Hawaiian Island Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary is one of only 12 marine national parks and is the only preserve in the United States dedicated to a marine mammal.  During the peak season (mid-December to mid-May), there are literally thousands of humpback whales in our islands!