Humpback Whale First Sighting in Kaua’i 2021-2022
Port Allen, Kaua’I – Baby Humpback Whale is The First Sighting in Kaua’i Waters During the 2021-2022 Humpback Whale Season!
Captain Mike Lynch of Holo Holo Charters spotted the first humpback whale of the season in Kaua’i waters this past Saturday, October 2, 2021. Holo Holo Charters’ vessel Leila, was just a quarter-mile off Nohili when Captain Mike witnessed a baby humpback whale breaching at least six times! Nohili Point is at the far western edge of the island just north of the Pacific Missile Range Facility.
“Scientists believe that Humpbacks typically give birth within the Hawaiian Islands, or sometimes on the way down from Alaska. Pinpointing the exact age of a calf can be tricky, but generally, if they are being active like breaching, they are at least a couple of weeks old. This sighting could represent one of the earliest births of the 2021-2022 Humpback whale season!” stated Holo Holo Charters’ Assistant Operations Manager, Jessica Rickard who holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Biology and has eleven seasons of Humpback specific outdoor education and whale watching in Hawaii.
According to the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary’s website, Humpback whales are generally seen in Hawai’i from November through April each year with the peak season from January through March. Approximately half of the north Pacific humpback whales, representing thousands of animals, visit the waters around the Hawaiian Islands, including sanctuary waters. Here they breed, give birth, and nurse their young. So, the sighting was a bit early this year.
“It’s always exciting to hear about the first whale sighting in Kaua’i waters, I am jealous I didn’t see it myself! We love sharing the waters with our annual visitors, now is a great time to get out on a boat to see them for yourself.” shared, Holo Holo Charters’ General Manager, Chandra Bertsch. “During peak whale season it’s almost impossible to not see a whale while on tour, so it’s a special treat for anyone on board during these early sightings.”
About Holo Holo Charters: Holo Holo Charters was founded in December 1997 by Kevin Millett. It is the only Kaua’i boat tour company that offers daily trips to the “Forbidden Island” of Ni’ihau. Its vessels were designed and built on Kaua’i. The company is committed to promoting environmental stewardship, cultural sensitivity, and quality education in the tourism community.