Final Whale Count of the Season Records 714 Humpbacks Across Hawaii

Pic Credit Fern Gavelek – A volunteer scopes out the horizon in search of humpback whales at Keauhou Scenic Lookout on Hawaii Island.

Final Whale Count of the Season Records 714 Humpbacks Across Hawaii

As reported by Spectrum News in their recent article, the final coordinated whale count of the 2025 season took place over the weekend of March 29, bringing together 489 dedicated volunteers across the main Hawaiian Islands. Hosted by the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary and Pacific Whale Foundation, the count spanned 41 sites on Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, Maui, and Hawaiʻi Island. By the end of the day, a total of 714 humpback whales (koholā) had been recorded.

Observations Across the Islands

The whale count was conducted through two coordinated efforts: the Sanctuary Ocean Count and the Great Whale Count. Here’s how the sightings broke down across the islands:

• Kauaʻi (10 sites): 122 whales
• Oʻahu (10 sites): 220 whales
• Molokaʻi (1 site): 11 whales
• Hawaiʻi Island (8 sites): 28 whales
• Maui (11 sites): 307 whales
• Lānaʻi (1 site): 26 whales

While these numbers provide a snapshot of the whale presence, they may include duplicate sightings as individual whales were observed from different locations and at different times throughout the day.

Peak Sightings and Conditions

Volunteers recorded the highest number of whale sightings between 9:30 a.m. and 9:45 a.m., with a total of 109 whales observed during this time frame. The Sanctuary Ocean Count, which covered Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokaʻi, and Hawaiʻi Island, reported the most active periods between 8:30 a.m.–8:45 a.m. and 9:30 a.m.–9:45 a.m., with 52 whales recorded in each. On Maui and Lānaʻi, the Great Whale Count noted peak activity from 9:00 a.m. to 9:15 a.m., when volunteers spotted 61 whales.

The count took place under mostly sunny skies, with calm seas and light winds, making for ideal observation conditions. In addition to whales, volunteers also reported sightings of honu (green sea turtles), ʻilioholoikauaua (Hawaiian monk seals), manō (sharks), and naiʻa (spinner dolphins). Birdwatchers also enjoyed glimpses of native seabirds, including ʻiwa (great frigatebird), mōlī (Laysan albatross), koaʻe ʻula (red-tailed tropicbird), nēnē (Hawaiian goose), and manu-o-kū (white tern).

A Collaborative Effort

This final count of the season marks the seventh year of collaboration between the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary and the Pacific Whale Foundation. By combining data from both efforts, researchers gain valuable insights into humpback whale trends and behaviors across different seasons.

“A heartfelt mahalo to all the volunteers who participated in this season’s counts! Your dedication helps deepen our understanding of these incredible marine mammals. We look forward to seeing you again for the 2026 Ocean Count and Great Whale Count!”

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Read More and Credit Sources:

Picture Credit to Fern Gavelek  Sources: Spectrum News Article & Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary

Read More:

The Return of the Humpback Whales to Hawaii 2024-25
Why is the whale watching so good off Maui?
The Annual Humpback Whale Migration to Hawaii

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