First Humpback Whale Count of the Year-2025

Pic Credit Pacific Whale Foundation/Maui News Now Article 

First Humpback Whale Count of the Year-2025

On January 25, 2025, 429 volunteers gathered across the main Hawaiian Islands for the first humpback whale count of the year. This event, a collaboration between the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary Ocean Count and the Pacific Whale Foundation’s Great Whale Count, marked the seventh consecutive year of synchronized data collection.

Volunteers monitored 41 sites, recording a total of 2,121 whale sightings. The peak observation period occurred between 10:00 and 10:15 a.m., with 296 whales spotted. It’s important to note that these numbers may include duplicate sightings, as the same whale could be observed by different groups at various times and locations.

Island-Specific Whale Counts
• Hawaii Island: 493 whales
• Maui: 702 whales
• Kauai: 440 whales
• Oahu: 399 whales
• Molokai: 87 whales

The Sanctuary Ocean Count covered 30 shoreline sites on Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, and Hawaii Island. During the peak 15-minute window, 183 whales were observed. Throughout the day, Hawaii Island reported 493 sightings, Kauai 440, Oahu 399, and Molokai 87.

On Maui and Lanai, the Great Whale Count took place at 11 sites, with volunteers collecting data in 15-minute intervals between 8:30 a.m. and 11:50 a.m. They recorded 113 whales during the peak period and a total of 702 sightings for the day.

Early in the day, favorable weather conditions with sunny skies and calm seas aided in whale spotting. However, as the day progressed, increased winds and ocean swells made observations more challenging.

In addition to humpback whales, participants reported sightings of green sea turtles, sharks, spinner and bottlenose dolphins, Hawaiian flying fish, and various bird species, including the white-tailed tropicbird, Hawaiian hawk, great frigatebird, Laysan albatross, brown noddy, and the Hawaiian goose.

These annual counts, scheduled during peak whale season in January, February, and March, provide valuable data on humpback whale activity around the Hawaiian Islands. The next counts are planned for February 22 and March 29.

The data collected by volunteers contribute to ongoing research efforts, helping to identify trends in humpback whale occurrences within and between seasons. This collaborative approach enhances our understanding of these majestic creatures and supports their conservation.

For more information or to participate in future counts, interested individuals can visit the official websites of the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary and the Pacific Whale Foundation.

Have you spotted any whales yet? Share your experiences in the comments below!

Read More and Credit Sources:

Picture Credit to Pacific Whale Foundation/Maui Now News Article

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
Sources
Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary Ocean Count
Pacific Whale Foundation’s Great Whale Count
Volunteers gather for 1st Humpback whale count of 2025 
Hundreds of humpback whales spotted during January volunteer count
2121 humpback whales spotted during first coordinated count of 2025 koholā season

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