Here’s another fun day of exploration… Jenny and I ventured out in search of whales!

Every year (from November thru May) hundreds of humpback whales visit the Hawaiian islands from Alaska. During the summer months, the whales gorge themselves on plankton and small fish (less than a 12”). However, the whales do not feed while in Hawaii and, consequently, loss up to 20% of their body mass. They come to Hawaii to breed and birth!

• Fifth largest of the world’s great whales
• Average size of a school bus (50 feet long and 90,000 pounds)
• Life span between 40-60 years
• Gestation period for the female is approximately 12 months
• Whales do not feed while in Hawaii
• Tail fins are individually unique (like humans’ finger prints) and are used to identify whales

If you’re interested in learning more, please visit the American Cetacean Society Fact Sheet on the Humpback Whale. Here are some pictures of our whale watching trip: