First Humpback Whale of the Season Spotted Off Kauaʻi’s Coast
The first confirmed humpback whale sighting of the 2025-2026 season was recorded off the coast of Kauaʻi by Holoholo Charters at 7 a.m. in October.
“Spotting the first humpback of the season is always a thrill—it’s like seeing an old friend return home,” said Noah Cew, a Holoholo crew member.
Known as koholā in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi, an estimated 10,000 to 12,000 North Pacific humpback whales migrate from Alaska to the warm waters surrounding the Hawaiian Islands each year to give birth, mate, and care for their young.
Author's summary: Humpback whales return to Hawaii.