Humpback Whale

The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary and the Pacific Whale Foundation coordinate annual whale counts to understand population trends. The number of whales sighted during peak time periods decreased by 38% compared to last year.

A total of 997 whales were spotted at about 42 whale watching sites across the islands on Saturday.

A humpback whale has been freed after it was found in a life-threatening entanglement of rope, with a bundle of gear and two buoys attached.

The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary reports numerous mother and calf pairs in Hawai‘i waters. Here are some tips for how to keep the whales, and yourself, safe.

It’s that time of the year when the North Pacific humpback whales migrate to Hawaiʻi to breed. HPR’s Zoe Dym brings updates from the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale Marine National Sanctuary.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of America’s National Marine Sanctuary System. Two of the 17 federally protected masses of water are located in and around Hawaiʻi. Both sanctuaries have helped increase the population of endangered species such as Hawaiian monk seals. HPR's Zoe Dym has more.

The United States Postal Service released a series of stamps featuring animals in the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument and the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. The Conversation talked to National Marine Sanctuary Site Director Kris Sarri about marking 50 years of the system that stretches from American Samoa to the Atlantic shores.

The 2022 humpback whale count for Hawaiʻi waters shows a big increase in their numbers. Humpback sightings are tallied every year to understand population trends and behavior.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says a humpback whale that was tangled in heavy line has been freed off Maui. NOAA says the male whale was entangled so tightly that his life was in danger.

A female humpback whale traveling with a male and a calf has been freed after it was found entangled in a line with a large bundle of marine debris attached. HPR’s Zoe Dym reports on the six-hour rescue mission led by NOAA.