Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary

Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary

Parks Directory of the United States / Marine Sanctuaries

Address: 726 South Kihei Rd
Kihei, HI 96753
Phone: 808-879-2818;
Fax: 808-874-3815;
Web: hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov
Location: Coastal and open ocean waters surrounding all of the main islands of the Hawaiian Archipelago.
Activities: Whale watching cruises, boating, fishing, scuba diving, snorkeling, canoeing, and kayaking.
Special Features: Sanctuary waters provide the only breeding ground for the endangered North Pacific humpback whale in the United States. Scientific research indicates that two-thirds of the North Pacific humpback whale population (approximately 4,000-5,000 whales) migrate from Alaska to the shallow, warm waters surrounding the main Hawaiian Islands to breed, calve, and nurse their young. Whales can be observed from November to May. Description: Description: The Sanctuary encompasses 1,400 square miles of ocean surrounding the Hawaiian Islands. The boundary extends seaward from the shoreline to the 100-fathom isobath and includes the following areas: the four-island area of Maui County, the north and south coast of Oahu, the north shore of Kauai, and the northwest section of Hawaii. Facilities: The main office in Kihei (Maui) maintains a Sanctuary Education Center that offers informative displays about local culture and animals found in sanctuary waters. There is also a deck for whale watching. Common Species: North Pacific humpback whale, sea turtle, shark, monk seal, false killer whale, right whale, and the following dolphin species: rough-toothed, spinner, striped, and bottlenose. Environmental Issues: Protecting the endangered North Pacific humpback whales. Habitats: Coastal waters and open ocean. Access: Local beaches provide easy access to sanctuary waters.
Year Designated: 1992.

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