As of today, out of season, returns ~December. Earth Exhibit tracks the live conditions and flags it the moment it is on.
During the winter breeding season in Hawaiian waters, male humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) form competitive pods and display aggressive escort behavior around females.
These social and mating interactions are concentrated in the sheltered Auau Channel off west Maui and are a prime opportunity to observe complex breeding behavior at relatively close range from licensed vessels.
Where to see it
A taste of where to see it. The full map, exact coordinates and the best timing for each spot live in the app.
| Viewing spots |
|---|
| Auau Channel (central Maui breeding ground) |
| Lahaina Harbor Whale Watching (west Maui) |
| + 1 more spot, with exact coordinates and timing, in the app → |
This is the short version
This page shows a taste. The app has the full list of where to see this, the exact timing, and live conditions for 1,000+ natural phenomena worldwide, so you know the moment one is genuinely worth the trip.