January and February in Maui, Hawaii are peak times to view the enormous Humpback whale, there to take advantage of the warmer water for flirting, breeding, and calving. Competition among the males creates some of the best whale-watching as they gather in pods of 3 to 10 whales surrounding a female like closing time at the local bar.
Humpback adult whales average 40-50 feet in length and weigh between 70,000 to 90,000 lbs. The average weight of the heart of a Humpback is about 430 lbs. Think of the Humpback as a school bus with flippers.
The above photo (rare) is of a Humpback "spy-hopping," a term used to describe the behavior of the whale as it treads water and sticks a portion of its head out of water in order to observe the surroundings, in this case a raft containing amazed and gawking tourists. The eyes of this whale are below the surface of the water; whales see equally well in both air and water. This curious whale stayed for about 10-15 seconds before submerging.
"Breaching" is when the whale projects itself high out of the water and noisily slaps the water with its body and fins as it lands. It is speculated that it does this to attract attention or simply because it is fun. (It's also very difficult---I tried in the bathtub but failed.)
When the Humpback dives, its enormous fins are the last image you see as it goes down into the ocean. Note the barnacles beginning to form.
The Humpbacks usually migrate from Hawaii back to Alaska, returning there in late summer to feed on krill and other food sources. By this time, there are many calves accompanying the Humpbacks. After a gestation period of about one year, calves are born (tail first) weighing about 4,500 lbs. and the length of about 14 feet.
We were in Alaska's inside passage years ago and observed Humpback calves slapping their fins and breaching for long periods without stopping, much like playful children. (see photo below)
I encourage you to see these beautiful creatures in their environment---it is an everlasting memory.
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