Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary

The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary is a protected marine area surrounding the main Hawaiian Islands where whales migrate and breed. The sanctuary covers waters known for their importance to the overall health and reproduction of the whale population.

Congress created this sanctuary in 1992 to protect humpback whales and their breeding grounds in the North Pacific. The law recognized that these marine mammals needed legal protection as their populations were recovering.

For Native Hawaiians, these waters hold deep spiritual meaning and connect to traditional beliefs about living in harmony with the ocean. Visitors experience this connection when they watch the whales and learn about local island practices.

The best viewing season runs from November through April when whales are present in the waters and can be spotted from boats or shore. Visitors should maintain respectful distance and follow guidelines to avoid disturbing the animals during observation.

Scientists recorded the first documented birth of a humpback whale inside the sanctuary waters in February 2024. This observation shows that the area has become a safe place for all stages of whale life.