First Reported 2011 Humpback Whale Sighting

Per StarAdvertiser report issued yesterday, the first humpback whale sighting of this season was on Monday, September 26th of the coast of Hawaii’s Big Island.

Sea Quest tour captain Tony Roensch witnessed Monday two tail slaps from a humpback whale yearling in Honaunau Bay, the first confirmed whale sighting in the sanctuary this season, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said Wednesday.

September 26th is rather early. Usually the first sightings are in mid-October. I believe this early arrival helps prove my theory that some whales don’t have calendars.

This year’s winner of our annual contest to predict the first whale arrival is Robin A. Kelley with a guess of September 19. Congratulations to Robin!

If you’re going to the Big Island soon, keep you’re eyes peeled for these and other early arrivals. This page

has a few bits of advice for whale watcher on Hawaii Island.
Free Hawaii Newsletter
Get great Hawaii advice and deals in your inbox!
Share

View Comments

  • Beautiful photos. I haven't traveled that 20 miles of bad road in years. What a nice post.

  • I won! Neat!! Thank you! Can't wait to read the Fun Facts book.

Recent Posts

  • Aloha Friday Photo

Aloha Friday Photos: Sunset from Waikoloa Village

Mahalo to Elizabeth and Dan Van Os for these Aloha Friday Photos. They took these…

May 3, 2024
  • Giveaways & Sweepstakes

Hawaiian Airlines celebrates “31 Days of Lei” with a sweepstakes

May 1st is Lei Day in Hawaii, though some folks can and do celebrate the…

May 1, 2024
  • Aloha Friday Photo

Aloha Friday Photo: A view from the grounds of Mauna Lani Resort

Mahalo to Kinga Fekete from Manchester, England for this lovely Aloha Friday Photo. Kinga tells…

April 26, 2024
  • Culture & History

Hawaii vacation deals & news: April 25, 2024

- Costco Travel has a "Hot Buy" for a Maui vacation package which includes accommodations…

April 25, 2024
  • Aloha Friday Photo

Aloha Friday Photo: Sunset sky from Haleakala

Mahalo to Margaret Whip from Scotland for sharing this lovely Aloha Friday Photo with us.…

April 19, 2024
  • Culture & History

Cultural festivals in the Hawaiian Islands from May, June, July, August 2024

We curate the most comprehensive lists of the islands' top cultural events so that you…

April 18, 2024