Every winter, thousands of humpback whales travel to the warm, shallow waters of Hawai‘i to mate, give birth, and raise their young. Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary protects these whales and their habitat. From November through April, visitors to the sanctuary can see whales from shore and at sea. Visitors are provided a close up view of the whales and their habitat by engaging in activities such as wildlife watching, surfing, diving, and snorkeling. To learn more about this sanctuary, visitors should stop by either Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale Kihei Visitor Center or Kaua’i Ocean Discovery.

Shoreline to a 600 foot depth outline around six of the main Hawaiian Islands: Kaua’i, O’ahu, Maui, Moloka’i, Lāna’i, and Hawai’i.