By Captain Dave

Did you know . . .

There are a number of key reasons humpback whales choose Hawaiian waters to migrate to every year:

• Blubber (or lack thereof) - Newborn humpback whales are born sans their insulating, protective layer of blubber!
• Without this cozy layer of insulation, newborn whales thrive most in warm waters (of which Hawaii has an abundance.)
• Maui, and the surrounding islands of Lanai, Molokai, and Kahoolawe, create a protected, "shallow" basin which is perfect for humpbacks (and great for whale watching on Maui!)
• Just as it is for humans, Hawaii is a laid back place to relax for humpback whales as well, thanks to virtually zero whale predators in our waters.
• One such predator absent from our waters, is the Orca (or "Killer Whale.") A surprising fact to many, orcas and humpback whales come to blows regularly in colder waters. Some of these altercations are so fierce, that they leave physical scars on some humpback whales.

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