Hanalei Bay is part of the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary.
The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary was created by Congress in 1992 to protect humpback whales and their habitat in Hawai`i. The sanctuary, which lies within the shallow (less than 600 feet), warm waters surrounding the main Hawaiian Islands, constitutes one of the world's most important humpback whale habitats.
Through education, outreach, research and resource protection activities, the sanctuary strives to protect humpback whales and their habitat in Hawai`i.
Exploring the Sanctuary
The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary is the perfect place for whale watching, whether from land or sea.
Humpback whales can be seen in Hawai‘i’s nearshore waters during winter and their impressive acrobatic displays are often visible from miles away.
Humpback Whale Facts:
Group: Mammalia
Order: Cetacea
Sub-order: Mysticeti
Family: Balaenopteridae
Genus: Megaptera
Scientific name: Megaptera novaeangliae "Great wings of New England"
Type of whale: Baleen whale
Hawaiian name: kohola
Weight: 45-50 tons
Size: 45 feet
Life span: Estimated to be 40 to 50 years
Age at sexual maturity: 5 to 9 years
Gestation: 10 to 12 months
Get Involved
The greatest benefit of volunteering with the sanctuary is the satisfaction of knowing you are an integral part of the effort to protect an endangered animal - the humpback whale, as well as assisting in the protection of other protected species found in sanctuary waters. In addition, as an active sanctuary volunteer you will have the opportunity to participate in ongoing training and learning opportunities conducted by staff and other experts.