> About Humpback Whales
The Humpback Whale is the fifth largest whale in the world and the fourth most endangered. Hawaii is the most important breeding grounds for North Pacific humpbacks.

Humpbacks travel some 3,000 miles from productive summer feeding grounds in Alaska to Hawaii where mothers give birth to small babies in warm water. Calves may gain over 100 pounds per day nursing on fat-rich mother's milk to build a blubber layer of insulation to tolerate the cold waters of their high latitude feeding grounds.

MORE > WHALE MIGRATION

People and humpbacks are increasing their shared use of the same marine habitats. A one-hundred yard approach limit has been established to give the whales the benefit of the right-of-way.

During the winter season HWF naturalists have recorded seeing up to 129 individual humpback whales in Maui waters.

The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary is one of only 12 marine national parks and is the only preserve in the United States dedicated to a marine mammal.

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> How HWF works to help Humpback Whales

· Helped create National Marine Sanctuary for whales
HWF helped achieve the creation of the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary in 1997. HWF representatives work as volunteers for the NMS and serve on the Sanctuary Advisory Council.

· Teaches people about whales
HWF naturalists teach thousands of island residents and visitors each year out in the living classroom about whale societies and how humans can be low-impact and respectful of whales. HWF naturalists provide expert narration and interpretation on whale watches in the waters off Maui during the winter whale season, educating passengers about Hawaii's favorite marine mammal.

· Conducts naturalist training courses
HWF conducts whale naturalist training classes each season as part of an education program at Maui Community College.