Seeing humpback whales up close in their native habitat is truly an unforgettable experience. If you want to plan a memorable trip to Hawaii—or you live on Oahu and just want to plan an awesome day out—consider taking the whole family whale watching. Below, the knowledgeable team at Ko Olina Ocean Adventures in Kapolei shares a few facts about these majestic creatures to prepare you for the adventure of a lifetime.

What You Should Know About Humpbacks Before Going Whale Watching

1. Singing Is a Favorite Pastime

Humpbacks are known for their “whale songs,” which can be heard often during mating season. These songs are composed of howls and cries and are audible up to 20 miles away. Some songs are nearly 20 minutes long, and it is not uncommon for whales to repeat the same vocal patterns over and over for hours at a time.

2. Every Tail Is Unique

The tail of a humpback whale is similar to the fingerprint of a person in that it is entirely unique. No two whales have the same exact tail. This distinguishing characteristic has made it possible for the College of the Atlantic to maintain a photographic database of thousands of individual whales in the North Atlantic Ocean. Likewise, the Pacific Whale Foundation photographs and catalogs the flukes of whales living near the Hawaiian Islands.

3. They Have Two Blowholes Instead of One

Baleen whales like the humpback have two blowholes located on the top of their head. Each blowhole is connected to a lung, which is roughly the size of a small car. Breathing is not involuntary for humpbacks like it is for humans, though, so when they sleep, only half their brain can rest at a time.

If you want to go on a whale watching adventure to view humpbacks up close, book a tour with Ko Olina Ocean Adventures in Kapolei, HI. They are also proud to offer snorkeling tours and dolphin watching for tourists and locals alike. To book a whale watching excursion today, visit their website, or call (808) 396-2068.