Humpback whales are renowned for their songs and dramatic beauty. Because they’re quite active off the Hawaiian Islands, where they migrate for tge breeding season, they’re the star attraction for whale watching tours. Here are a few intriguing facts about these whales to get you ready to see them in person.

Humpback Whale Trivia

1. Musical Habits

Male humpback whales are musical creatures. They produce an array of sounds ranging from whines to grunts, many of which can be heard for miles underwater. It’s thought that they sing to attract females. Some songs last for 20 to 30 minutes, while some whales may sing continuously for up to 24 hours. These whales not only sing, but also cry.

2. Mating Habits

It’s not unusual for male humpback whales to compete with one another for a female’s attention. They may even smack or lunge at each other to get near her! Females are pregnant for approximately 11 or 12 months before birthing their calves, which nurse on milk in warm water. Hawaii’s humpback whales migrate from Alaskan waters during the winter, which is when you’re likely to spot them during a whale watching tour.

3. Eating Habits

Humpbacks have baleen plates instead of teeth. These flexible pieces made of keratin serve as filters for the whale’s meal. When small sea creatures, such as krill, plankton, sardines, or cod, enter the whale’s mouth, saltwater is filtered out through the baleen plates while the food remains inside. If you’re lucky, you might spot them creating a bubble net during a whale watching tour. Whales create bubbles with their blowholes while deep underwater and rise in a winding circle. The bubbles circle around the prey, trapping them for the whales to engulf.

An appreciation for sea life is an essential part of having a good time when you join EŌ Wai'anae Tours on the Oahu, HI, coast. The family-owned company offers an array of unforgettable whale watching tours and dolphin excursions that allow you to enjoy Hawaii from a different vantage point. In addition to humpback whales, their tours provide you with the chance to see tropical fish, green sea turtles, and other vibrant marine life in the company of a skilled tour guide. Visit the website or call (808) 699-5910 to find out more about their catamaran tours.