Updated at 3:50 p.m., Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Maui tour boat reports first humpback whale sighting
Advertiser Staff
LAHAINA, Maui — A Lahaina tour boat yesterday reported the first sighting of a humpback whale in Maui County waters this season.The 52-foot Lanakila, owned by Safari Boat Excursions, was off Shipwreck Beach near Lana'i shortly after 8 a.m. Sunday when a crew member looking toward Moloka'i saw a whale breach, according to a company spokeswoman.
Last year's first whale sighting was Oct. 11 off Ka'anapali. Whales have been seen as early as Sept. 16, although the peak of the whale season generally occurs in February and March.
An estimated 7,000 to 9,000 humpback whales migrate to Hawai'i annually from summer feedings grounds near Alaska. While here, they mate, calve and socialize.
