Researchers investigate lone humpback whale spotted off Maui

News admin July 31, 2026 0 Comments

Researchers investigate lone humpback whale spotted off Maui

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – A lone humpback whale spotted off Maui this week is prompting concern among marine mammal researchers, who are trying to determine whether it is an orphaned calf whose mother died off Molokai earlier this month.

The whale was first reported Tuesday off Kaanapali. Witnesses described the young whale repeatedly swimming back and forth near a jetty, behavior they said appeared unusual.

“It just seemed really distressed, and it was sad, very sad,” Maui resident Robin Cynar said.

The state Division of Aquatic Resources believes the whale could be the same calf involved in an incident off Molokai about three weeks ago, when its mother died.

“We assume that this is the same animal that was involved in the event off of Molokai,” said Jordan Lerma, the division’s Protected Species Program lead.

If the whale is the orphaned calf, experts say its chances of survival are low because calves depend on their mother’s milk during their first year of life.

“Obviously a calf that’s relying on its mother for milk at that time of year is in dire straits at this point,” said Blake Moore, vice president of Teralani Sailing Adventures, who also witnessed the whale.

Researchers say another possibility is that the whale is a yearling, a young but independent whale that has already completed one migration to Alaska and back. They say more observations are needed before they can determine its age and identity.

Regardless, experts say the sighting is highly unusual because humpback whales are typically feeding in Alaska during the summer months, not in Hawaiian waters.

“It’s certainly out of its range, out of its habitat for this time of year,” said Dr. Lars Bejder, director of the Marine Mammal Research Program. “When people see whale sightings, especially this time of the year, it’s kind of an odd time.”

The whale has attracted attention from tour boats and recreational boaters, but the Department of Land and Natural Resources is urging the public to keep at least 100 yards away and report sightings to its marine wildlife hotline at 1-888-256-9840.

While researchers continue monitoring the whale, Bejder said there is little that can be done if it is malnourished.

“Sad, sad situation, but there’s little we can do,” he said. “Sharks start preying when an animal is in malnutrition or sick. That’s a likely scenario long term.”