WATCH: Holo Holo Charters records first humpback sighting of 2025-26 season off Kaua‘i

Humpback whales have returned to Hawai‘i waters.

Holo Holo Charters kicked off whale season with its first confirmed humpback whale sighting of the 2025–26 season at 7 a.m. Oct. 14 in waters off Kaua‘i.

The whale was spotted by Capt. Kekoa and crew members Noah and Jon aboard the vessel Holoholo while traveling offshore along the Garden Isle’s west side en route to Ni‘ihau.

Guests and crew were treated to an unforgettable glimpse of the seasonal visitors.

“Spotting the first humpback of the season is always a thrill,” said Holoholo crew member Noah Cew in the tour company’s announcement about the sighting. “It’s like seeing an old friend return home. Every year, these moments remind us just how special Kaua‘i’s waters are.”

Humpback whales — or kohola in Hawaiian — travel about 3,200 miles each winter from Alaska to Hawai‘i to give birth, mate and care for their young.

Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund says they cruise at an estimated 3 to 4 miles an hour and are thought to swim 24 hours a day.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary — since its creation more than 30 years ago by U.S. Congress — has been vital to the protection of humpback whales, being the only place in the United States where these majestic cetaceans reproduce.

Scientists estimate about 12,000 kohola or more — more than half of the North Pacific humpback population — return to Hawaiian waters from November through May.

Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary also notes the greatest numbers of these majestic giants usually appear from January to March, so this early sighting signals an especially exciting beginning to the season.

“Our crew lives for that moment,” said Holo Holo Charters General Manager Chandra Bertsch in the release. “When word came in from the team, everyone at the harbor felt the excitement. The first sighting marks the start of one of the most magical times of year on Kaua‘i, and we’re so proud to share it with our guests.”

While it was Holo Holo Charters’ first humpback sighting of the fledgling season, according to nonprofit Pacific Whale Foundation, it was not the first overall in Hawai‘i waters.

The foundation — which conducts research, education, conservation and outreach programs to provide ocean and marine life protection — reported in a Sept. 24 Facebook post that it received multiple reports of kohola already being spotted Sept. 21 in waters off Maui, including an impressive photo of one of the giants breaching.

“What a special occasion, to spot the first whale of the season, plus breaching!” says the foundation’s post. “This brings a bright look into the 2026 Maui Nui whale season, and much excitement to the community!”

Pacific Whale Foundation also provided the following data for first humpback sightings during previous years:

• 2024: Oct 6.
• 2023: Oct 25.
• 2022: Sep 14.
• 2021: Oct 1.
• 2020: Oct 8.
• 2019: Oct 9.
• 2018: Oct 8.
• 2017: Oct 9.
• 2016: Oct 20.
• 2015: Oct 24.
• 2014: Oct 14.
• 2013: Oct 5.
• 2012: Oct 15.
• 2011: Oct 6.
• 2010: Oct 20 (Maui Now).
• 2009: Oct 20.
• 2008: Oct 8.
• 2007: Oct 7.
• 2006: Oct 11.
• 2005: Nov 11.
• 2004: Oct 23.
• 2003: Oct 21.
• 2002: Nov 3.
• 2001: Oct 31.
• 2000: Sep 16.

Also, don’t forget to mark your calendars now for the upcoming Sanctuary Ocean Count — a signature education outreach and community science project that Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary hosts annually.

Sanctuary Ocean Count promotes public awareness about humpback whales, the sanctuary and shore-based whale watching opportunities in the Hawaiian Islands.

It is conducted three times per year during peak whale season — scheduled for Jan. 31, Feb. 28 and March 28 during the 2025-26 season — and provides a snapshot of humpback whale sightings from the shorelines of Kaua‘i, O‘ahu and the Big Island.

Next year will be the project’s 30th anniversary. Check back at the beginning of 2026 on the website to find out how you can be part of the milestone year.

Pacific Whale Foundation’s annual Great Whale Count will take place the same days as the Sanctuary Ocean Count, with volunteers counting humpback sightings from Maui shorelines.

The Maui count celebrates its 31st year in 2026.

Check on or after Dec. 15 on the Pacific Whale Foundation’s website for information about how to volunteer this season.

News reporter Nathan Christophel contributed to this story.