Humpback Whale Migration

Humpback whales of the Northern Pacific Ocean undertake a great journey covering about 3500 miles one way. The waters around Alaska provide a bounty of food, while the waters around Hawaii are relatively warm and thus offer ideal conditions for breeding. During the time between the end of October and the beginning of May, the whales diet and a full-grown humpback whale loses several tons of weight during the time it spends around Hawaii. A nursing mother may even lose a third of her weight.

The humpbacks do not all migrate at one time, and some do not migrate. Most of the humpbacks head to Hawaii alone or in a small group, meeting with other whales on the way. Scientists suggest that a collection of humpbacks should be called a group. They have decided that the word ‘pod’ is to be used for structured groupings, such as the families of dolphins, orca, sperm whales, and others.

With the help of transmitters and satellite monitoring systems, scientists have been able to determine the duration of their migration. Humpbacks travel at an average speed of approximately 5 miles per hour, but are able to reach up to 15 mph for a short time. Through observations of individual humpback whales, scientists estimate that they travel a distance of approximately 3500 miles between their breeding and feeding grounds in 30 to 40 days. One individual humpback was identified in Alaska one day and in Hawaii only 28 days later, which means that this particular whale traveled 3500 miles in less than a month.

How long they stay in Hawaii waters before heading back to Alaska depends on different circumstances. A recently impregnated female may head back right away (one identified female headed back after just 21 days in Hawaiian waters). A mother who has given birth will stay longer until the calf is strong enough to make the long journey.