Humpback whales, the gentle giants of the sea, make the lengthy journey from Alaska to Hawaii on an annual basis. The North Pacific Ocean, which surrounds the islands, provides a favorable climate and environment for the birth of their offspring.Unlike the frigid conditions higher in the northern hemisphere, the waters here are tranquil, clear and warm enough to accommodate immature calves that have not yet produced adequate levels of blubber to withstand cold temperatures. The large sea mammals are mainly found off the coasts of Maui, Lanai, Kahoolawe and Molokai, although they do frequent other areas of the island chain.

The Hawaiian Islands are considered an ideal location for whale watching and scientific research. More than 6000 whales return each year, for an average of six weeks, to deliver their young. In the process entire groups get re-acquainted with the waters spending much of their time swimming within their transient habitat. Humpback whales do not confine themselves to one location for very long and continue to make enduring journeys between low and high latitude regions for feeding and reproductive purposes.

Whale Migration Patterns
Humpback whales are known for their consistent migration patterns. Their ability to travel for prolonged periods covering great distances in the process gives them a nomadic advantage. Whales inhabit most areas within the vast body of global waters. They do not restrict their movements because their needs tend to change over the course of a few months to a year. Their travels between frigid and temperate climate is necessitated by feeding or calving. Humpback whales remain in colder waters to build up food reserves and return to warmer regions to birth their young.

The use of photography, satellite telemetry and earlier records has helped scientists better understand whale migration patterns and explain this prevalent trend. Groups of humpback whales travel as much as 5000 miles per annum. This is considered the longest distance traveled by any mammalian animal. In addition, humpback whales reserve specific periods for feeding, breeding and calving in the winter. Before fasting, populations of these mammals build up their food reserves by feeding on the vast supply of plankton and krill found in colder areas like Alaska.

Their travel takes them close to several land masses globally. Whale populations in the North Pacific feed in Alaska, British Columbia, Northern California and the Aleutian Islands. Once enough food stores are built up they migrate to Hawaii, Japan, Mexico, the Philippines and Costa Rica which all maintain favorably tropical conditions. Humpback whale populations in the North Atlantic feed in Newfoundland, Greenland, Norway, Iceland and Labrador. These migrate specifically to the West Indies to mate and give birth to their young.

Winter Mating Areas
As winter approaches humpback whales prepare themselves to reproduce. Tropical waters are the ideal location for the future parents who carry out their mating and breeding activities in these regions. The temperate climate provides a level of protection that is essential for the expectant mother and emerging calf. These environments maintain warmer temperatures, a more inviting depth and considerable shelter from the trade winds. It is not uncommon for flocks of males and females to separate during the summer months, however, during the winter period both come together to facilitate the conception of offspring.

The breeding ground does not remain static for some humpback whales. A single whale may choose to carry out these reproductive activities in Hawaii and then another year head to Mexico. It is not certain what causes the change in pattern; however, being nomadic, an instinctive drive may be the main motivating factor.

Feeding Patterns
Humpback whales spend the spring, summer and autumn months feeding on a rich supply of plankton, krill, herring, mackerel and other marine life. These food sources are abundant in high latitude regions which also tend to be near or below freezing temperatures. The plankton population is especially profuse in the summer period when the amount of sunlight and nutrients are at their greatest. The whales feed on these small aquatic creatures extensively. The demand for energy during the long arduous journey means that feeding patterns dramatically increase, with each humpback eating much more than its daily requirement. The excess food consumed is then stored as blubber which sustains them during the winter months providing both energy and additional warmth.

Migration from Alaska to Hawaii
On average, 4,500 Humpback whales will migrate from Alaska to breeding grounds in Hawaii. In these warmer seas, calves soon learn to adapt quickly to the new environment. Groups of whales begin arriving in the winter months within the December period. However, the majority of these herds will not be seen until February and March. This peak season may be determined by the whales' biological urges. Many scientists believe that they use a combination of temperature changes, natural magnetic fields and ocean currents to identify the path that leads to the Hawaiian waters and when they will make their journey.

Once in Hawaii they remain for no more than 8 weeks. Individual members of the pack may stay until May or the first week in June, however, once the need for an adequate food supply arises most of these will return to the Alaskan coast. The stores of blubber most be renewed for the whale's survival.

As fall approaches Humpbacks continue to build up their food reserves in the form of blubber. At some point, likely in the middle of autumn they begin their 8 week journey. Once in Hawaii they indulge in the expected mating rituals and then prepare for the birth of their young. The groups cover a 6,000 mile distance to make it to the breeding ground for the winter and fast for the entire duration of their stay.

Humpback whales are scattered all over the world's oceans. The population levels fell dramatically in the 19th century when whaling became a popular industry. They were hunted and killed for their rich blubber which was used for the creation of soaps and oils among other things. As many as 15000 humpback whales were said to have occupied the colder North Pacific waters however, as of the 1960s that number has decreased to an estimated 1,000.

Nature lovers who are interested in seeing the whales are encouraged to visit Hawaii in the winter period, especially during the February and March months. Whale migration patterns on the islands have become increasingly widespread with sightings of these magnificent creatures being extended to the eight major land masses including the "Big Island".

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