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Top 5 Whale Behaviors to Look for During Whale Season in Hawai’i

Humpback whale breaching near a person on a boat with distant green hills and cloudy sky.

Whale watching along the Nā Pali Coast is one of the best ways to experience whale season in Hawai’i.  From breaches to tail slaps, humpback whales display incredible behaviors off of Kauai’s coastline.

Here are five whale behaviors to look for on your next whale watch in Hawai’i.

1. Pectoral Slapping

Two whales swimming in the ocean, with flippers raised above the water's surface.

In this behavior, the whale rolls onto its side, or even onto its back and forcefully smacks the ocean’s surface with one or both of its long pectoral fins, sending a sharp, echoing splash across the water.  Pec-slapping helps humpbacks socialize and send signals over long distances. During breeding season, it may also serve as a flirtatious display, particularly by females seeking to attract nearby males.

2. Peduncle Throw

Whale tail splashing in blue ocean water.

A humpback whale peduncle throw is a dramatic and powerful surface display. The whale twists its body and whips the lower half, its peduncle and tail flukes sideways, slamming them into the water and creating a huge, echoing splash.

This behavior is often seen during shows of dominance and rowdy mating competitions.  The peduncle muscle is the strongest muscles in the animal kingdom.

3. Mugging

Humpback whale surfacing in clear blue water with visible barnacles.

“Mugging” happens when curious whales, often juveniles, approach boats and linger so close that the vessel can’t move away.

During a mugging whales often exhibit curiosity, such as spy-hopping (lifting their heads out of the water to look around), rolling onto their sides, and swimming directly toward or under the vessel. These encounters can last from a few minutes and in some rare cases, up to two hours.

4. Tail Sailing 

A whale's tail emerging from the ocean against a blue sky.

In this position, the whale floats vertically or upside down with its tail flukes held high out of the water for an extended period.  Whales may do this to cool off and rest, while nursing moms find this a comfortable position to nurse their calves.

5. Breaching
Humpback whale breaching water surface under clear sky. 

One of the most powerful and unforgettable behaviors you can witness while whale watching in Hawai’i, breaching happens when a whale launches its entire body out of the water.

Whales breach for communication, to remove parasites, and play.  Our favorite moments to witness during whale season is when mama whale teaches her baby how to breach along the Nā Pali Coast.  Nothing is more beautiful than a tiny whale leaping against a backdrop of emerald cliffs.

Ready to experience whale season in Hawai’i for yourself? 

Join us along the Nā Pali Coast for your chance  to witness these incredible behaviors up close.  Book your tour today and come see the magic of Kauai’s humpback whales in action.

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