Photo Courtesy: Pacific Whale Foundation

Spirit Animals

Respecting Hawaiian creatures means learning about their homes and treading lightly

by Cheryl Parton

Diving into the clear water of Keawakapu Beach on south Maui, I started the morning with a swim and the hope of catching glimpses of an ocean angel—the Hawaiian green sea turtle (honu). The sun was up this winter day, but beach umbrellas and children’s laughter hadn’t risen yet. It was in between breaths that I heard it: A whale song carrying through deep water. The sound became a souvenir of visiting Hawaii I’ll never forget.

Winter is prime season to see humpback whales, but year-round visitors can add depth to an experience by seeing, and hearing, wildlife on each island. These creatures are more than cute mascots. They may be considered ancestral guardians and in many cases are endangered species. A respectful visit to their natural habitats requires an understanding of how to keep them safe. Plus, learning about the species, ecosystem and culture of Hawaii sends you home with values to remember long after your visit.

Photo Courtesy: Pacific Whale Foundation

Maui

Pacific Migration of the Humpback Whale

From November to April each year, thousands of two-ton humpback whales trek from Alaska to Hawaii’s warm waters to mate, birth and nurse their young. In addition to vantage points on other islands, the coastline of Maui offers some of the most spectacular views. “To see their size and magnitude, and the way they care for each other and their calves is very humbling,” said Lauren Spencer, lead education specialist at the Pacific Whale Foundation, a nonprofit founded in 1980 with the mission of care, action and protection of the species. Planning for a responsible whale-watching trip on the sea means finding a tour that operates with a model of sustainability, not with just the words “green” or “eco” in its name. “When you go out to see the world, whether you’re in a forest or a boat, you’re taking from it,” said Morgan Wittmer, manager of PacWhale Eco-Adventures, a partner company of the Pacific Whale Foundation. During peak whale-watching season, from January through March, there can be hundreds of motorized crafts on the water from various operators. “I think anyone looking to go on an eco tour should do a little research on how the company is giving back or mitigating its use.”

“We’re all stewards for these animals,” Wittmer said. This stewardship extends to education, and finding a whale-watching boat with a naturalist on board informs a deeper understanding of the ocean. “They will tell you about the Hawaiian people, about the islands’ myths and legends and how you can get involved in programs so you’re not just a tourist, you’re a traveler taking the lessons back to the place you live the rest of the year,” she explained. As a visitor, you can also be a “citizen scientist” by participating in the annual Great Whale Count on three days: January 31, February 28 and March 28. It’s the longest-running community science project, starting in 1995. In Kihei, visit the NOAA Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary for its public exhibits and marine education programs.

And the safest viewing spot for both whales and humans? It’s the entire coastline of Maui: “During prime season, it’s almost hard not to see a whale,” said Spencer. See pacificwhale.org, pacwhale.com.

Photo Courtesy: istock.com/emson

Oahu

North Shore and Hanauma Bay Honu

The warm golden sand of Laniakea Beach, known as Turtle Beach, on Oahu’s North Shore offers Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu) a safe place for basking in the sun. The turtles have an instinctive radar to return to the beaches of their birth, and Hawaii is the only place in the world where you’ll see both female and male turtles come to the shore—otherwise males spend a lifetime at sea. Turtle sightings may be common, but the species is protected by the Endangered Species Act. To keep them safe, legions of volunteers from the Oahu nonprofit Mālama i nā Honu—meaning “to care for the Hawaiian green sea turtle”—are available at Laniakea to help visitors understand honu. Operating with a special permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the organization trains and manages 300 volunteers. “We’re based on coexistence,” said Debbie Herrera, volunteer education and Oahu/Kauai nesting coordinator. “We know you and I come to see the turtles, and the keiki [kids] come, so we operate on three pillars: education, public awareness and conservation,” she said. The volunteers are available on beaches to answer questions, keep the turtles safe and gather information. “We have 25 years of data on some of the same turtles,” Herrera said.

Education is important for the safety of not just sea turtles but for the marine ecosystem. Island visitors and residents should observe guidelines such as staying at least 10 feet from basking turtles. Don’t feed or touch the turtles, and if one approaches while you’re swimming or snorkeling, bring your hands to your side and allow them to pass by, Herrera said. On the southeastern coast of Oahu, Hanauma Bay is a popular snorkeling area and turtle sighting spot. The Hanauma Bay Education Program provides a video to watch and learn more about safety before getting in the water. Other than being prepared for a visit and a turtle observation, Herrera said it’s advised to maintain a spirit of aloha, the last line of the organization’s mission statement: Be kind. See malamainahonu.org.

Photo Courtesy: 

Hawai’i Big Island

Hakalau Forest Nature Preserve and Native Birds

Historically, the Hawaiian hawk (‘io) was a symbol of royalty. Today the Big Island is the only place in the world to catch a glimpse of this endangered raptor. It’s just one of the 29 critically endangered species comprising seven birds, the Hawaiian Hoary bat, plants and insects endemic to Hawaii found at the Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge on the windward slope of Mauna Kea on Hawai’i Island. “The Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge, for me, is the Crown Jewel of forests,” said Rob Pacheco, naturalist and founder of Hawaii Forest & Trail, the only Qurator-certified guides—a special designation from the Hawai’i Tourism Authority—on the island and one of the only companies with a permit to guide tours through the protected area.

Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2025, the Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge has a rainforest covering 32,700 acres, and conservation efforts have been a boon for the birds. By planting 600,000 plants since its founding, Pacheco said, the preserve created the only place in the state where the native bird population has increased. Hawaii Forest & Trail offers birding tours through koa forests that didn’t exist 30 years ago when Pacheco first walked through the area, he explained. “It’s important to be mindful while you’re moving through the forest,” he said. Ways to respect the wildlife and ecosystem include cleaning shoes and walking sticks before entering the environment to protect it from invasive species and seeds, keeping a distance of at least 100 feet from nests and never using bird-calling apps which mimic bird mating sounds. Other ways to discover native birds include visiting the Hawai’i Wildlife Center in Kapa’au, supporting the Nature Conservancy Hawai’i or considering a volunteer opportunity with the nonprofit Hawai’i Visitors & Convention Bureau. See hvcb.org, hawaii-forest.com, friendsofhakalauforest.org. 

Photo Courtesy: Pacific Whale Foundation

Tips for viewing wildlife:

Marine Life

  • Keep your distance. Stay at least 10 feet away from turtles and 100 yards away from humpback whales, as required by law.
  • Never touch or feed wildlife. Not only is it illegal, it is harmful by disrupting natural behavior.
  • Let marine animals move freely. Don’t chase or disrupt natural movement or resting animals.
  • Use reef-safe sunscreens to protect marine habitats.

Land animals and birds

  • Observe from afar.
  • Stay on trails to maintain fragile ecosystems.
  • Clean your boots and gear to prevent the spread of invasive species and disease.
  • Do not use bird call apps.

NOTE: Respect culture and land. Many natural sites are sacred to Native Hawaiians. Observe signs, stay on paths and follow up-to-date wildlife viewing rules at NOAA and Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources.

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