Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale
National Marine Sanctuary

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Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary was designated in 1992 to protect humpback whales (koholā) and their habitat in Hawai‘i. The sanctuary safeguards koholā breeding, calving, and nursing grounds in waters around the main Hawaiian Islands. Encompassing 1,370 square miles of federal and state waters, the sanctuary extends from the shoreline to the 600-foot depth contour and is composed of five separate marine protected areas, accessible from six of the main Hawaiian Islands.

Learn more about Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary at hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov.

A map of the main Hawaiian Islands, with Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary areas highlighted around the coasts of Kaua'i, O'ahu, Maui, Moloka'i, Lāna'i, and Hawai'i (Big Island). The title 'Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary' is written at the bottom left.
This graphic map illustrates the waters protected by the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. The sanctuary's boundaries, shown in teal, encompass areas surrounding the islands of Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Maui, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, and the island of Hawaiʻi.

Quick Facts

Location: Shoreline to 600 feet around six of the main Hawaiian Islands

Protected Area: 1,370 square miles

Designation: May 1992

Habitats:

  • Humpback whale breeding, calving, and nursing grounds
  • Coral reefs
  • Deep water
  • Sandy substrate

Key Species:

  • Humpback whales
  • Coral reefs
  • False killer whales
  • Hawaiian monk seals
  • Reef fish
  • Sea turtles
  • Sharks and rays
  • Spinner dolphins

Sanctuary Highlight

A humpback whale wrapped in coaxial cable
Read

A Life on the Line: A Powerful Humpback Whale Recovery

When a young koholā (humpback whale) was found entangled off Maui's coast in 2017, its survival seemed unlikely. Thanks to expert responders, the whale was freed—and spotted again, healthy, seven years later. This story showcases the power of science, innovation, and community in safeguarding marine life.

Multimedia

Our Planet is an Ocean Planet: Earth Is Blue.

No matter where you are, the ocean and Great Lakes are in your hands. We hope these images and videos from Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary inspire you to help care for our ocean and to spread the word that Earth isn't green—it's blue.

a coral reef with fish a sea turtle and hawaiian monk seal; humpback whales and dolphins swimming; a traditional hawaiian boat and an island with the sunsetting in the distance
humpback whale mother and calf swimming near the water surface
hawaiian monk seal resting on a beach
green sea turtles swimming underwater being cleaned by fish
a humpback whale from a side profile showing parts of the animal both above and below the water's surface
a humpback whale breaching the water's surface

National Marine Sanctuary System

national marine Sanctuary system map

Safeguarding America's Premier Marine Places

From Washington state to the Gulf of America and from the Great Lakes to the Pacific Islands, the National Marine Sanctuary System protects 18 underwater parks spanning over 629,000 square miles of ocean and Great Lakes waters. By investing in innovative solutions, we strengthen these iconic places to address 21st-century challenges while supporting America's commerce and tourism. These unique locations inspire people to visit, value, and steward our nation’s iconic ocean and Great Lakes waters.