Kauai Sees Strong Humpback Whale Sightings in Final 2026 Ocean Count

Volunteers across Hawaii observe over 400 whales during annual survey

Apr. 1, 2026 at 10:04am

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The final Ocean Count of 2026 saw a high number of humpback whale sightings across the Hawaiian islands, with 169 whales spotted off the coast of Kauai alone. The annual survey, which takes place on the last Saturday of January, February, and March, is organized by the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary to promote public awareness and collect data on whale activity.

Why it matters

The Ocean Count provides important data on humpback whale populations and behavior in Hawaii, which is crucial for conservation efforts. The high number of sightings in the final 2026 count suggests a healthy whale population in the region, despite some weather-related challenges that impacted visibility at certain observation sites.

The details

During the four-hour count period on April 1, 2026, a total of 435 humpback whales were observed across the main Hawaiian islands. On Kauai, 169 whales were spotted, while Oahu saw 77 and Hawaii Island had 37. An additional 141 whales were counted on Maui and 11 on Lanai as part of the Great Whale Count conducted by the Pacific Whale Foundation. The highest number of whales, 76, were observed during the 8:30-8:45 AM time slot. However, weather conditions were not ideal at many sites due to moderate to strong winds and whitecaps, and several locations had to cancel their final count due to recent storms.

  • The Ocean Count took place on April 1, 2026, the final Saturday of the first quarter.
  • The highest number of whales, 76, were observed during the 8:30-8:45 AM time slot.

The players

Marga Goosen

The site leader at the Ahukini Landing site for the Ocean Count, along with Colleen Ogino.

Cindy 'Iwalani Among-Serrao

The Ocean Count coordinator and the Hawaii Island Program Coordinator for the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary.

Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary

The organization that promotes public awareness and collects data on humpback whales through the annual Ocean Count.

Pacific Whale Foundation

The organization that conducted the Great Whale Count on Maui and Lanai, with data being released in coordination with the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary.

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What they’re saying

“Not only was it the last Ocean Count for this year, we saw a lot of humpback whales. And, more exciting than seeing a lot of whales, the whales were doing some exciting things like breaching besides blowing.”

— Marga Goosen, Site leader at the Ahukini Landing site

“A total of 76 kohola, or humpback whales, were observed during the 8:30 to 8:45 a.m. time period, the most whales observed throughout the day's count.”

— Cindy 'Iwalani Among-Serrao, Ocean Count coordinator and Hawaii Island Program Coordinator for the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary

What’s next

The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary will continue to monitor humpback whale populations and behavior through the annual Ocean Count, providing valuable data for conservation efforts.

The takeaway

The strong humpback whale sightings during the final 2026 Ocean Count suggest a healthy whale population in Hawaii, despite some weather-related challenges. This annual survey plays a crucial role in promoting public awareness and collecting important data to support the protection and conservation of these magnificent marine mammals.