Season’s first humpbacks spotted off Kohala Coast

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The first reported humpback whales of the season have been sighted off the Kohala coast.

The first reported humpback whales of the season have been sighted off the Kohala coast.

Capt. Ryan Stevenson of Ocean Sports Snorkel Adventure Cruise reported seeing spouts from two sub-adult humpbacks just about a half mile offshore of Anaehoomalu Bay around noon on Friday.

One of the whales did a mini-breach as guests and crew watched in amazement, Stevenson said.

“We’re not sure if this whale was announcing excitement or trying to express domination, but right after the breach, both whales did a couple of peduncle throws before spouting a few more times, and then sounding and leaving the area,” Stevenson said.

“October 30 is fairly early for humpbacks to visit the Kohala coast, so we’re thinking this bodes well for our upcoming whale watch season,” he said.