Kailua-Kona in Hawaii County, Hawaii — Hawaiian Island Archipelago (Pacific Ocean)

A Sanctuary for Humpback Whales

Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary

— Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park —

A Sanctuary for Humpback Whales Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Don Morfe, November 10, 2008

1. A Sanctuary for Humpback Whales Marker

Inscription.
The sanctuary lies within the shallow, warm waters surrounding the main Hawaiian Islands and is one of the world’s most important humpback whale habitats. Most of the North Pacific humpback whale population migrates nearly 3,000 miles to Hawaiian waters each winter to mate, calve, and nurse. During the spring and summer, they return to feed in cool, nutrient-rich waters near Alaska and other northern areas.

Other Marine Life
Hawaiian Monk Seals “Ilio holo i ka uaua”
Hawaiian monk seals are the most endangered seal species in the U.S. with less than 1,300 remaining. They often haul out on sandy beaches.

Turtles “honu”
Five species of sea turtles are found in Hawaiian waters. The green sea turtle is the most commonly seen.

Spinner Dolphins “nai’a”
Hawaiian spinner dolphins are found close to shore during the day, where they rest and care for their young. They feed at night in the open ocean. [Caption:]
The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary protects humpback whales and their habitat in Hawaii through education, outreach, research and cultural activities. Humpback whales (kohola) can be

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seen in Hawaiian waters from December to May. Mothers and calves can often be seen resting near shore. The acrobatic displays of humpbacks are visible from miles away.

Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Animals.

Location. 19° 40.716′ N, 156° 1.302′ W. Marker is in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, in Hawaii County. It is on Queen Kaahumanu Highway (SR 19). The marker is located next to the visitor center. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Kailua Kona HI 96740, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on the Kona Coast

and in the Volcanic Hawaii.

Globally, it is in North America,

Polynesia,

the Pacific Ocean,

North Pacific,

the Pacific Rim,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Discovering Kaloko-Honokohau (here, next to this marker); Ala Mauka Makai (here, next to this marker); Honokohau Settlement (approx.

A Sanctuary for Humpback Whales image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Don Morfe, November 10, 2008

2. A Sanctuary for Humpback Whales

0.6 miles away); Kamakahonu (approx. 3.1 miles away); Kamakahonu / Kailua Pier (approx. 3.1 miles away); Ahu'ena Heiau (approx. 3.1 miles away); Niumalu Beach / Kailua Bay (approx. 3.2 miles away); Mokuaikaua Church (approx. 3.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Kailua-Kona.

Photographed by Don Morfe, November 10, 2008

3. A Sanctuary for Humpback Whales

Sign at the entrance to the park image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Don Morfe, November 10, 2008

4. Sign at the entrance to the park

Credits. This page was last revised on February 22, 2026. It was originally submitted on February 26, 2014, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 679 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on February 26, 2014, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.