Humpback: Images of Hawaii's Whales Book

Experience breathtaking, close-up encounters with one of the largest mammals on earth - the humpback - and follow its journey from the icy waters of Alaska to the warm waves of Hawaii. Loved by adults and children, scientists and laymen, the humpback whale has long fascinated humans with its unique personality, haunting songs, graceful acrobatics, and intelligent spirit.

Against panoramic views of the Hawaiian Islands, the humpback has been captured in stunning full-color photographs at its most playful, intimate, and even rare moments. The humpback's best and unique qualities are often contradictory; strong yet gentle, enormous yet graceful, powerful yet vulnerable. But always, one truth resonates through these images: the humpback is the prince of the Pacific.

The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary lies within the shallow (less than 600 feet), warm waters surrounding the main Hawaiian Islands and constitutes one of the world's most important humpback whale habitats. Scientists estimate that two-thirds of the entire North Pacific humpback whale population migrates to Hawaiian waters each winter to engage in breeding, calving, and nursing activities. Through education, outreach, research, and cultural activities, the sanctuary strives to protect humpback whales and their habitat in Hawaii. This continued protection is crucial to the long-term recovery of this endangered species. Remember, in Hawaii, it is illegal to approach a humpback whale closer than 100 yards.