The Latest Great Whale Count | Pacific Whale Foundation
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Maui Volunteer Opportunities
Great Whale Count
Count whales from the shore and help survey humpback whales in Hawaii
2026
Great Whale Count Results
About
The annual
Great Whale Count
brings volunteers together to count whales from shore as part of a long-term survey of humpback whales in Hawai‘i. This event provides a snapshot of trends in relative abundance of whales and is one of the world’s longest-running community scientist projects, dating back to 1995.
Event Dates
2026 Great Whale Count
opportunities have concluded! Counts for 2027 will take place on
January 30
February 27
and
March 27
. Each
Great Whale Count
event is from 8AM – 12PM and volunteers must be able to participate the entire time.
REGISTRATION WILL OPEN DECEMBER 14, 2026!
Partnerships
Since 2019, the
Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary’s Ocean Count
and Pacific Whale Foundation’s
Great Whale Count
have been conducted on the same days in January, February, and March, to collect data on whales from all the main Hawaiian Islands simultaneously. You can find the latest numbers from both events below.
Site Locations
No
Location
No
Location
The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
McGregor Point and Lighthouse
Pohaku Park
Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary Visitor Center
Ho’okipa
Kihei Surfside Resort
Marriott’s Maui Ocean Club Lahaina & Napili Towers
10
Polo Beach
Launiupoko Beach Park
11
Puu Olai Beach
Maalaea Harbor
Frequently Asked Questions
What is required of a volunteer to participate?
Participants must arrive by 8AM and stay until 12PM. Participants will be visually scanning an assigned area of the ocean for whale activity and reporting any activity seen to the site leader. Time for breaks is provided throughout the morning.
What if I would like to sign up as a group with my friends or family members?
Each person participating in the count must be registered as a volunteer. Each site has a limited number of participants so please ensure that your friend or family member also fills out the registration form for the same site. If the site is full, your friend or family member may join you but will not be able to participate as an official counter.
What should I do if I signed up for the wrong location or need to cancel my registration?
Please email
[email protected]
to inquire about changing your participation details.
What do I need to bring?
Please bring your own binoculars if you have them but they are not required. Please also bring plenty of water, snacks, sun protection and a chair.
Are binoculars provided for participants?
No, binoculars are not provided but you may bring your own if you have them, but they are not required to participate.
What happens if the weather is inclement the day of the count?
If an island wide inclement weather event is occurring Pacific Whale Foundation and the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary will determine the plan for the count and will announce that via email to registered volunteers and on our PWF social media pages. If individual sites are affected by inclement weather, it will be up to the site leader to make the determination based on volunteer safety. No volunteers are required to attend any event that they feel may be unsafe due to weather conditions or any other factor.
Can I use this opportunity to count for required community service hours?
Yes, please ask your site leader to verify your participation on the volunteer roster and then the PWF conservation department will sign off on your community service hours if they are provided the paperwork.
Does the site I’m assigned to have shade, restrooms, parking, etc.?
Upon being accepted as a volunteer for the Great Whale Count you will receive all of the information available about your participation location. Sites vary widely in terms of the amenities available. If you have specific needs, please contact the PWF Conservation Department to ask about the best site available to meet your needs. Please keep in mind that these events are held outdoors in public locations and the availability of amenities such as parking and restrooms can change without notice. View
detailed site information
Previous Great Whale Counts
2025 Great Whale Count Summary
2024 Great Whale Count Summary
2023 Great Whale Count Summary
2022 Great Whale Count Summary
2021 Great Whale Count Summary
2020 Great Whale Count Summary
2019 Great Whale Count Summary
2018 Great Whale Count Summary
2017 Great Whale Count Summary
2016 Great Whale Count Summary
2015 Great Whale Count Summary
2014 Great Whale Count Summary
2013 Great Whale Count Summary
2012 Great Whale Count Summary
2011 Great Whale Count Summary
2010 Great Whale Count Summary
2009 Great Whale Count Summary
1995-2013 Great Whale Count Summary
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