#kohola
Sanctuary Ocean Count, Great Whale Count conclude for 2026 koholā season
Citizen scientists on Hawai’i Island observed 37 humpback whales March 28; a total of 435 whales were observed from shorelines at 37 sites throughout the islands.
2,121 humpback whales spotted during first coordinated count of 2025 koholā season
The total number for the Great Whale Count on Maui was 702, for a grand total of 2,121 throughout the state.
Koholā Brewery poised for another comeback after Lahaina wildfire
Koholā Brewery is set for a grand opening July 21 as a taproom and restaurant at the Wailea Village shopping center. This marks the second comeback for the independent craft beer brewery founded in Lahaina in 2014.
Whale sanctuary reminds boaters: ‘Go slow for whales below’
Each year between November and May, thousands of Koholā (humpback whales) return to Hawai‘i to breed, give birth and nurse their young. During this special time of year, boaters are reminded to reduce their speed and keep a safe and legal distance around whales.
New research shows humpbacks widespread in Papahānaumokuākea
For years, it was commonly thought that humpback whales did not have a presence in the Papahānaumokuākea National Marine Monument, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association. That changed in 2006, when scientists recorded a whale song remotely, but not much was known about abundance at the time A new paper reports an abundance of […]
‘Welcome Back Whales Day’ set for Saturday at Maui Ocean Center
The “Welcome Back Whales Day” event at Maui Ocean Center’s Harbor Plaza overlooking Māʻalaea Bay will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Entangled humpback whale freed of 140 feet of line and gear off Ukumehame, Maui
An entangled yearling humpback whale was freed of gear by a NOAA-led team of trained responders off Ukumehame, Maui on Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2022.
Island Investors Help to Save Koholā Brewery on Maui, Reopening Planned
Koholā will start brewing beer in the next two weeks and prepare the tap room to welcome guests once again. The business is targeting a re-opening in approximately three weeks.
Entangled Humpback Whale Freed Off Maui
An entangled adult humpback whale was freed by a team of trained responders off Lahaina, Maui on Christmas Day. It was trailing 400′ of heavy gauge line.
VIDEO: Whale Response & Research Vessel Dedicated on Maui
The vessel will help in efforts to free whales that get entangled in fishing gear. Entanglement has been identified as a primary threat to the species, with more than 50% of humpbacks in some regions having been recently entangled, according to sanctuary staff estimates.
