It's a crack-up — and indicative of taking your tropical home for granted — when you're scanning your video footage for glimpses of humpback whales and, finding none, rule the perfection of a hike you just took a failure.
I was out with my father, returned to the Islands after retiring to the Pacific Northwest two years earlier. Determined to find whales, which are breeding and playing in our offshore waters for the next few months before migrating back north, we hiked to the Makapuu Lighthouse on Oahu's southeast shore. This is a hike I frequently make when I'm getting some beach time in the area — gentle slope, paved road, easy peasy. And probably the best place to watch whales during breeding season.
And though the video doesn't show it, there were tons out there cruising and slapping their fins. I didn't see a breach or a tail slap, but several pods were about. Sadly, none turned up on video — truth be told, I'm not strong on getting the clutch shot. This is why I'm not a sports photographer. (Above, a "clutch" shot — a whale breaching on Maui. backofthenapkin/Creative Commons.)
But the day was just perfect — light winds, clear skies, and the ocean was as calm as a freshly drawn bath. It was too pretty not to use, so consider the video posted. This is, after all, one of the most visually rewarding hikes on Oahu. Even when whales aren't in the frame.
Our humpback visitors should be here through much of spring. You can watch them mostly off southern shores — I actually saw a pod from atop Koko Crater the week before, much higher up. Curious to see what the new whale count will be: seems like the numbers are up! Maybe enough for me to actually get footage next time.
I was out with my father, returned to the Islands after retiring to the Pacific Northwest two years earlier. Determined to find whales, which are breeding and playing in our offshore waters for the next few months before migrating back north, we hiked to the