Background Information

The 2021 Ocean Counts are scheduled for the following Saturdays: January 30, February 27, and March 27.

The Sanctuary Ocean Count project offers the community a chance to monitor humpback whales from approximately 60 sites along the shores of O‘ahu, Hawai‘i and Kaua‘i. The count is held the last Saturday of January, February, and March (during peak whale season) of each year from 8:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Please note, volunteers must arrive on site at least 30 min prior to the start time for orientation training. Not only has this proven to be a fun volunteer activity for residents and visitors, but it also helps to provide important population and distribution information on humpback whales around the Hawaiian Islands.  View results from previous years.

Of course, the count cannot be done without the help of enthusiastic volunteers – we hope you’ll consider taking part in this fun opportunity.  Site leader volunteer positions are available.

Explore this site and the sanctuary’s web site to find out more about how you can get involved!

Read what people are saying about the Sanctuary Ocean Count in our testimonials!

Check out our video to get a taste of what the Ocean Count is really all about!

View other resources.

Registration

Online registration for the islands of Hawai‘i, O‘ahu and Kaua‘i will open to the public on December 15th of each year. ***2021 Ocean Count event are running a modified program and will not be doing online registrations. Please see register tab for more info.

To register a group (seven or more people), please request a group application form by e-mailing [email protected]