Every winter, thousands of humpback whales assemble in the waters surrounding the Hawaiian Islands, to mate, give birth, and nurture young calves. For over 30 years, researchers have also gathered here - in one of Earth's finest natural laboratories - to study these whales. What are the whales actually doing out there in the Hawaiian waters? This book ideal for both novice and experienced whale watchers answers all of your questions and tells you exactly what researchers have learned..... and have still to learn about humpback whales.

Jim Darling began studying whales in the 1970s, developing individual photo-identification techniques for gray whales off Vancouver Island His first experience with Hawaii's whales was during winter surfing trips, and this eventually led him to a PhD at the University of California Santa Cruz, researching humpback whale abundance and behavior. Since then, Jim has studies whales throughout the North Pacific and worldwide, but he returns to Maui annually to focus on humpback singers and songs. Jim first met Flip Nicklin (an expert free diver) in Maui in 1979, and asked him to photograph singers without disturbing them. Flip's introduction to Maui's whales in the late 1970s inspired him to embark on a brilliant career in underwater photography. Since then, Flip has produced 20 National Geographic stories on whales and dolphins. He has set the bar not only for whale photography but also for photo-documentation assisting whale research. In winter, Flip can usually be found in his West Maui cottage, waiting for calm waters and, with Darling, still trying to understand what singers are doing out there. One wall of his cottage is adorned with three striking paintings that can be the work of only one artist - Sue Barnes. Sue grew up surfing in California and Hawaii in the late 1950s and early 60s, and she has never broken that tie with the ocean. Simply, Sue's art takes us to the beach and reminds us of its value. From her home above Carmel Bay (and one of the most beautiful beaches in the world), with whales often passing along its shores, she has spent a lifetime increasing public awareness and appreciation for the ocean.