Melon-Headed Whales in Hawai`i
Melon-headed whales form large herds in Hawaiian waters. Most commonly off the Waianae coast of Oahu, the north Kohala coast of Hawaii, and the leeward coast of Lanai.
Scientific Name: Peponocephala electra
“The melon-headed whale was originally identified in Hawai‘i. The first account of the species is from Hilo Bay, Hawai‘i in 1841. Around 60 animals were driven ashore and then harvested for their meat and oil. According to Wilkes, “the moment a school of porpoises is discovered, it is their usual practice to drive them in” referring to native Hawaiians. This drive fishery is contrary to some beliefs that native Hawaiians held dolphins to be sacred and did not hunt them.”
– Jessica Aschettino
Where are melon-headed whales found?
Melon-headed whales have been seen over a range of depths (255 – 4,407 m) on all Hawaiian islands. Usually we find them on Oahu frequenting depths greater than 2,000 meters.
What behaviors do we see?
They can be somewhat shy when first sighted, especially if previously frightened by fishing boats – for the reason that both may be after the same prey. Becoming curious, you may see them spy-hopping to look at our boat and guests. Furthermore, we may see social activities such as close side-by-side swimming or in-contact swimming by pairs of whales. Whales swimming close together often touch with their flippers, sometimes resting a flipper against another whale’s side or flipper. Pairs of whales also engage in gentle rubbing interactions, such slowly rubbing a head against various body parts of another whale. They LOVE to wake ride if given an chance!
How did the melon-headed whale get it’s name?
In this case melon is the french name for the derby once commonly worn. Therefore, it describes the bulge in their forehead, looking as if the whale is wearing a hat. Do you forget what a derby looks like? Think “Clockwork Orange”.
Melon-headed whales are often seen with other species of cetaceans
…including rough-toothed dolphins, and short-finned pilot whales. However, they have been known to bully other whales, attempting to displace them.
And are susceptible to sonar…
Navy sonar used during the 2004 Rim of the Pacific exercises likely caused 150 – 200 melon-headed whales to strand themselves in Hanalei Bay, Kauai over the Fourth of July weekend of 2004. (Read article on the stranding.)
How were the stranded melon-headed whales driven back into the ocean?
Attendees of a canoe blessing observed the whales entering the bay in a single wave. These deep-water, open ocean mammals appeared to be showing signs of distress. Most notably, they remained slowly swimming in a tight circle in a shallow part of the bay.
Residents used a reverse native Hawaiian method of corralling fish to shore. The families of the Hanalei Canoe Club twisted long strands of beach vines. A brilliant, coordinated effort involved paddlers, local companies, fishermen, State and Federal Agencies, and the general public. As a result, canoes herded the whales out to deep waters using the vines between them in the form of a net.
One young whale died in the bay. This was the only casualty of the event. Most likely, the death was due to separation from it’s mother, having poor condition, and dehydration.
Wild Side Melon-Headed Whale Picture Gallery
Our wildlife tours focus on education and conservation to maintain an interactive relationship in the best interest of both humans and dolphins. Furthermore. we strive to foster admiration and deep respect for these esteemed marine mammals.