The Hawaiian Island chain is located in the North Pacific Ocean, a few degrees south of the Tropic of Cancer. The state of Hawaii is approximately 2,500 miles southwest of Los Angeles, Califorina and about 4,000 miles southeast of Tokyo, Japan. Hawaii is the most isolated island chain in the world. In addition, the island's position in the north pacific combined with favorable ocean water temperatures creates the perfect stage for one of the greatest migrations of our planet. The Pacific Humpback Whale makes its annual journey from it's feeding ground near the Aleutian Islands in the north Pacific Ocean. The Northern Pacific Humpback Whales come to the Hawaiian Island chain during the months of November to March each year to give birth to their calves and also to mate for the next season. In Hawaii we are blessed with the presence of these amazing marine mammals during our (Northern Hemisphere) winter months. I have had the privilege to connect with the species on and in their element. Sadly enough, we only have this opportunity during six months of each year.....in Hawaii. Fortunately, the Humpback Whale has populations in various oceans around the globe. While traveling in the French Polynesian Islands, I was able to interact with some of the very large cousins of the North Pacific Humpback Whales. With the help of my local family in Tahiti and great timing, my first interaction with a Southern Pacific Humpback was achieved. A close colleague and fellow underwater free-diver/videographer and myself spent the better part of an absolutely beautiful Tahitian winter day (air/water temp = 80 degrees) completely submerged under the waters' surface with one of the biggest living creatures on earth. Wednesday, August 31, 2011 was "Hump Day" indeed.
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Welcome to the Island Images Photography Blog. Here we showcase a selection of our images from the past twelve years. Click the links on the right side of this page to read and view our company blog posts. Short narrative excerpts give the viewer an idea of what it was like to be in and/or around the water that day..... Categories
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