Two videos reveal a hair-raising close encounter when kayakers and a paddleboarders come dangerously – and illegally – close to a humpback whale just off the coast of Puako Beach in Hawaii earlier this week.
The videos were shot by longtime Waikoloa resident Shar Levine, and picked up by news agency Storyful. Local regulations in Hawaii make it illegal to approach within 90m (100 yards) of humpback whales, and that’s for humans’ safety as much as the whales. You really do not want to be this close to a humpback as they can swim a lot faster than you can paddle (learn more wildlife safety tips).
