Humpback whales, Maui, Hawaii

© Flip Nicklin/Minden Picture

King of the ocean. Maui Whale Festival

If you ever want to feel insignificant, just think about the sheer size of a humpback whale. With adults growing up to 17 metres, humpback whales are one of the biggest mammals on Earth. In Hawaii, you can get the opportunity to go on a whale-watching tour during the Maui Whale Festival and get up close with these giant, beautiful creatures. A species of baleen whales, humpback whales are known for their long elaborate songs, which travel far distances through the waters. Each whale population has its own whale song, and interestingly, it is only the males that sing. Also, did you know that whales are a distant relative of hippos? Both evolved from a common ancestor.