The Phonautograph and Precursors to Edison's Phonograph. An 1859 Koenig phonautograph. (Courtesy of the Smithsonian Institution.) While Thomas Edison is rightly credited with the invention of the cylinder phonograph and the means of playing back sound, his ideas were clearly influenced by numerous others who preceded him.
The best time to go whale watching in Oahu is November through May, as these months see the arrival of the humpback whales on their migration from Alaska. These creatures can weigh up to 45 tons, and marine specialists estimate that some 10,000 of them spend their winters near the Hawaiian islands.
In Hawaiâi, Maui is a top whale watching spot for boat-based viewing; however, whale watching cruises are available at most harbors around the state. The whale watching industry plays a strong role in the stateâs economy as it contributes approximately $20 million in total revenues per year. The Sanctuary Ocean Count provides Hawaiâi residents and visitors with the opportunity to actively participate in evaluating the status of humpback whales.