This is the incredible moment a humpback whale almost crushed a tiny boat to protect a nearby mum and her calf.

Don McLeish caught the awe-inspiring scene in Kaanapali Beach, Hawaii, on his camera, with the picture showing the 22-tonne whale half-way out of the water.

The animal was reportedly escorting a mother and her baby and leaped above the surface to ‘warn’ off a catamaran, which was heading straight for the pair.

The 40ft beast narrowly avoided the boat as it came crashing back down, sending water flying high into the air.

The animal was reportedly escorting a mother and her baby ( Image: Don McLeish/Kennedy News & Media)

Mr McLeish, a 67-year-old retiree, said: “I believe the escort was alerting the catamaran to the presence of the mum and the calf.

“We had been watching them and felt the boat was headed on a course that might intersect the spot where the pair had dived down.

A catamaran appeared to be heading straight towards the whales ( Image: Don McLeish/Kennedy News & Media)

The 40ft beast narrowly avoided the boat as it came crashing back down ( Image: Don McLeish/Kennedy News & Media)

“I was stoked to have the camera in my hand and able to get the second half of the breach recorded.

“He only breached the once and then all three started moving north and the calf breached multiple times, but neither adult came out again.

“Less than one whale length separated the male and the catamaran.”