They race more than 3,000 miles from the gulf of alaska to hawaii, then stay for a lengthy vacation, frolicking just off our shores and delighting spectators from december through may. That show, of course, is the north pacific humpback whale mating season that lasts for up to five months, where these 40ton creatures swim south from alaska to mate in hawaiis warm waters. Where to watch humpback whales from shore across hawaii. On the big island, you can spot whales from various beaches along the kohala, north kohala. When we visit hawaii during humpback whale season, we spend just about every spare moment whale watching. A whale watch on pride of maui begins at maalaea harbor and includes a barbecue lunch, mai tais, beer and two and a half hours at sea. Go here from your mobile device and click your account to create a user login. If whale watching is important to you, i would highly recommend going to maui or oahu. The waters surrounding maui are the stage for some of the best whale watching in the world. Mar 12, 2014 whale season in hawaii it takes lots of patience and time for me to share these wonderful graceful creatures with you. One of the giants was reportedly seen breaching multiple times. In fact, there are plenty of areas on maui where humpbacks can frequently be seen from the shore during whale season.
If you are visiting during one of the months of low to medium humpback whale activity or from one of the islands that have less activity, taking a boat tour can help increase your chances of seeing whales. Here is a selection of big island whale watching tours or other cruises on which you are likely to see whales. Divers must obey the same 100yard distance law as elsewhere, but the curious humpbacks often get much closer. Landbased watchingfrom coastal peaks where ocean panoramas make them easy to spotis also a possibility. Humpback whales have a strong cultural value in hawaii. During the peak season middecember to midapril it is very common to be able to see whales from the shore. Sep 26, 2017 its such a delight to see a humpback whales spout breath, or tail break the oceans surface, and absolutely thrilling to see a whale breach by jumping out of the water and creating a big splash. We determine the proportions of whales identified on more than one day within the same season for west maui. This is only the groups third encounter with the killer whales even though they have been monitoring the hawaiian waters for 14 years killer whales are one of 18 marine mammals found in the hawaiian waters however many of these are rare and never seen. This is my second time going to oahu but was traveling with friends who have never gone. The gentle giants come to the warm hawaiian waters every year to breed and give birth to new calves. Divers must obey the same 100yard distance law as elsewhere, but. Hawaiian islands humpback whale marine life top 10 whale. Sep 17, 20 tons of whale watching tours and cruises depart from ports along oahus southern and western harbors.
More than twenty species of marine mammals call the hawaiian waters home, and they include a range of whales. Humpback whales come to hawaii between november and april whale season, and the big island is our favorite of the hawaiian islands to go see the whales. Life, unplugged sail in the company of whales, hawaii whale watching season yes. A humpback whale was spotted in western hawaii on thursday, aug. Humpback whales have returned and free whale watching in hawaii is really possible. Wild side hawaii whale watching, swimming with wild dolphins, snorkeling tour oahubased combination of best snorkeling, swimming with wild dolphins, year round whalewatching, incredible history, stunning landscapes, and a mesmerizing wealth of natural beauty that only mother nature at her finest can provide our mission is quite simply, conservation through experience.
Whale watching boat tours can offer a closer view of humpbacks. Go on our full day charters and the humpback season extends from nov. Embark on a romantic dinner cruise aboard the luxurious, awardwinning 1,500passenger star of honolulu. For hawaii locals, fall time doesnt mean autumn leaves, scarves and boots, or chilly weather. Operators on oahu, maui, hawaii island and kauai provide a variety of cruises. Whale season arguably the best time to visit hawaii given the level of activity in the water, whale watching season in hawaii is arguably one of the most popular times to visit, and if you venture out on the water in winter on a whale watching tour or a kayak, be sure to have your camera ready and a healthy sense of adventure, since a time. In your research, you may have seen different timeframes defining humpback whale season in hawaii. That while their season in hawaii isnt normally set to get underway for about a month. On the big island, you can spot whales from various beaches along the. Waikoloa whale watching 8am whale watch hawaii ocean sports offers wake up with the whales a 90 minute morning whale watch on a sailing catamaran, casting off. Enjoy hawaiis favorite seasonal visitors, the majestic humpback whales, from the comfort of the beautiful honi olani sailing catamaran on their morning and afternoon tour.
Experts wonder how warmer oceans will further impact whale. Free whale watching in hawaii 2020 season underway. Whale watching season begins in hawaii luxe travel hawaii. Oahu is more densely populated than the rest of the hawaiian islands. Dec 15, 2015 ultimate whale watch chose a oneandahalf or twohour whale watch adventure that takes off from lahaina harbor with 17 other guests aboard its 30foot rigidhulled inflatable raft. During these winter months thousands of pacific humpback whales migrate from their summer feedings grounds in the waters off alaska to the warm hawaiian waters to mate and nurse their young. You can listen to the whales under water, spot them from. Whale watching tour all islands although whale watching tours are offered on all of the islands, maui is known to be the best place to see them. The inshore boundary of all areas is given as a minimum distance from shore in nautical miles. So if you have not made your travel arrangements yet, shoot for these months. If you want to see whales from oahu your best bet would be to take some kind of boat tour. To the native hawaiians a whale is the representation of the hawaiian god kanaloa the god of all.
If no whales are sighted during your cruise guests can go out again for free. Whale season in hawaii lasts from november to may, with the peak of the season between january and march. The very best months are february and march when whale sightings are almost guaranteed. As maui gears up for whale season, experts are mulling the reasons behind. Star of honolulu waikikis best whale watch cruise from. But you dont have to go on a whale watching tour to spot whales.
The whales are drawn to the areas shallow waters, especially the auau channel between maui, molokai and lanai, making maui an ideal jumpingoff spot for. Geographic boundaries north, south, west, east sides. Were fodors choice for whale watching on oahu, and deemed by cbs josh horwitz author of war of the whales as one of the top five american whale watching tours get in touch with your wild side on our oahu whale watch tours. Whale watching island divers hawaii oahus friendliest. Hawaiian islands humpback whale marine life top 10. We are proud to offer whale watching tours from maui, kauai, oahu, and. Get in touch with your wild side and meet your finned counterparts on whale and dolphin encounters hawaiis year round whale watching of other marine mammals the clear temperate waters of hawaii are known worldwide amongst marine biologists, for an array of whale. Oahus only marinebiologist founded and led ocean wildlife tours. Scientists estimate that twothirds of the entire north pacific humpback whale population return to hawaii to breed, calve and nurse their young. Oahu, hawaii snorkeling tour, whale watching, swimming.
While the first maui whale sighting differs every year, its lately been as early as september that humpbacks are spotted in maui. Whale season is between the 15th of december until the 15th of may. But humpback whales visit the hawaiian islands every year from november to may, so its possible that you can see whales outside of that january to march peak whale season too. The really spectacular displays, like pairs of whales breaching at the same time, over and over, are more likely to be adult males competing for the attention of an adult female, but you also see whale mamas and babies surfacing and breaching. Oahu whale watching tours the whale watching season is usually under way by the 15th of december and usually lasts through april. Its our version of an african safari except that youre out in the water the whales travel here yearly on an exodus from alaska in order to have their babies. Explore more things to do in hawaii go to experiences page. Closer to the modern honolulu, whales can be seen off the cliffs surf break near diamond head.
Officially, whale season in maui runs from december 15thmay 15th, although its still possible to see whales outside of the officialwhale season dates. Any month between middecember and february is peak whale season, but ive seen plenty in april. Come along see catch these beautiful mammals at their best on our exciting ecofriendly whale watching excursions. Spotting humpback whales are one of the best winter activities in hawaii. Humpback whale watching season starts early in hawaii. Brfas are closed to bottom fishing, except those reopened as indicated. Whale watching oahu is an amazing, aweinspiring activity you must do if here in hawaii during the months of late november through mid april. Whale watching boat tours and diy guide big island. Hawaii is a favorite wintering spot for na kohola humpback whales and has one of the largest seasonal populations of north pacific humpbacks in the world.
Boat tours and whale watching cruises have become increasingly popular. Most whale watching tours run from middecember through march to midapril. Small group 610 passengers charters include yearround whale watching, swimming with dolphins, and snorkeling with giant sea turtles and endemic tropical reef fish. Other good islands to go whale watching are maui and kauai.
Hiking enthusiasts can usually spot whales from the islands southeastern coast. The whole family will enjoy it with our educational kids. Maui, kauai and the big island are the most popular islands for hawaii whale watching, so plan to visit one of these islands on your vacation. Below you will find our top ten viewing locations by island. The whales dont have calendars though there are whales here now, and have been for a month. Whale watching cruises are some of the most popular and fun things to do in hawaiis whale season, which runs from december through april. Download a pdf file one page showing detailed endpoint coordinates. But these sightings are usually pretty far away it is not a particularly impressive sight to watch a whale jump out of the water three miles away. Star of honolulu is the best vessel for viewing whales.
Where to whale watch in hawaii fodors travel guide. Id love to go see some whales is it the right season. Flip nicklinminden pictures the sanctuary ocean count provides hawaii residents and visitors with the opportunity to actively participate in evaluating the status of humpback whales. Breaching refers to a whale launching itself out of the water, and falling back with a massive splash and is a common sight from shore. Both tours are truly dedicated to the oahu whale watching experience, and expert naturalists share insightful information and educational commentary on the humpback whales behavior and biology. Diving excursions head to local reefs yearround where humpbacks make an appearance during whale season. Whale watching on oahu from december to may, you may catch a glimpse of a majestic kohola, or humpback whale, in oahus southern seas. Whale watching on oahu graceful and gentle giants of the ocean, arching, breaching, and frolicking, hawaiis humpback whales take center stage during whale season. According to noaa, the peak season for whale watching in oahu is january to march. Hawaiian islands humpback whale explore whale watching. Were fodors choice for whale watching on oahu, and deemed by cbs josh horwitz author of war of the whales as one of the top five american whale watching tours. Marine biologist crew offers guided photo tours, 12 or full day, late afternoons or multiple day trips to the most whale intensive areas of hawaii. A pod of four killer whales, orca whales, was found by cascadia research collective on friday 111 off the coast of kona hawaii.
Boats will take you out as close as they are allowed by law. Oct 03, 2019 humpback whales have returned and free whale watching in hawaii is really possible. Of the hawaiian islands, oahu, maui, and the big island are best known for their stellar whale watching. There is a mandatory 14day selfquarantine for all visitors and residents of the state of hawaii. Landbased watchingfrom coastal peaks where ocean panoramas make them. Each winter december through may, thousands of kohola humpback whales travel to hawaii from colder waters to breed, calve and nurse their young. Star of honolulu dinner and whale watch cruises all. Whale watching oahu cruises most of the cruises for whale watching on oahu include breakfast or lunch depending on the time of day you decide to go.
There are a variety of ways in which you can catch a glimpse of hawaiis humpback whales. Take a trip to the beach or a scenic lookout and watch for the blows, pec slaps, flukeup dives, and breaches of hawaiis humpbacks. And these creatures are so impressive when you experience them closeup. The scenic mcgregor point lookout west of maalaea and the beaches of kaanapali, kihei and wailea are also great spots to see whales. It takes hours of filming due to a large mass of ocean to scan over the. Tons of whale watching tours and cruises depart from ports along oahus southern and western harbors.
Jan 27, 2016 we wanted to see how close we can get to the humpback whales here in oahu. Experience whale watching in hawaii, one of the most popular activities in the winter. The shallow channel between west maui, lanai, and molokai regularly hosts the largest numbers. The slapping of a whales fin against the waters surface. Get involved sanctuary ocean count hawaiian islands. We wanted to see how close we can get to the humpback whales here in oahu. Get in touch with your wild side on our oahu whale watch tours. Waikiki whale watching sail cruise whales guaranteed or. Portion of proceeds donated to marine conservation orgs. Embark on the most popular whale watch cruise of oahu. But humpback whales visit the hawaiian islands every year from november to may, so its possible that you can see whales outside of.
Hawaii whale watching, oahu whale watch near ko olina, waikiki. Whale watching cruises are some of the most popular things to do in hawaiis whale season, which runs from december through april. In addition to a host of seabirds such as petrels, tropicbirds, and albatross, pilot whales, hawaiian spinner dolphins, and even the rare killer whale have been spotted. For a leisure midday whale experience, choose the stars popular premier whale watch cruise. The type of boat can be a cruise ship or a catamaran of various types so it depends upon what type of experience you are looking for and how adventurous you want to be. And for those lucky enough to experience this once in a lifetime influx of such extraordinary creatures these sea stars offer performances worthy of oscars, it is truly a. Island divers brought whale listening to the tour industry in the 201112 season. Humpback whale watching season starts early in hawaii live. Island divers hawaii whale watching charter is the only charter on oahu which conducts their tours inside the hawaiian islands humpback whale national marine. Whale season decemberapril every december through april, thousands of humpback whales migrate to the warm waters of hawaii. Oahu whale watching tours whale watching cruises are some of the most popular and fun things to do in hawaiis whale season, which runs from december through april. Oahu whale watching tours are a particular delight for visitors coming to hawaii to escape the winter chill and the humpback whales seen on these whale watches can often be. Maui whale watching guide humpback whales in hawaii.
Waikiki whale watching sail cruise whales guaranteed or come back again free. Shoreline spotting is best from january to march when humpback activity is at its peak alert. November, december and january are frequently listed as the start of the season with april and may usually designated as the end of the season. Whale season arguably the best time to visit hawaii given the level of activity in the water, whale watching season in hawaii is arguably one of the most popular times to visit, and if you venture out on the water in winter on a whale watching tour or a kayak, be sure to have your camera ready and a healthy sense of. Enjoy some of the best whale watching in oahu and learn about humpback whales from our naturalist crew.
When is the best time to see humpback whales in hawaii and. For your personal whale tale, book a tour on a whale watching cruise. Viewing whales up close on an oahu vacation is a real treat, especially if you get to see humpback whales breaching, in which they leap out of the water and return with an explosive splash. Try handson hawaiian culture activities such as lei making, ukulele and hula lessons. The majestic whale watch lunch cruise is 2 12 hours long from 11. Whale watching in oahu is an activity many visitors look forward to, and for good reason. You can get up with the sun or sip a cocktail as it sets on a luxury catamaran, swim with dolphins or snorkel with turtles, listen to whale song broadcast by hydrophone, catch the photo of a lifetime on a photo safari tour. In total, that journey of nearly 3,000 miles takes six to eight weeks to complete, with.
Whale watching hawaii oahu year round whale watch oahu. The best whale watching in hawaii often happens on oahus shores. On average, the first whale sighting from a trilogy. Whale watching has become a beloved activity for tourists and locals alike in the islands, and the tour boats and activity choices are abundant. Nothing beats the aweinspiring beauty of the waianae coast, except maybe the equally stunning and diverse wildlife. Ive seen a few from my home on the north shore of kauai. May 9, 2020 hawaiis most popular sunset dinner cruise. Humpback whales arent the only creatures you might spot on an oahubased whalewatching tour. Where is the best place to go whale watching in hawaii. Whale season in hawaii it takes lots of patience and time for me to share these wonderful graceful creatures with you. Makapuu lighthouse and hanauma bay offer several seaside overlooks that provide a distant vantage. Whales can be seen quite easily from most shorelines around the hawaiian islands. Cruise in the comfort of hawaiis largest vessel with hightech stabilizers for smooth cruising and the most outdoor space with four walkaround decks and a top observation deck for optimal whale encounters. During this time literally thousands of pacific humpback whales make their journey from the cold waters off alaska to hawaiis warm waters to mate, breed and raise their young.
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