Hey there my fellow travel enthusiasts and welcome to my post where we will check out my 5 best places for whale watching in Hawaii this year. With its warm waters and abundant marine life, Hawaii is one of the best places in the world for whale watching.
Whether you’re an experienced whale watcher or a first-time visitor, Hawaii offers plenty of opportunities to see these incredible creatures in their natural habitat. I many cases you can watch from the shore or if not, take a guided tour that will really get you up close and personal with these magical beasts.
- Maui
- Oahu
- Molokai
- Kauai
- Big Island
Best Places for Whale Watching in Hawaii
Ok, so when it comes to whale season, as long as you are in the right spots you will generally be able to see whales. Where I live in Australia, we can see Humpbacks close to the headlands as they migrate back down to Antarctica.
I have also been in Hawaii at the right time of year and seen them playing in the water from the top of Diamond Head. Also, when speaking to the skipper on a shark dive tour we did on the north shore once, he assures me that when they come through, you can see them pretty much everywhere there as well.
So, in an effort to give you the best chance of spotting these beauties (look for the water spouts), here are the best option to put yourself on the Hawaiian Islands.
Check out these: Best Tours in Hawaii
1. Maui
Maui is the best island in Hawaii for whale watching with the Maui Nui Basin designated as the Hawaiian Island Humpback Whale Sanctuary as it is the main Hawaiian island destination for humpback whales.
You can start seeing whales from shore in late October, but the official whale watching season runs from December 1st to April 15th where during this time, you can take a whale watching tour to get up close and personal with these magnificent creatures.
Lahaina, located on the west coast of Maui, is another popular spot for whale watching where you can take a boat tour from Lahaina Harbor or even spot whales from the shore during peak season. Lahaina also has plenty of restaurants and shops to enjoy after your whale watching adventure.
Additionally, Maalaea, located on the south shore is another popular spot for whale watching via boat tour or from the shore. Maalaea also has a great aquarium and some delicious restaurantsas well.
2. Oahu
Between the months of December and April, whale watching on Oahu is a breathtaking experience that attracts thousands of visitors and locals alike every year. The island serves as a prime location as these gentle giants travel from the cold waters of Alaska to the warm, tropical waters of Hawaii to mate, give birth and nurture their young.
The southern and western shores of Oahu, particularly areas like Waikiki, Diamond Head and Makaha offer some of the best vantage points. Additionally, numerous tour operators provide specialized boat tours, ensuring an up-close and personal view of these magnificent creatures while adhering to guidelines that ensure the safety and well-being of the whales.
Additionally, the island hosts various educational programs and festivals celebrating the humpback whales, emphasizing their importance in Hawaiian culture and the need for their conservation as well.
Book your whale watching trip to Hawaii here!
3. Molokai
Molokai is a lesser-known island for whale watching but it still offers great opportunities to see humpback whales from January to April. Whale watching on also Molokai offers a serene and intimate experience, distinct from the more tourist-heavy islands of Hawaii.
The island’s northern coast, with its rugged cliffs and untouched beauty, is a prime location for spotting these gentle giants from the shore. While Molokai may not have as many tour operators as its neighboring islands, the ones available prioritize a respectful and eco-friendly approach, ensuring a harmonious interaction with the whales.
4. Kauai
Kauai is another island that offers great whale watching opportunities. The best time to see whales on Kauai is from December to May, with peak season being in February and March. You can see whales from shore at places like Spouting Horn and Kilauea Lighthouse, or take a whale watching tour to get a closer look.
The Na Pali Coast on the north shore is another stunning location for whale watching where again you can take a boat tour or even spot whales from the shore. The Na Pali Coast is also a popular spot for hiking and has some of the most beautiful views in Hawaii.
5. Big Island
The Big Island is also a great place to see humpback whales where the best time to see whales is from December to May, with peak season being in January and February.
On the east side of the Big Island, Hilo Bay is a great place to spot whales where you can take a boat tour or even watch from shore. Hilo Bay is also a popular spot for fishing and has a beautiful black sand beach.
The Kohala Coast on the west side of the Big Island is another great spot for whale watching. You can take a boat tour from Waikoloa and the area is also known for its beautiful beaches and resorts.
You can also see whales from shore at places like Hapuna Beach and Puako Bay as well.
Whale Watching Tours in Hawaii
If you want to get up close and personal with humpback whales in Hawaii, then you should consider taking a whale watching tour. There are many different types of tours available, including boat tours and kayak tours.
Boat Tours
Boat tours are one of the most popular ways to go whale watching in Hawaii. You can choose from a variety of boats including catamarans and charters and some of the most popular boat tours depart from the Waianae Boat Harbor on Oahu and the Lahaina Harbor on Maui.
One of the benefits of taking a boat tour is that you can cover a lot of ground quickly. You’ll be able to explore different parts of the ocean and increase your chances of spotting whales. Plus, many boat tours offer amenities like snacks and drinks so you can relax and enjoy the experience as well.
Kayak Tours
If you want a more active and immersive whale watching experience, then you should consider taking a kayak tour. Kayak tours are typically smaller and more intimate than boat tours and they allow you to get closer to the whales.
There are many different kayak tours available in Hawaii and they cater to all skill levels. Some tours depart from the shore, while others require you to paddle out to deeper waters. You can choose from guided tours or self-guided tours depending on your preferences.
Book your whale watching trip to Hawaii here!
Whale Behavior and Sightings
Whale watching in Hawaii is an amazing experience, as the islands are home to thousands of humpback whales during their annual migration from Alaska. Understanding whale behavior and sightings can help you maximize your chances of seeing these majestic creatures up close.
Breaching and Spouting
One of the most exciting behaviors to witness is a whale breach, where the whale propels itself out of the water and crashes back down. This can be a spectacular sight but it’s also rare and unpredictable.
Keep an eye out for spouts or blows, which are the exhalations of air and water from a whale’s blowhole. These are easier to spot and can indicate the presence of a whale nearby.
Tail Slapping
Another behavior you may see is tail slapping where a whale slaps its tail on the surface of the water. This can be a way to communicate with other whales or to stun prey while hunting.
While tail slapping can be impressive to see, it’s also a sign that the whale may be agitated or annoyed, so keep a respectful distance.
Whale Songs
Humpback whales are also known for their beautiful songs, which can last for up to 20 minutes and can be heard for miles underwater. These songs are believed to be a form of communication between whales and only male humpbacks sing.
Listening to whale songs can be a magical experience, but be aware that playing recorded whale songs can disrupt their natural behavior.
Cultural Significance of Whales in Hawaii
Whales have a deep cultural significance in Hawaii where according to native Hawaiian traditions, all forms of life including the islands, skies, oceans, plants and animals were created by their gods, forming a bond of life between the people and their environment. Koholā, the Hawaiian word for whale, is considered a sacred and respected animal, and the sighting of a whale is often seen as a good omen.
The Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site, located on the Big Island of Hawaii, is a significant cultural site that honors the importance of whales in Hawaiian culture. The site was built by King Kamehameha I in the late 18th century and is dedicated to the god of war, Kūkaʻilimoku.
The legend goes that Kamehameha was told that he would become the ruler of all the Hawaiian Islands if he built a heiau and sacrificed a human being on it. However, the king was reluctant to do so and was advised by a prophet to instead build a heiau dedicated to Kūkaʻilimoku and offer a living whale as a sacrifice. Kamehameha followed the advice and the sacrifice was successful, leading to his eventual unification of the Hawaiian Islands.
Whale watching in Hawaii is not only a popular tourist activity but also an important cultural experience. The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, designated in 1992, is one of the world’s most important whale habitats. It is the only place in the United States where humpback whales mate, calve and nurse their young. The sanctuary also acknowledges the cultural significance of whales in Hawaii and urges visitors to be respectful and follow the rules while observing these magnificent creatures.
FAQs
When is whale watching season in Hawaii?
The whale watching season in Hawaii typically runs from December to May. During this time, humpback whales migrate from Alaska to Hawaii to mate and give birth. The peak season for whale watching is usually in January and February.
What are the most common whales seen in Hawaii?
The most common whales seen in Hawaii are humpback whales. These whales are known for their acrobatic displays, including breaching, tail slapping and spy hopping.
conclusion
There you have it, 5 best spots for places to whale watch in Hawaii. As usual, let me know of your experiences here or if there is anywhere you think I need to add.
Also, please do not hesitate to comment below if you have any questions, concerns, or corrections or would like me to check anything else out for you.
Until next time.
Have fun
Paul
