Whale Watching Hawaii: Finest Views, Excursions, & Free Lookouts

Whale Watching Hawaii: Many guests come to the islands only for this exercise. And for good purpose. It’s an unimaginable expertise to come across one in every of Earth’s most majestic creatures in a wonderful location. Are you contemplating heading to Hawaii throughout whale season? Whether or not it’s your sole purpose for visiting Hawaii or a part of a full trip schedule, we’ve obtained nice recommendation for you. 

You’ll wish to know the time of 12 months for whale watching in Hawaii and one of the best methods to see a whale as shut up as potential. Plus, you wish to be ready with one of the best ideas together with some free choices so you may nonetheless see whales in between excursions. 

Every thing You Want To Know About Whale Watching in Hawaii

You wish to go whale watching throughout your Hawaii trip, however you additionally wish to be certain it’s price it. In any case, selecting the best dates, the suitable islands, and the suitable tour corporations make all of the distinction.

Learn on to get one of the best information from locals who’ve been on a number of whale-watching excursions and have seen unimaginable breeches from the shoreline (for no price!). 

A Transient Intro to Hawaii Whales

When folks speak about Hawaii whales (and whale season!), they’re usually referring to humpback whales. Although different whales seem in Hawaii waters, humpbacks are the preferred and most noticed. 

Throughout winter months, 1000’s of humpback whales (koholā) journey to Hawaii from Alaska. They’re right here to breed, give start, and nurse their calves. 

Humpback whales spend loads of time close to the water’s floor, which is nice for us people who’re intrigued by their dimension, habits, and sweetness. In Hawaii, you may even see a whale breaching (leaping out of the water), slapping the water with its fins, diving underneath the water, logging (resting on the floor), or spouting. 

Many whales come to the floor to play, breathe, eat, and even combat. I’ve seen a bunch of male whales preventing throughout a whale-watching tour in Hawaii, and it was extremely cool. 

If you happen to take a Hawaii whale-watching tour, you’ll be taught a lot about these fascinating mammals, and the way they spend their months in Hawaii. 

When is Whale Season in Hawaii?

Whale season in Hawaii formally runs from mid-December till mid-Might. The height time for whale watching is January by way of March. So, in case your aim throughout a Hawaii trip is to see whales, we suggest visiting in January or February. 

I’ve personally seen whales as early as mid-November by way of April, however I’ve heard tales of them showing far exterior this timeframe too. So don’t be shocked in the event you go to in October or Might and see a whale breaching within the ocean.  

The place to See Humpback Whales 

Throughout their season, whales seem all through the Hawaiian islands. However Maui would be the greatest island to identify them. The Auʻau Channel that runs between Maui, Molokai, and Lanai is their most favored hangout spot. 

Maui

If you happen to’re heading to Hawaii to whale watch, you’ll in all probability have one of the best expertise in Maui. Staying in Wailea, Kihei, Maalaea, Kaanapali, and Kapalua will put you nearer to motion. Select a Maui resort room with a balcony overlooking the water, or e book a whale-watching journey that leaves from one in every of these areas.

Fortunately for you, these whale-rich areas of the island are additionally the preferred locations for guests to remain.

Book your Maui sunset whale watching excursion here!

Kauai

Many individuals contemplate Kauai the second-best island for whale watching in Hawaii. You’ll doubtless be capable of see whales alongside Kauai’s north and south shores. Additionally they seem within the scenic waters alongside the Na Pali coast. 

Oahu

Oahu sees loads of whales across the Makapuu lighthouse space and alongside the North Shore. Nonetheless, it’s price holding an eye fixed out while you’re in Waikiki or Ko Olina, as whales make their approach round a lot of the island. 

Hawaii Island

Hawaii Island isn’t the last word spot for whale watching, however you’ll nonetheless wish to take a tour (or watch from shore) in the event you’re visiting throughout whale season. Your greatest areas will probably be close to Kona alongside the island’s northwest coast. 

Hawaii Whale Watching Excursions

If you wish to get as shut as potential to humpback whales in Hawaii, you’ll must get on the water. Fortunately, there are lots of choices for boat excursions wholly devoted to whale watching. 

However with so many choices, it may be laborious to know which is best for you. Listed here are the various other ways you may get on the water and see humpback whales in Hawaii. However first, let’s be taught a bit of extra about what to anticipate from excursions. 

What to Know About Excursions

Humpback whales are closely protected in Hawaii, so tour operators should abide by strict rules. This ensures the whales are secure and in a position to stay their lives freed from interruptions, however don’t fear – you’ll nonetheless have a good time in your tour. 

In Hawaii, boats can’t get inside 100 yards of a whale. That’s concerning the size of a soccer area. As soon as they’re at that 100-yard distance, tour boats will run in impartial whereas observing the whale and searching for different sightings. 

Boats can also’t purposefully cross paths with a shifting whale in hopes of getting a more in-depth view. 

Nevertheless, it’s fairly frequent for whales to method a ship that’s in impartial and following all the principles. That is the last word whale-watching expertise, and what many individuals hope for when reserving an tour. 

I don’t know the chances of this occurring throughout your whale journey. Throughout my a number of excursions, it’s occurred a couple of occasions, so it’s actually price hoping for. However even when a whale doesn’t resolve to come back and take a look at your boat, you may nonetheless get an unimaginable view of them from 100 yards away. 

Massive Catamaran Excursions

The preferred technique to whale watch in Hawaii is to trip on a big catamaran. These vessels can maintain many friends (whereas nonetheless permitting room to unfold out). Additionally they will let you see farther within the distance, because you’ll be increased up out of the water. 

The perks of taking a catamaran tour are you could transfer across the boat, and plenty of supply meals and drinks. You may e book something from a morning breakfast tour to a sundown dinner cruise. Bigger boats are additionally higher than smaller ones in the event you’re susceptible to sea illness.

Finally, the primary draw of whale watching on Hawaii’s bigger catamaran boats is consolation. A spread of seating choices, the flexibility to maneuver round, onboard restrooms, and smoother crusing. 

Raft Excursions for Whale Watching in Hawaii

The opposite well-liked whale-watching vessel is smaller motorized raft boats, like a Zodiac. These small boats zip by way of the water. So, if the captain will get a report about whales noticed in a distinct space, you may doubtless get there in a short time. 

You’ll even be proper on the water. This may preserve you from seeing whales farther away, but it surely’s an unimaginable expertise if whales occur to method your boat. You might be proper at eye degree with the whales. 

Raft excursions usually run for much less time since they don’t have meals, snacks, and restrooms. Additionally they maintain fewer friends (in all probability 20 or fewer vs. a catamaran’s 60, 100, or extra). 

Hawaii whale watching on a raft boat is ideal for adventurers who need a distinctive reminiscence and don’t thoughts sacrificing some consolation. In any case, you’ll be confined to your one spot on the sting or seat of the boat and must cope with waves and better speeds. 

Professional tip: Wish to go on a snorkel and whale-watching tour? Many rafting and catamaran excursions supply each adventures in a single!

Kayak Excursions

Kayaks are low and gradual – not one of the best for whale watching in Hawaii. However it’s a distinctive (and energetic!) technique to get out on the water, and in the event you do spot whales, it’ll really feel unimaginable. Little previous you in your kayak and the whales which might be unbelievably massive. 

Simply keep in mind that you do nonetheless must comply with the 100-yard rule on a kayak (or in the event you’re on a paddle board or swimming), so it’s not like you may paddle as much as a whale. 

If you happen to merely wish to go kayaking, then going throughout whale season might be an unforgettable expertise. In order for you one of the best likelihood of seeing whales, this gained’t be one of the best ways to do it. 

Free Whale Watching in Hawaii

For one of the best time whale watching, you’ll wish to be part of some sort of tour. You may’t beat the encounters you’ll have when you’re on the water. 

However that’s actually not the one technique to see whales in Hawaii. The truth is, you might be able to see extra whales from shore – simply from a bit of farther away. Right here is how we suggest you see whales by yourself. 

Head to a Scenic Lookout

Don’t whale watch and drive! It appears fundamental, however it’s life-saving recommendation. Lots of Hawaii’s roads are slender and twisting – requiring the motive force to stay completely targeted (even when going at gradual speeds). 

Fortunately, Hawaii’s scenic roads have many lookout spots which might be excellent for whale watching. Make the most of these areas – they’re typically arrange particularly for whale watching. 

Lighthouse factors are nice areas for recognizing whales. So you’ll want to cease by Makapuu Lighthouse Path on Oahu or Kilauea Lighthouse on Kauai in the event you’re round throughout whale season. 

Select a Excessive Rise

Image this: you get up within the morning, pour your self a cup of native Hawaii espresso, and settle in in your resort lanai. From right here, you have got a super vantage level for whale watching. Positive, you aren’t near the motion, however you may see an enormous portion of the ocean under. 

This implies you would see a number of whales unfold out without delay. 

After all, any ocean view room will enable you the prospect to see whales throughout winter, however the ones with one of the best views will supply one of the best likelihood!

Pay attention For Their Track

Maintain your breath and go underwater in a quiet (but secure) place close to the ocean flooring. From right here, you might be able to hear a symphony of whale calls. Whales use a variety of frequencies and patterns to speak. Quickly, chances are you’ll discover that listening to whales is as fascinating as seeing them. 

Ideas for Whale Watching in Hawaii

Now that you know the way to whale watch (from land or water), you’re prepared for one of the best ideas and recommendation to take advantage of it! Right here’s what we’ve discovered from many whale sightings. 

• Convey binoculars. They may allow you to higher observe the habits of whales. 
• Be affected person. If you happen to’re in a great spot to see whales and it’s whale season, the ultimate factor you want is time. Oftentimes I’m prepared to surrender on a spot, after which we’re watching unimaginable breeches and spouting from a number of whales. 
• Put the digital camera down. Positive, it’s good to get a couple of footage or movies to recollect your whale recognizing, however that shouldn’t be your main focus. Witnessing a whale in individual is a uncommon occasion that it is best to totally get pleasure from. So skip recording and easily admire what’s occurring proper in entrance of you. 
• Be taught as a lot as you may. Even in the event you choose out of knowledgeable whale tour, it is best to nonetheless study Hawaii’s majestic whales. Locations just like the Maui Ocean Middle and Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary (on Maui and Kauai) supply unimaginable perception into whales. 

Wish to be certain your Hawaii trip is stuffed with unimaginable experiences like whale watching? Hawaii Aloha Travel will help! We are able to put collectively a trip plan that’s centered round whale watching or just embrace it in a well-rounded itinerary. 

And you’ll want to inform us all about your whale-watching experiences in Hawaii!