Whale Watching Hawaii Season: When to Go and What to Know

Whale watching Hawaii season is a well-liked time to go to the islands, and it could be the perfect time in your trip too. If you wish to see humpback whales play and thrive within the wild, a winter journey to Hawaii is the final word getaway.

As we speak, we’re sharing all our know-how about whale watching season in Hawaii. You’ll study when to go to so that you just see whales, which island to go to, and plan a visit that features loads of thrilling whale sightings. 

Whale Watching Season in Hawaii

Whale watching Hawaii season runs from December by way of mid-April. In case you’re vacationing throughout that timeframe, you’ll possible see humpback whales breach within the glistening Pacific Ocean. However in case you’re planning a trip round whale watching, you’ll need to slim down that season much more. 

The height time for whale watching in Hawaii is January and February. For U.S. vacationers, meaning planning your trip someday round Martin Luther King Junior Day and Presidents Day. 

Able to guide? Contact Hawaii Aloha Travel to assist plan a customized trip that features the perfect whale watching alternatives, together with all of the actions you dream of. 

If you wish to study extra about whale watching season in Hawaii, hold studying — we’ve obtained plenty of nice data for you!

The Motive for the Season

So, why aren’t whales in Hawaii year-round? It appears they want the nice and cozy, lovely water simply as we do, and would lengthy to spend their summers within the islands.

Positive, the water in Hawaii is nice for swimming, however there’s not sufficient meals for these hungry Humpbacks. Throughout their migration and time in Hawaii, whales are fueled primarily by the fats they’ve saved of their our bodies. Researchers recently discovered that whales do a bit of dining during their Hawaiian vacation, however not sufficient to maintain an energetic, year-round life-style right here. 

So what drives whales to decide on a part-time residency within the Aloha State? Let’s check out what occurs throughout the whale watching Hawaii season…

A Whale’s Babymoon

The largest objective for whales throughout their migration is to mate and provides delivery. 

The water in Hawaii is shallower and hotter than in Alaska, making it a super place for a brand new child to get acclimated to life within the water. 

One other perk to winters in Hawaii? A scarcity of predators. Killer whales, that are Humpbacks’ most important predators, don’t make the massive journey to the islands. 

Mating Whales

After all, earlier than the Babymoon is a vital act for whales… and Hawaii is good for love too. 

Many male humpback whales migrate to Hawaii, touring in pods and competing for the eye of females. And that’s how we get one of many greatest experiences throughout Hawaii whale watching season: listening for whales. 

The distinct music you may hear underwater comes from male whales as they try and woo females. 

In the event that they’re profitable, there’ll quickly be a brand new addition: an lovable child whale. 

Child Whales

It’s time for the latest arrival, an lovable bundle of pleasure. And the way’s this for a delivery announcement: new child whales will weigh between 1 and a couple of tons and lengthen as much as 15 ft. 

Whereas their infants are younger, moms keep within the heat, shallow waters and nurse their infants with over 100 gallons of breast milk per day. The most well-liked spot for toddling humpbacks is the ʻAuʻau Channel off the coast of Maui. 

Whales of all ages are playful, and that is what makes whale watching in Hawaii a lot enjoyable. Throughout whale season, chartered boats and excursions take guests out to the water, the place Humpback whales (each adults and infants) typically method boats, playfully bumping into them or swimming beneath. 

Even from a distance, you may observe whales taking part in and exploring as they slap their fins towards the water, bounce round, and stumble upon one another. 

After Hawaii Whale Season

Like we talked about, there’s not sufficient meals in Hawaii for whales to dwell right here year-round. When summer time approaches, it’s time for the whales to start their nice migration again to the cool waters of Alaska. 

By April, child whales have gained sufficient power and expertise to take the 4-6 week journey north. And all whales are able to feast. The lengthy winter residing off of saved fats has come to an in depth, and they’re going to spend the next months consuming crustaceans and small fish. 

What to Look ahead to Throughout Hawaii Whale Season

Whales are very energetic throughout their time in Hawaii. Similar to vacationers take pleasure in getting out and about with buddies, household, and strangers throughout their Hawaii trip, whales are likely to profit from their time within the islands. 

This implies they’re placing on a superb present for whale watchers in Hawaii. Right here’s a few of what you’ll see from shore and from whale watching excursions:

Breaching

A breach is when a whale propels out of the water, launching all or a few of its physique into the air. Typically, a whale will spin throughout its breach – different occasions it’s a straight leap. They could do that for communication functions, however oftentimes they’re merely taking part in. 

Diving

In case you go whale watching, you might even see a whale’s tail protruding of the water for a few seconds. That is a part of the whale’s dive. They’re headed deeper underwater, revealing the flukes of their tails earlier than their descent. 

Logging

You may additionally see a whale again stretched out throughout the floor of the water, trying fairly like a log floating alongside. Properly, that’s referred to as logging. Scientists consider it’s a whale’s different to sleeping. The place permits them to relaxation and breathe.

Spouting

It’s all the time thrilling to see a whale spouting. This seems to be a push of water, nevertheless it’s truly heat air and water vapor that the whale exhales from its blowhole.

Preventing 

I went on a whale-watching constitution a couple of years in the past, the place we witnessed what was basically a whale combat. Males have been competing for a feminine’s consideration, and it was fairly the sight—plenty of splashing, slapping, and spinning by big whales. 

Whale competitions could be violent and bloody. The winner will say it’s price it to turn into the feminine’s main escort – a job that usually includes mating. 

The place to See Whales in Hawaii

Throughout Hawaii’s whale watching season, it’s simple to identify every kind of actions from these majestic creatures. Nonetheless, sure spots will supply higher sightings. 

I’m a giant fan of a Maui whale watching trip, the place you may see moms and calves taking part in within the Auʻau Channel. 

Many whale watchers flock to Hawaii Island’s Kohala coast, the place swarms of migrating whales spend the winter. 

In case you’re visiting Hawaii throughout winter, you’ll in all probability be capable of see whales regardless of the place you keep. However if you wish to heart your journey round whale watching, your finest guess is to remain in Maui’s southern coast (round Kihei or Wailea), or close to Kona on the Huge Island. These are nice launching factors for a whale-watching boat journey, and chances are high good that you may see whales from shore as nicely. 

A Whale Tail As Previous As Time

I host winter-time guests who arrive with out a lot curiosity in whales. However as soon as they expertise the joys of a whale sighting, they’re hooked. Humpback whales are mind-bogglingly giant, extraordinarily playful, and thrilling to witness. And studying about their season in Hawaii, their migration patterns, and their distinctive behaviors simply provides to the expertise. 

So, will we see you in Hawaii subsequent winter? We’ll be seeing whales, and we hope you’ll be with us, catching sight of those majestic migrators.