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. Each winter december through may, thousands of kohola humpback whales travel to hawaii from colder waters to breed, calve and nurse their young. Take an airconditioned ride around the island of oahu, starting at an inactive volcanic crater with sweeping views of kahala and continuing through spectacular scenery and historic sites. If your onboard naturalist does not spot any whales during your cruise, you. Set out on a honolulu whale watch cruise to see hawaiis humpback whales and cruise past beautiful diamond head in search of these majestic marine mammals. To me this is meaningless because 95% do not have the time to take them up on the offer. From december through april, kohala, the humpback whale, makes the annual migration to play and breach in hawaiian waters. More than twenty species of marine mammals call the hawaiian waters home, and they include a range of whales. Although humpback whales can be seen from all of the hawaiian islands, the shallow auau channel between maui, molokai and lana. Landbased watchingfrom coastal peaks where ocean panoramas make them easy to spotis also a possibility. The larger pilot whales, false killer whales, pygmy killer whales etc. One of the giants was reportedly seen breaching multiple times. Amongst fellow ocean conservation organizations, we will unite to share stories, citizen science opportunities, beach cleanups and more that make caring for our oceans an accessible, social and fun way to spend the most relevant saturday of summer. The gestation period of pregnant females lasts between 1012 months.
Other good islands to go whale watching are maui and kauai. We offer each guest plenty of room to roam around, for the very best view of mauis humpback whales. For a leisure midday whale experience, choose the stars popular premier whale watch cruise. Another way to see whales is on a cruise of the hawaiian islands. Here in the hawaiian islands, however, the white clumps of water that signify winter are found in splashes and spouts, when between 10,000 and 15,000 humpback whales arrive in hawaii for the holidays. This is the safest and most comfortable way to experience upclose whale. Hawaii whale watching tours whale watching cruises are some of the most popular things to do in hawaiis whale season, which runs from december through april. This whale watching excursion offers you a rare chance to experience whales up close and in their natural habitat.
Jump into the warm, worldfamous waters of oahus north shore in a splashtacular adventure that. Coast guard licensed captain, first mate, bartender, and all deck hands being first aid and c. Dec 15, 2015 a list of tours to see humpback whales as they migrate through hawaiian waters during the winter months. On the big island, you can spot whales from various beaches along the. Luxury whale watching in kona hawaii alii ocean tours. Our fast and safe rafting vessels are low to the water and perfect for close whale watching encounters and small groups making every seat a front row seat. Star of honolulu is the best vessel for viewing whales. As such, it only fits that creatures as grand as the humpback whale visit this tropical paradise every year. This whale watching excursion offers you a rare chance. Each year kohola, the hawaiian humpback whale, swims from their alaskan feeding grounds to the warm. Encounter wild dolphins, endangered hawaiian sea turtles, manta rays and other amazing marine life. Although the state of hawaii does not permit approaching humpback whales closer than 100 yards, or swimming with whales or dolphins, we still find ourselves. Whale watching tour get ready to see our hawaiian gentle giants in action. From charter boats to passenger rafts, a stroll past the kiosks lining lahaina harbor reveals a variety of options during the peak of whale watching season, between january and early april.
From december to april, known as whale season is the prime time when thousands of these giant, gorgeous beasts leave their summer home in the alaskan waters and migrate to the warm hawaiian waters. Our favorite whale watch its fast which means you spend more time watching whales and less time looking for them. Whale watching boat tours and diy guide big island. Whale watching tours around the islands hawaii experiences. Every winter, generally december through april, the majestic north pacific humpback whales make an epic journey to visit the warm hawaiian waters to breed, calve, and nurse their young. Explore more things to do in hawaii go to experiences page. Their migration crosses 3,100 miles of ocean each season. In fact, there are ancient petroglyphs, or stone carvings, that were found depicting drawings of native hawaiians riding on the backs of humpback whales. During my many years as a tour director, i have had the opportunity to lead tours in australia, new zealand, costa rica, hawaii, and the western u.
Everything you need to know about whale watching on maui. Best of the west side guided snorkeling, wild dolphin swim. She is coast guardcertified to carry up to 36 passengers, but we limit our guests to 35 per trip to allow for extra room for everyone to spread out and relax in comfort. Aulani resort excursions knows where to find the spectacular sunsets, welcoming people and rich history that make this island paradise so special. The hilo side see far less boaters with only a few commercial operation so enjoy a one on one whale encounter without another boat in sight unlike the kona whale watching partys. R certified, this is a safe and smooth ride showing off the magnificent humpback whales and unbelievable 360degree panorama from the deck.
Our big, spacious boat and can follow the whales in comfort, no matter where they roam, throughout the humpback whale sanctuary. These amazing giants cover nearly 3,000 miles of open ocean in less than two months time arriving in hawaii around december 15 and staying until around april 15. Schedule a tour or charter a boat to spot these magnificent creatures. Tons of whale watching tours and cruises depart from ports along oahus southern and western harbors. The humpback whales are with us in the hawaiian waters middecember through midmay. Try handson hawaiian culture activities such as lei making, ukulele and hula lessons. The star of honolulu is one of the better ones because it has other entertainment besides looking for whales i live on oahu and you cannot count on seeing whales from any whale watching cruise on oahu most of the whale watching cruises offer a free return trip if you do see any whales. Every winter, our humpback whales in hawaii make the 3000 mile journey from alaska to hawaii to mate and give birth in our warm tranquil waters. Humpback whales visit hawaiian waters each year from november to may with the peak of the season being from january to march. If you are fortunate enough to be on kauai during the winter months whale watching is a must do activity. We went out on feb 1118 and saw humpback whales, spinner dauphins which we swam along side, pilot whales, and got to snorkel with green sea turtles at a turtle cleaning. Pods of dolphin and whale commonly contain nursery groups mothers with their young, adolescent females taking turns. Enjoy some of the best whale watching in oahu and learn about humpback whales from our naturalist crew.
Of the hawaiian islands, oahu, maui, and the big island are best known for their stellar whale watching. Although humpback whales can be seen from all of the hawaiian islands, the shallow auau channel between maui, molokai and lanai is one of the best whale watching destinations in the world. Our lead boat, maui princess, is the largest, most uncrowded whale watching boat on maui. The crew was very courteous and knowledgeable about the marine life we were lucky enough to see andor snorkel with, which included 56 sea turtles, pacific bottlenose dolphins and a humpback whale out of season. Treat yourself to scenic ocean views as expert guides take you.
Maui whale watch tours hawaii humpback whale watching. The gentle giants come to the warm hawaiian waters every year to breed and give birth to new calves. This luxurious cruise vessel also features airconditioned rooms with large windows for comfort and viewing pleasure. Whale watching novapr archives kauai vacation tours. Where to whale watch in hawaii fodors travel guide. Big island whale watching tour best whale watching tour.
Maui whale watching tours and snorkeling closest encounters in. You can listen to the whales under water, spot them from. Hilo whale watching is best from december april humpback whales are become a daily favorite, with sightings on every whale watch tour or you come again free. Oct 03, 2019 whale watching tours on all the islands are popular for good reason. The pacific humpback whale is a baleen whale and is the fifth largest type of whale, after the blue whale, fin whale, sei whale and the sperm whale. Body glove afternoon kona whale watching tour from kona pier. There are a variety of ways in which you can catch a glimpse of hawaiis humpback whales. The hawaiian term for dolphin is naia, and refers to all the smaller dolphins found in hawaiian waters, though kiko is used for spotted dolphins. It is estimated that more than 10,000 of these whales migrate to the hawaiian islands each year during the winter, in. Whale watching tours be sure to take advantage of this unique opportunity to observe and witness the most spectacular performance of the seas.
The explorer is a hardshelled boat with an inflatable edge like a large zodiac which gives a fast, smooth ride and a front row seat for every passenger. No snorkeling on this kauai whale and dolphin adventure. Kauai whale watching tours whale watching kauai capt. Maui whale watching tours hawaii cruise excursions. Because maui has deeper waters than the other hawaiian islands, this is the ideal environment for the humpback whales.
On the big island, you can spot whales from various beaches along the kohala, north kohala. The definite guide to hawaii island whale watching tours. Whale watching tours hokua, the most exciting charter vessel located at maalaea harbor, is a 40foot power catamaran specifically built for our unique hawaiian waters. Landbased watchingfrom coastal peaks where ocean panoramas make them. For the most upclose viewing, theres nothing like a tour. Boat tours and whale watching cruises have become increasingly popular. Whale watching kauai from december through april, kohala, the humpback whale, makes the annual migration to play and breach in hawaiian waters.
Greg kaufman, founder of pacific whale foundation, passed away on saturday, february 10, 2018 after a hard fought battle with cancer we share our sympathies with his family and with his extended ohana of members, supporters and friends around the world. Today, whale watching tours are the best way to undergo whale watching in maui. Pacific whale foundation joins partners worldwide in celebration of world oceans day the first week of june. Majestic waikiki whale watch afternoon cruise see hawaii. Finally, for a unique, early morning maui excursion and front row view to the whales, consider joining a paddling tour with the team at hawaiian paddle sports. Lahaina harbor is home to a wide range of whale watching tours. 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. From december to april, known as whale season is the prime time when thousands of these giant, gorgeous beasts leave their summer home in the alaskan waters and migrate to the warm hawaiian. By hawaii magazine staff dec 15, 2015 humpback whales, or na kohola, migrate from alaskan waters to hawaii in the winter and spring months of november sometimes earlier through may every year, seeking warm waters for breeding and.
Sail through the waters with the whales in hawaii as your company. Go here from your mobile device and click your account to create a user login. As such, it only fits that creatures as grand as the humpback whale visit this tropical paradise every year to mate and birth their young. Sep 17, 20 tons of whale watching tours and cruises depart from ports along oahus southern and western harbors. For a whales guaranteed whale watch tour, join hawaii nautical on their 30.
The whole family will enjoy it with our educational kids. Maui county is world famous as the destination for the pacific northwest humpback whales. Whale watching in oahu is an activity many visitors look forward to, and for good reason. From december to may, you may catch a glimpse of a majestic kohola, or humpback whale, in oahus southern seas. A list of tours to see humpback whales as they migrate through hawaiian waters during the winter months. Please join the hawaiian islands humpback whale national marine sanctuary and noaas office of law enforcement for a designed to help ocean users stay safe and legal during whale season. 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. Top 5 american whalewatching tours cbs dallas fort worth. Maui whale watching tour catamaran shore excursion adventure from port of kahului and port lahaina. That while their season in hawaii isnt normally set to get underway for about a month. Pride of maui is the most stable and spacious boat on maui with incomparable amenities including two restrooms, glass bottom, water slide, submerged boarding ladders, warm showers, a large hardwood bar and over 2500 feet of open deck. The waters surrounding maui are the stage for some of the best whale watching in the world.
Hawaiian islands humpback whale explore whale watching. 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. This is due to the 60foot high observation deck and 4 walkaround decks, which allow you to see very far out on all sides of the ship. Every ticket supports active marine research and the whale entanglement response team. Whale watching hawaii oahu year round whale watch oahu. Embark on the most popular whale watch cruise of oahu. You may also spot kohola from the southern shores of oahu, especially at makapuu lighthouse and along the seaside overlooks near leahi diamond head. We were told by many its luck of the draw with the whale watching tours,that just as many see them as dont so we didnt sign on for any. As temperatures start dropping nearly everywhere else in the u. The most active times to see the whales just offshore is between january and march. Andys tours offer an opportunity to view these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat. Whale watching tours on kauai the garden island of kauai and its breathtaking napali coast is, arguably, home to some of the most majestic coastline in the entire world. 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. On our trip with capt zodiac off kona coast,we were treated to an amazing non stop show of whales,over and over we all gave up a little snorkle time to take in the wonder.
Body glove afternoon whale watching tour hawaii discount. They offer kayak, paddleboard and outrigger canoe tours, and while they still adhere to the mandated limits of keeping a 100yard distance, the whales will sometimes choose to swim. The humpback whale is known for making an annual migration of nearly 6,000 miles, one of the longest of any mammal. Whales have platelike bristles known as baleen in their mouths instead of teeth, and they feed on krill and schools of.
Majestic waikiki whale watch afternoon cruise see hawaiis. If no whales are sighted during your cruise guests can go out again for free. This is the safest and most comfortable way to experience up. For recommendations on how to choose a whalewatching tour and to learn what to expect, check out these faqs. Get in touch with your wild side and meet your finned counterparts on our oahu whale watch and dolphin encounter charters hawaii is the only birthing grounds of humpback whales in the us, and has year round whale watching of other marine mammals. To the native hawaiians a whale is the representation of the hawaiian god kanaloa the god of all. The warm, tropical hawaiian waters provide good breeding conditions for the humpback whales. The garden island of kauai and its breathtaking napali coast is, arguably, home to some of the most majestic coastline in the entire world. Power cat, alakai the elite intimacy of our whale watching yearround, dolphin swimm. Between the months of november and april, the humpback whales travel from alaska to the warm hawaiian ocean to give birth and raise their babies. Voted hawaiis most popular whale watching cruise several years in a row, the star of honolulu is a fantastic viewing for whales.
See oahus beautiful coastlines, the famous waikiki beach, and the majestic humpback whales as they play in the warm hawaii waters. Kauai whale watching tours hawaii adventure center. Officially, whale season in hawaii runs from december 15may 15, although the first whale of the season. Our maui whale watching tour is truly an exceptional vacation value. Every year in the winter months more than 8,000 pacific humpback whales travel over 3,500 miles from alaska to hawaii where they mate and nurse their young. Come join kauai z tourz for an exciting ocean adventure. Come along and spot humpback whales on a catamaran cruise, tour oahus moving world war ii memorials or hike to a hidden waterfall.
Escorting tours for more than 20 years being a tour director has afforded me the opportunity to travel more than i would have ever dreamed. See the beauty of hawaiis humpbacks from the spacious outdoor viewing decks aboard the majestic. Wild side deemed one of the top five american whale watching tours. The pacific whale foundation tours are staffed with expert marine naturalists.
Body glove afternoon kona whale watching tour from kona. The shallow channel between west maui, lanai, and molokai regularly hosts the largest numbers. Star of honolulu waikikis best whale watch cruise from. Youll create memories for the entire family that will not be soon forgotten. Humpback whales have been a fascinating part of hawaiian folklore and of life in hawaii for centuries. Maui whale watching guide humpback whales in hawaii. Every year more than 20,000 humpback whales return to hawaii for breeding season and were lucky enough to enjoy their company. Wahine charters would like to invite you to come out with us and witness one of the largest animals on the planet on the best whale watching charter in hawaii. Humpback whales have a strong cultural value in hawaii. Please, if you are lucky enough to visit in winter, you simply cannot miss seeing these magnificent creatures. Humpback whales have returned and free whale watching in hawaii is really possible. The majestic creatures put on quite the display for visitors hoping to see some tail slapping, lunging and breaching off the hawaiian shores. Book the only whale watching tour departing from haleiwa on oahus north shore.
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