During hawaii s whale season, the ocean is full of activity from humpback whales migrating from the pacific northwest to breed and nurse their young. Whale season dates in hawaii span december to may, so youre mostly sailing in very cold weather. During the months from december to may, pods of humpback whales migrate through hawaii s warm waters, and this tour guarantees whale sightings. Hawaii real nature tours provide some of the best tours on oahu and love sharing all the magic that hawaii has to offer. Whale watching on oahu graceful and gentle giants of the ocean, arching, breaching, and frolicking, hawaiis humpback whales take center stage during whale season. Courtesy of a research hydrophone, you can listen to live whale song through the vessel stereo system.
But you dont have to go on a whale watching tour to spot whales. You should also wear sneakers or other rubbersoled shoes, as the boat can become slippery. Just as our idyllic weather welcomes tourists from around the world, the warm and shallow waters surrounding the hawaiian islands are a favorite destination for kohola, or humpback whales. Get up close with humpback whales near the big island of hawaii on this guided, whale watching excursion. Island divers hawaii whale watching charter is the only charter on oahu which conducts their tours inside the hawaiian islands humpback whale national marine. Humpback whale watching season starts early in hawaii. 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. There are a variety of ways in which you can catch a glimpse of hawaiis humpback whales. The first humpback whale of hawaii s 2019 winter season was spotted yesterday off the coast of kee beach, on kauais north side, by a holo holo charters boat. Seeing a flukeup dive and moms with calves get the oohs and aahs. 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. Star of honolulu is the best vessel for viewing whales. Whale watching tours and cruises depart from various ports along oahus southern and western harbors. The star has a 60foot high observation deck and four walkaround decks that are perfect for whale watching.
I will recommend this whale watching trip as a most do for anyone going to hawaii. Humpback whale watching season in hawaii generally goes from november through may, although small numbers of whales can be seen throughout the year. Here are a few tips to help you enjoy your whale watching experience. Whale watching season whales have platelike bristles known as baleen in their mouths instead of teeth, and they feed on krill and schools of small fish such as herring. 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.
If viewing whales by boat, opt for an early morning or late afternoon tour to avoid the midday heat and to sail when seas are calmest. Whale season is between the 15th of december until the 15th of may. Years before we moved to hawaii, my husbands family would come to hawaii in the winter to see whales. Most whale watching companies will begin in december and run through march and sometimes april. Scientists estimate that twothirds of the entire north pacific humpback whale population return to hawaii to breed, calve and nurse their young.
A special whale count is held the last saturday of january, february, and march on the islands of oahu, kauai, and hawaii. Humpback whales visit hawaiian waters each year from november to may with the peak of the season being from january to march. The humpback whale season in maui lasts from november to may of every year. Between december and april every year, the endangered pacific humpback whales travel from alaska to birth and nurture their newborn calves in the warm hawaii waters. Mar 12, 2014 whale season in hawaii it takes lots of patience and time for me to share these wonderful graceful creatures with you. Oahu whale watching on the majestic aloha with love.
First hawaii humpback whale sighting for 20192020 season. The season lasts from november to may officially, but whale numbers are low at the beginning and end. Oahu whale watching season lasts from december through about april. Join us for a fun adventure as we go whale watching along kauais south shore to find the gentle giants of the sea. Book your tickets for the majestic whale watching cruise. Humpback whale heat run, oahu hawaii whale watching wild. They only would come to hawaii when they knew they could see whales, usually around february. The scenic mcgregor point lookout west of maalaea and the beaches of kaanapali, kihei and wailea are also great spots to see whales. 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. You will find excellent viewing points along oahu s north shore, easternmost tip, and southern shore. Whale watching on oahu graceful and gentle giants of the ocean, arching, breaching, and frolicking, hawaii s humpback whales take center stage during whale season. Find the best hawaii whale watching cruises at discounted rates by selecting your island above. It takes hours of filming due to a large mass of ocean to scan over the. Seeing as we operate seven boats that offer whale watching tours in maui, this is a question were asked a lot and at all different times of the year officially, whale season in maui runs from december 15thmay 15th, although its still possible to see whales outside of the official whale season.
Oahu whale watching tours whale watching tours on oahu if youre fortunate enough to be visiting oahu during the months of novembermay give or take a couple of weeks either way, you absolutely must plan a whale watching tour. The first humpback whale sighting this year in hawaii was on september 29th near the small island of niihau. Their migration crosses 3,100 miles of ocean each season. Its very protected, said bill unruh, lead naturalist for atlantis adventures whale watch cruises off waikiki on the island of oahu.
Get in touch with your wild side on our oahu whale watch tours. According to noaa, the peak season for whale watching in oahu is january to march. Whale watching on oahu from december to may, you may catch a glimpse of a majestic kohola, or humpback whale, in oahu s southern seas. Whale watching in hawaii is a relaxing activity and if youve got free time during the peak season, you can easily get a reservation for a whale tour or take a walk where whales are commonly spotted.
Scientists estimate that 20,000 humpbacks reside in the north pacific. Should you choose not to enjoy a boat tour or whale watching tour and seek to spot them on your own we have a few whale watching tips for all. Both tours are truly dedicated to the oahu whale watching experience, and expert naturalists share insightful information and educational commentary on the humpback whale s behavior and biology. If you want to see whales from oahu your best bet would be to take some kind of boat tour. Ive seen a few from my home on the north shore of kauai. Dec 15, 2015 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. Majestic waikiki whale watch afternoon cruise see hawaii. The last whales could stick around until april before they make their trek back to alaska. For your personal whale tale, book a tour on a whale watching cruise. 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. Hawaii s humpback whale season is in full swing by november, and winds down with the majority of whales departing in april and may. You may also spot kohola from the southern shores of oahu, especially at makapuu lighthouse and along the seaside overlooks near leahi diamond head. Go whale watching off the coast of oahu on this excursion from waikiki or ko olina. 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.
In fact, there are plenty of areas on maui where humpbacks can frequently be seen from the shore during whale season. Early bird whale watch cruise c ome aboard oahu s largest shoreline cruise vessel, the star of honolulu, and enjoy a morning whale watch cruise. Best tours on oahu whale watching season in hawaii. This popular humpback whale watching tour is featured during the height of hawaiis whale season january march, it is a favorite among wildlife enthusiasts. If that isnt possible, go over by the blowhole or up to pupukea on the north shore. The gentle giants come to the warm hawaiian waters every year to breed and give birth to new calves. These cruises are offered on the four main hawaiian islands of oahu, maui, kauai and the big island. Officially, whale season in hawaii runs from december 15may 15, although the first whale of the season. Where to watch humpback whales from shore across hawaii. This whale watching trip was the highlight of our week long vacation on oahu. Save on the best hawaii whale watching tours on the hawaiian islands. Hawaiian islands humpback whale explore whale watching. Whale season in hawaii lasts from november to may, with the peak of the season between january and.
Heres what you need to know about where to go and how to spot them. Its whalewatching season in hawaii, and these creatures. Learn more about hawaii s humpback whale season and the best places to see them. Generally speaking, december to may is seen as the best time for whale watching in oahu and the rest of hawaii. 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. According to national oceanic and atmospheric administration noaa officials, the boat was heading toward the napali coast on a tour when its captains spotted the whale breaching. Best whale watching spots in hawaii live your aloha. Whale watching cruise for one, two, or four from pink sails waikiki up to 72% off. Types of whales in hawaii almost a dozen whale species. A short and basic guide for whale watching in hawaii. Boat tours and whale watching cruises have become increasingly popular.
Whale watching island divers hawaii oahus friendliest. If oahu whale watching is your only option, then i personally think a waikiki whale watching cruise is your best bet. Daytime guided sightseeing boat trip from hawaii glass bottom boat adventures up to 40% off. The powerful winter waves that roll into oahu s leeward coast west side areas, such as makaha beach, are legendary in bigwave surfing circles. Whale watching season begins in hawaii with the first sighting of a humpback whale off the coast of maui in early october, whale watchers from around the world are eagerly making plans to view these majestic creatures in their natural winter habitat. These oahu whale watching tours are an amazing, family. Every winter, over 5,000 humpback whales travel from alaska to hawaii. Turtle, 20150118 on monday, january 5, 2015 my husband, son, and i went on the whale watch cruise out of the haleiwa harbor.
Maui county is world famous as the destination for the pacific northwest humpback whales. In fact, the hawaiian islands are considered to be one of the best destinations in the world for spotting these giant. When we visit hawaii during humpback whale season, we spend just about every spare moment whale watching. Hawaii nautical offers a large variety of boat tours throughout the island of oahu and on the big island of hawaii. On the southern end of the island, visitors make their way to makapuu lighthouse for a heightened view of the ocean, searching for a glimpse of a humpback whale. Humpback whale heat run, oahu hawaii whale watching our favorite whale encounters are those being mugged or in the midst of a heatrun, competitive humpback whales a gigantic version of extreme whale dating. Hawaii is a popular destination for whale watching because, during mating season, humpback whales are more active resulting in elevated surface activity. Jan 18, 2017 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. 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.
If no whales are sighted during your cruise guests can go out again for free. There are at about 10,000 to 15,000 humpback whales in the world, and over 1,000 of them visit the tropical waters of hawaii every year at the end of november. North shore winter whale watch sailing from haleiwa. Its a very cool experience to see these magnificent animals in action and cruising along our warm hawaiian waters. Wintertime is whale watching season in hawaii, as thousands of north pacific humpback whales wind up in the warm south pacific waters, having traveled 3,500 miles from alaska. If you dream of witnessing the gentle giants of the sea in all their splendor, then these spots on a tour of hawaii offer a front row seat to natures greatest show. Humpback whales have returned and free whale watching in ha waii is really possible. Each year, from december through april, majestic humpback whales migrate from alaska to the warm waters of hawaii to mate, give birth, and care for their newborn calves. 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. Hawaii travel an early start to whale watching season hawaii travel hawaii based advisors stay nimble, prepare for reopening hawaii travel where im headed in hawaii when the pandemic subsides.
The first humpback whale of hawaiis 2019 winter season is. That while their season in hawaii isnt normally set to get underway for about a month. In 12 years of studies by cascadia research, a total of 32 sperm whales were sighted in hawaii 31 of which were off of the big island. The most wonderful time of the year is whale watching season in hawaii. When is the best time to see humpback whales in hawaii. Star of honolulu waikikis best whale watch cruise from. The peak season is from january through march, but you might see them in april or possibly as late as early may. Whale watching tours and cruises depart from various ports along oahu s southern and western harbors. Honolulu whale watching deals in honolulu, hi groupon. Research indicates that at as many as 10,000 humpback whales may be in hawaii this upcoming season.
Shoreline spotting is best from january to march when humpback activity is at its peak alert. Maui whale watch tours hawaii humpback whale watching. Whale season in hawaii will be here soon so heres a whale tip for all you winter travelers. One of the giants was reportedly seen breaching multiple times. Whale watching cruises are some of the most popular things to do in hawaiis whale season, which runs from december through april. A hawaii whale watching cruise allows you to see humpback whales up close. 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. Remember, by regulation, humpback whales cannot be approached closer than 100 yards. Island divers brought whale listening to the tour industry in the 201112 season.
While the best hawaiian island for whale watching is said to be maui, theres a chance you can see whales in oahu too if you go during whale season. In your research, you may have seen different timeframes defining humpback whale season in hawaii. It was very early in the season and we did not see any whales which was disappointing, but also kind of expected when you are relying on creatures of nature as they are never predictable. Also legendary are the season s whale watching opportunities in the makaha area. At birth, whale calves can weigh up to 3,000 pounds and are between 10 and 15 feet in length. Theres still time to plan a hawaii vacation and pay these magnificent creatures a visit hop a flight to honolulu, and theyre everywhere to be seen, right offshore. Free whale watching in hawaii 2020 season underway.
Oahu whale watching about us oahu whale watching tours. Experience the beauty of kauai and the chance to see a spectacular humpback whale show with boat tours departing daily. You can also spot whales from oahu s many beaches and from southeastern oahu spots like the scenic makapuu lighthouse, hanauma bay, and along the seaside overlooks near leahi diamond head. See them up close from a tour boat, glassbottom boat or zodiac raft and enjoy whale watching while learning all about their lifestyle and habitat from a naturalist guide. Its both exhilarating and unnerving every time it happens. Guided snorkeling on oahu s west side on private, or up to six passenger semiprivate charter, includes swimming with wild dolphins, turtles, and yearround whale watching with wildlife biologists. Hawaii whale watching, oahu whale watch near ko olina, waikiki. In hawaii, humpback whales can be easily spotted from land or sea as they frequent hawaiis nearshore waters. Oahu whale watching tours hawaii tours hawaii activities. With a small group of people, watch the gentle giants swim, feed, breach and play around your boat. Each year, the great humpback whales migrate some 4,500 miles, from summer feeding grounds in alaska, to mate in the warm waters of hawaii. The humpback whale is the most popular species you will see slapping its tail and making the leap off of the shores of hawaii. Jul 03, 2014 you can also spot whales from oahus many beaches and from southeastern oahu spots like the scenic makapuu lighthouse, hanauma bay, and along the seaside overlooks near leahi diamond head.
Whale watching is a seasonal and very popular activity during the winter time in hawaii. Whale watching season begins in hawaii luxe travel hawaii. Reef fishing and snorkel adventure for one or two adults or children from tradewind charters up to 44% off. Humpback whales take refuge in the warm waters of hawaii as they raise their calves. We wanted to see how close we can get to the humpback whales here in oahu. In 2014, a sick sperm whale was sighted off of kihei, and it was presumed that the whale had ventured to shallower water as it fought to stay alive.
A video camera is the best way to capture a record of the whales you see because you can often become distracted taking still photos. There is a mandatory 14day selfquarantine for all visitors and residents of the state of hawaii. You can listen to the whales under water, spot them from. 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. Whale watching in oahu a breathtaking adventure in hawaii. To learn more about oahu whale watching or whale watching on any of the hawaiian islands click here. 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. The whales dont have calendars though there are whales here now, and have been for a month. When is the best time to see humpback whales in hawaii and. Go on our full day charters and the humpback season extends from nov. 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.
Other good islands to go whale watching are maui and kauai. The winner of our 10th annual predict the 1st humpback whale sighting contest is cora, who guessed october 1. Embark on the most popular whale watch cruise of oahu. Visitors to the hawaiian islands can enjoy sighting these magnificent creatures from a land or sea vantage point between october and may each year, the peak of the season being from january to march. Hawaii s humpback season generally begins with occasional sightings in november, building slowly through december before hitting its.
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