Poipu beaches on the South Shore offer prime viewing of humpback whales in the distance, but also picnic facilities, gentle, crystal-clear waters for snorkeling and the occasional Hawaiian monk seal appearance.
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The South Shore is a prime location for Kauai whale watching due to the deeper waters that are closer to the shoreline.
There are actually a lot of types of whales in Hawaii, including the humpback whale, southern right whale, Beluga whale, and sperm whale. These marine mammals are all found throughout the Hawaiian Islands and can be seen from boats or from shorelines during migrations.
During the peak of the season from January-March, it isn't a question of if you'll see humpbacks—but rather which ones to watch. Maui is home to the world's densest population of North Pacific humpback whales, who make the six-week journey from Alaska to Hawaii to mate, rest, and give birth.
The best time to view whales is between dawn and dusk when they are most active. Whale-watching tours typically last 3-4 hours, but you may want to check with your tour operator about the specific times that their vessel will be sailing.
Lumahai is the subject of many postcards and paintings, but is also known on island as one of the most dangerous beaches for drownings and is not recommended for swimming. During the summer months the conditions at Luimahai are calmer, but still use caution. Lumahai is exposed to open ocean and strong currents.
The best time of year to visit Kauai is during off-peak seasons, between September and December or between April and June. During these times you can avoid the crowds and enjoy lower prices on accommodations and excursions. Either way, be sure to book everything far in advance!
The whale watching season in Kauai runs from November through March. While whales can be frequently spotted during any of the winter months, if you are looking for the best months to see whales in Kauai – January and February are the peak of the whale watching season.
Whales are generally most active in the morning and late afternoon, making these the best times to spot them. During the morning, whales tend to be more active as they start their day and may feed. As the day progresses and the sun sets, whales become more active as they prepare to rest for the night.
The best time for whale watching in Hawaii is between December and March. Though you can begin to see whales off the coast in the beginning of October (or even September) and as late as May, between December and March is when the population of humpback whales in Hawaii is the largest.