Can you see whales from Waikiki beach?

Although the protected oceanic areas known as the Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary are mainly found between the islands of Maui, Molokai and Lanai, the island of Oahu is also a popular destination for humpback whales, and they can be found off the shores of Waikiki, the North Shore, and both the east (windward) ...



People Also Ask

From December to May, you may catch a glimpse of a majestic kohola, or humpback whale, in O?ahu's southern seas.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

The reality, however, is that they do exist in Hawaii, but they aren't a part of a resident population that is regularly spotted in the islands. There have been a handful of orca sightings off the Big Island of Hawaii as well as Maui and Lana'i, and a dead orca once washed ashore along the southern coastline of Lana'i.

MORE DETAILS

Though extremely rare, they do. Not only are the winter months in Hawaii considered Humpback Whale season, you may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the biggest fish in the sea, the Whale Shark (don't forget that whales are mammals). These bad boys can get up to 40 feet long.

MORE DETAILS

While the waves are biggest, best, and most consistent during summer, June-September, Waikiki has the potential to see surf at any time during the year. Whether you are a longboarder, a shortboarder, experienced, a novice, or a first-timer, Waikiki has a number of breaks that suit all abilities.

MORE DETAILS

The best time to visit Hawaii is between March and September. This is when the islands see the highest temperatures and the lowest amount of rain. It's the perfect time to enjoy the beach or the water.

MORE DETAILS

Maui is the best Hawaiian island for whale watching. While you can see whales off all the Hawaiian islands, Maui is the best one for it, given that the shallow Auau Channel, between Maui, Molokai, and Lanai, provides one of the highest concentrations of humpback whales on the planet during the winter months.

MORE DETAILS

On the Big Island, the Kohala coast and north Kona are the best places to watch whales. Hilo and green sand beach are good alternatives. On Oahu, you want to go to the north shore. On Maui, the west coast is a true hotspot for whales (see also our guide to Maui whale watching tours).

MORE DETAILS