These majestic creatures roam the waters around the Hawaiian Islands between December and May of each year, bringing joy and delight to locals and tourists alike. Oahu is one of the best Hawaiian islands for whale watching.
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Whale Watching on O?ahuFrom December to May, you may catch a glimpse of a majestic kohola, or humpback whale, in O?ahu's southern seas. The gentle giants come to the warm Hawaiian waters every year to breed and give birth to new calves. Schedule a tour or charter a boat to spot these magnificent creatures.
During the peak months of February and March, it's sometimes possible to see humpback whales from shore in Oahu. Some of the best locations for whale spotting are on lookouts along the south-eastern side of the island.
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.
The Maui Nui Basin was designated as the Hawaiian Island Humpback Whale Sanctuary because Maui is the main Hawaiian island destination for Humpback Whales. Maui is the best island in Hawaii for whale watching and begins offering whales tours from December 1st every year until April 15th.
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 of day for whale watching is any time of the day! Whales are active and resting 24 hours a day. They have intervals of activity and rest because they do not feed while they are in Hawaii, their behavior is related to mating and giving birth which happens at random during the day and night.
Calm Waters: Mornings often offer relatively calmer waters due to reduced wind activity. This can enhance your whale-watching experience by providing more stability and a smoother ride, allowing for better observation and photography opportunities.
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).
Whale watching is one of the best water adventures you need to do while in the Hawaiian waters. This activity is considered the most popular as it can only happen at a specific time when humpback whales have their migration period.
Maui, Kauai and the Big Island are the most popular islands for Hawaii whale watching, so plan to visit one of these islands on your vacation. If you are visiting Oahu, you can see whales there too, they just won't be as abundant.
Spring Whale Watching (March, April, May):Our trained whale watching captains know the best ways to gently follow and observe these precious moments with the utmost safety and respect for the animals. Spring is the best time of year to look for FIN WHALES.
It is estimated that as many as 10,000 humpback whales travel from Alaska to visit the Hawaiian Islands every winter, starting in November and lasting through about May.
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.
Whale WatchingSee the Humpback whales as they frolic in the warm waters of the Hawaiian Islands. Whale Watches are 1.5 hours to 3 hours. $19-$79.95. Some are bare-bones simply looking for Humpback Whales in Hawaiian Waters while others include BBQ lunch and Cocktails.