What is whale season in Kauai?

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.



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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.

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Visit Kauai for Whale Watching Kauai is home to some of the most picture-perfect whale-watching destinations, such as the Kilauea Lighthouse and Poipu Beach. The Kalalau Trail on the north shore is another famous spot. Many avid whale watchers also stop by the Kapaa Overlook, which is close to Kealia Beach.

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Although the best time of year to see whales is December through April, the peak of the season is happening right now, January through March! By the month of January, we are seeing more whale action than December, and by February we have what we call “whale soup”. Everywhere you look, you see humpback whales!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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The north shore remains mostly untouched and is best for nature lovers and honeymooners. South shore is the best access point for visiting Waimea Canyon and is close to the airport. The north is the gateway to the world famous Napali Coast.

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More Whale Watching Destinations in the US
  • Malibu CA (Grey Feb-Apr)
  • Myrtle Beach SC (Humpback, Pygmy Sperm, Right, Nov-Apr)
  • Newport Beach CA (Blue May-Nov, Finback, Gray Dec-Apr, Humback, Minke, Year-Round)
  • Waianae, Oahu HI (Dec-May)
  • Provincetown MA (Humpback, Fin, Minke, Pilot, Sei, Right, May-Oct)


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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.

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Coastal bottlenosed dolphins: You've got a higher chance of seeing them around Kauai and Oahu, and less so on the other islands.

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