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 oahu a breathtaking adventure in hawaii. 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. 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. Years before we moved to hawaii, my husbands family would come to hawaii in the winter to see whales.
Humpback whales visit hawaiian waters each year from november to may with the peak of the season being from january to march. Sail in the company of whales, oahu whale watching, marine biologist crew guided photo tours, watch humpback whales in season, tours depart near ko olina, honolulu, waikiki. There are a variety of ways in which you can catch a glimpse of hawaiis humpback whales. Ambiance plus,very similar to the best of the west with 10 passengers max, and focus on nature connections dolphins, turtles, whales. Island divers brought whale listening to the tour industry in the 201112 season. The most wonderful time of the year is whale watching season in hawaii. Cruise in the comfort of hawaiis largest vessel with hightech stabilizers for smooth cruising and the most outdoor space with four walkaround decks and a top. 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.
Hawaiian islands humpback whale marine life top 10. Whale watching waikiki coast star of honolulu tour oahu. 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. Whales can be seen quite easily from most shorelines around the hawaiian islands.
One of the giants was reportedly seen breaching multiple times. Sep 26, 2017 when is the best time to see humpback whales in hawaii. See if you can spot the whales as you watch this tour out honolulu harbor along waikiki beach in beautiful oahu, hawaii. Generally speaking, december to may is seen as the best time for whale watching in oahu and the rest of hawaii. You can listen to the whales under water, spot them from. These cruises are offered on the four main hawaiian islands of oahu, maui, kauai and the big island. 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. Island divers hawaii whale watching charter is the only charter on oahu which conducts their tours inside the hawaiian islands humpback whale national marine. A hawaii whale watching cruise allows you to see humpback whales up close. 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. 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.
Jan 02, 2016 december usually marks the start of humpback whale season in hawaii, but experts say the animals have been slow to return this year. Get in touch with your wild side on our oahu whale watch tours. Oahu whale watching tours are a particular delight for visitors coming to hawaii to escape the winter chill and the humpback whales seen on these. Humpback whale season is around november march in oahu and they are just. The whales dont have calendars though there are whales here now, and have been for a month. Reef fishing and snorkel adventure for one or two adults or children from tradewind charters up to 44% off. The only whale watch cruise that includes cultural activities such as making leis, hula class, ukelele lesson and kids program. Experience whale watching in hawaii, one of the most popular activities in the winter. Cruise in the comfort of hawaiis largest vessel with hightech stabilizers for smooth cruising and the most outdoor space with four walkaround decks and a top observation deck for optimal whale encounters. Whale watching boat tours and diy guide big island. Many people ask when is maui whale watching season.
Every winter, over 5,000 humpback whales travel from alaska to hawaii. Hawaii nautical is one of hawaiis largest oceanactivity providers, with a fleet of vessels islandwide serving many harbors across oahu and the big island. In fact, the hawaiian islands are considered to be one of the best destinations in the world for spotting these giant. Chose a oneandahalf or twohour whale watch adventure that takes off from lahaina harbor with 17 other guests aboard its 30foot rigidhulled inflatable raft. Humpback whales have returned and free whale watching in hawaii is really possible. Well generally between mid december and mid march, when the water is cold they go on vacation to hawaii.
That while their season in hawaii isnt normally set to get underway for about a month. Migrating from the northern pacific, the hawaiian humpback whales enjoy their winter in the warm waters off hawaiis coastlines. You can use the species and date filters to see changes throughout the year. Whale season in hawaii lasts from november to may, with the peak of the season between january and march. Star of honolulu is the only ada compliant vessel in hawaii operating whale watch. Oahu whale watching, swimming with wild dolphin tours. In kauai, the first sightings of these annual guests typically take place in late september or october while the peak of whale watching season is february and march. 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. There are available whale watching tours or you can book a private boat to spot these magnificent creatures. Whether from the shore, in outrigger canoe or on a whale watching boat tour, humpback wales are easy to see in hawaii from november to april, with january through march being the highest season for whale watching.
Daytime guided sightseeing boat trip from hawaii glass bottom boat adventures up to 40% off. Whale watching tours and cruises depart from various ports along oahus southern and western harbors. A humpback whale was spotted in western hawaii on thursday, aug. Whale watching waikiki coast star of honolulu tour. In 12 years of studies by cascadia research, a total of 32 sperm whales were sighted in hawaii31 of which were off of the big island.
Officially, whale season in hawaii runs from december 15may 15, although the first whale of the season. If you book a whale watching tour from maui, experience the thrill of spotting a spout about 300 yards off the bow, and then motoring close for a. Makapuu lighthouse and hanauma bay offer several seaside overlooks that provide a distant vantage. Cruise along the whitesand beaches of waikiki aboard a comfortable catamaran offering stunning 360degree views of the amazing, tropical surroundings. Closer to the modern honolulu, whales can be seen off the cliffs surf break near diamond head.
Hawaiian islands humpback whale explore whale watching. Humpback whales take refuge in the warm waters of hawaii as they raise their calves. Boat tours and whale watching cruises have become increasingly popular. Start your morning early and head out for a full day on the water to include whale watching, amazing views of the napali coastline, and snorkeling, with food and beverages included for a five or seven hour excursion. 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. The best whale watching in hawaii often happens on oahus shores. Whale watching on oahu graceful and gentle giants of the ocean, arching, breaching, and frolicking, hawaiis humpback whales take center stage during whale season.
Whale watching has become a beloved activity for tourists and locals alike in the islands, and the tour boats and activity choices are abundant. Whale season is between the 15th of december until the 15th of may. Where to watch humpback whales from shore across hawaii. Oahu tourism oahu hotels bed and breakfast oahu oahu holiday rentals oahu holiday packages flights to oahu oahu restaurants oahu attractions. By the peak of the season from januarymarch, thousands of humpbacks have gathered in hawaii from hilo to hanalei, with the largest concentration of whales residing between maui, molokai, and lanai. Hawaii is a popular destination for whale watching because, during mating season, humpback whales are more active resulting in elevated surface activity. Learn about hawaiis marine animals from the onboard naturalist.
Honolulu whale watching deals in honolulu, hi groupon. Whale watching is a seasonal and very popular activity during the winter time in hawaii. 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. Were fodors choice for whale watching on oahu, and deemed by cbs josh horwitz author of war of the whales as one of the top five american whale watching tours get in touch with your wild side on our oahu whale watch tours. Whalewatching cruise for one, two, or four from pink sails waikiki up to 72% off. More than twenty species of marine mammals call the hawaiian waters home, and they include a range of. In your research, you may have seen different timeframes defining humpback whale season in hawaii.
Migrating from the northern pacific, the hawaiian humpback whales enjoy their winter in the warm waters off hawaii s coastlines. Types of whales in hawaii almost a dozen whale species. Try familyfriendly cultural activities such as making leis, dancing hula or playing ukelele. During the months from december to may, pods of humpback whales migrate through hawaiis warm waters, and this tour guarantees whale sightings. They come with expert guides who will take you to the best spots to observe whales playfully surfacing, tail slapping, or blowing spouts in. The giant whales are an iconic part of winter on the islands. Oct 03, 2019 humpback whales have returned and free whale watching in hawaii is really possible. Top ten sites for shoreline whale watching marine life.
Jan 15, 2017 see if you can spot the whales as you watch this tour out honolulu harbor along waikiki beach in beautiful oahu, hawaii. Whale watching cruises are some of the most popular and fun things to do in hawaiis whale season, which runs from december through april. Free whale watching in hawaii 2020 season underway. 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. If you book a whale watching tour from maui, experience the thrill of spotting a spout about. Oahu whale watching season lasts from december through about april. Whale season in hawaii it takes lots of patience and time for me to share these wonderful graceful creatures with you. 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. The gentle giants come to the warm hawaiian waters every year to breed and give birth to new calves. 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. Graceful and gentle giants of the ocean, arching, breaching, and frolicking, hawaiis humpback whales take center stage during whale season. If you want to see whales from oahu your best bet would be to take some kind of boat tour. 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 whalewatching destinations in the world.
Whale tail hawaii tourism authority hta tor johnson the makapuu lighthouse trail is a popular hike any time of the year, but from december through april, when humpback whales are in residence, its amazing. Upgrade to include a breakfast or lunch buffet, or hotel transport. Other good islands to go whale watching are maui and kauai. Whale watching cruise for one, two, or four from pink sails waikiki up to 72% off. With a small group of people, watch the gentle giants swim, feed, breach and play around your boat. Most outdoor space with four walkaround decks and a 60foot high observation deck perfect for whale watching. When the whales return to hawaii the following year, they are singing the song as it was at the end of the previous year. Hawaii whale watching, oahu whale watch near ko olina, waikiki. For hawaii locals, fall time doesnt mean autumn leaves, scarves and boots, or chilly weather. Whale watching island divers hawaii oahus friendliest. They only would come to hawaii when they knew they could see whales, usually around february. Were fodors choice for whale watching on oahu, and deemed by cbs josh horwitz author of war of the whales as one of the top five american whale watching tours.
Both tours are truly dedicated to the oahu whale watching experience, and expert naturalists share insightful information and educational commentary on the humpback whales behavior and biology. Go whalewatching off the coast of oahu on this excursion from waikiki or ko olina. Mar 12, 2014 whale season in hawaii it takes lots of patience and time for me to share these wonderful graceful creatures with you. Whale watching cruises are some of the most popular things to do in hawaiis whale season, which runs from december through april. Humpback whale watching season starts early in hawaii live. 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. If no whales are sighted during your cruise guests can go out again for free. You may also spot kohola from the southern shores of oahu, especially at makapuu lighthouse and along the seaside overlooks near leahi diamond head.
Oahu whale watching tours the whale watching season is usually under way by the 15th of december and usually lasts through april. December usually marks the start of humpback whale season in hawaii, but experts say the animals have been slow to return this year. Viewing whales up close on an oahu vacation is a real treat, especially if you get to see humpback whales breaching, in which they leap out of the water and return with an explosive splash. 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. Courtesy of a research hydrophone, you can listen to live whale song through the vessel stereo system. According to noaa, the peak season for whale watching in oahu is january to march. Life, unplugged sail in the company of whales, hawaii whale watching season yes. Whale season in hawaii lasts from november to may, with the peak of the season between january and. The very best months are february and march when whale sightings are almost guaranteed. Whether from the shore, in outrigger canoe or on a whalewatching boat tour, humpback wales are easy to see in hawaii from november to april, with january through march being the highest season for whale watching.
We believe in delivering service, safety, and the spirit of aloha. Hiking enthusiasts can usually spot whales from the islands southeastern coast. Also, like the best of the west, includes snorkeling gear and instruction, bbq lunch, onboard edutainment on hawaiis unique ocean creatures. The first humpback whale of hawaiis 2019 winter season is. When is the best time to see humpback whales in hawaii. 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. Take a trip to the beach or a scenic lookout and watch for the blows, pec slaps, flukeup dives, and breaches of hawaiis humpbacks. These cruises are offered on the four main hawaiian islands of. 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. 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. 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. We respect the ocean and the ecosystem, and follow strict guidelines so that all marine mammals and wildlife are protected. Ive seen a few from my home on the north shore of kauai. Humpback whale watching season starts early in hawaii.
Every year, more than 4,500 humpback whales make their way from the cool alaskan waters to their warm breeding and birthing grounds in the islands of hawaii. Go whale watching off the coast of oahu on this excursion from waikiki or ko olina. One very unusual characteristic is that the whale song of the entire northern pacific population changes as the breeding season progresses so that the song at the end of the year is very different from that at the beginning. During the months from december to may, pods of humpback whales migrate through hawaii s warm waters, and this tour guarantees whale sightings. Whale watching in december oahu message board tripadvisor. Whale watching in oahu is an activity many visitors look forward to, and for good reason. It takes hours of filming due to a large mass of ocean to scan over the.
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