Star of honolulu waikikis best whale watch cruise from. A number of speedboat, pontoon, and sailboat tours depart from areas around waikikiespecially from kewalo basin harbor opposite ala moana beach parkas well as from the north shore and the western leeward side of the island. Humpback whales in maui whales visit december to april. 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. What you need to know about the maui whale season the. The 5 best places to see the winter humpback whale migration. Oahus ultimate whale watching trip off kaena point. That while their season in hawaii isnt normally set to get underway for about a month.
It is generally believed that february is the absolute peek of the season. Daytime guided sightseeing boat trip from hawaii glass bottom boat adventures up to 40% off. Every winter, over 5,000 humpback whales travel from alaska to hawaii. Hawaii is known as a top destination for whale watching, especially for an estimated twothirds of the north american population of humpback whales that vacation in hawaii. See humpback whales during their annual migration in the waters off oahu on a whale watching cruise from waikiki. If you are having an issue that isnt listed here, please let us know at the help desk.
Whale watching experiences on maui mauis best whale watching tours. Its an experience anyone visiting hawaii should at least experience once. Hawaiis best places to spot humpback whales from the shore. Official mapquest website, find driving directions, maps, live traffic updates and road conditions. Experience whale watching in hawaii, one of the most popular activities in the winter. November to january are normally the months where humpback whales start showing on the waters off maui. Best of whale watching, monterey california as of 7. Few things compare to seeing these magical mammals in real life. These cruises take you along the beautiful shoreline of waikiki beach or along the islands scenic west shore. Oahu whale watching tours whale watching tours on oahu if youre fortunate enough to be visiting oahu during the months of novembermay give or take a couple of weeks either way, you absolutely must plan a whale watching tour. Humpback whales visit hawaiian waters each year from november to may with the peak of the season being from january to march. The whaleplanner january a whale watching infographic. Both tours are truly dedicated to the oahu whale watching experience, and expert naturalists share insightful information and educational commentary on the humpback whale s behavior and biology. During this time literally thousands of pacific humpback whales make their journey from the cold waters off alaska to hawaii s warm waters to mate, breed and raise their young.
December 15th is the official start of the humpback whale season in hawaii, but guests on our private whale watching tour could spot whales as early as november, and since the feeling of watching a humpback from a kayak is one of the islands best adventures, we figured it was time to discuss some basics about humpback whales in maui. Whale watching cruise for one, two, or four from pink sails waikiki up to 72% off. January is one of the peak months to observe humpback whale season in hawaii. Download the app to stay uptodate on the latest sightings. 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. Various whale watching tours can locate the whales, as well as provide education about the history of humpbacks in hawaii and their migration all the way from alaska down into. Set out on a honolulu whale watch cruise to see hawaii s humpback whales and cruise past beautiful diamond head in search of these majestic marine mammals. The sanctuary ocean count project offers the community a chance to monitor humpback whales from the shores of o. Majestic waikiki whale watch afternoon cruise see hawaiis. Hiking enthusiasts can usually spot whales from the islands southeastern coast. According to noaa, the peak season for whale watching in oahu is january to march.
Official mapquest maps, driving directions, live traffic. Whale watching boat tours and diy guide big island. Wild side deemed one of the top five american whale watching tours. One of the giants was reportedly seen breaching multiple times. Wild side hawaii whale watching, swimming with wild dolphins, snorkeling tour oahubased combination of best snorkeling, swimming with wild dolphins, year round whalewatching, incredible history, stunning landscapes, and a mesmerizing wealth of natural beauty that only mother nature at her finest can provide our mission is quite simply, conservation through experience. Oahu whale watching tours whale watching cruises are some of the most popular and fun things to do in hawaii s whale season, which runs from december through april. We hope this website will be a good inspiration for a great trip.
They only would come to hawaii when they knew they could see whales, usually around february. From charter boats to passenger rafts, a stroll past the kiosks lining lahaina harbor reveals a variety of options during the peak of whale watching season, between january and early april. Early morning trips usually mean calmer seas highlights. The count is held the last saturday of january, february, and march during peak whale season of each year from 8. Oct 03, 2019 humpback whales have returned and free whale watching in hawaii is really possible. Stream full episodes of lifetime series and original movies, including dance moms, married at first sight, bring it, rap game, and more. There are a variety of ways in which you can catch a glimpse of hawaiis humpback whales. Join us on hawaiis most popular whale watch cruise along waikiki beach. Oahu whale watching tours the whale watching season is usually under way by the 15th of december and usually lasts through april. Thousands of humpbacks gather in the warm waters to mate and give birth. And the islands are home to a large national humpback whale marine sanctuary, which encompasses near shore waters off six islands. Select from a morning or midday cruise, and choose. When youre ready to start planning your trip to hawaii, book a stay at the old wailuku inn.
Under federal protection, the humpback population is steadily rising. An oahu whale watching cruise allows you to see humpback whales up close. 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. Star of honolulu waikikis best whale watch cruise from aloha tower embark on the most popular whale watch cruise of oahu. Get in touch with your wild side on our oahu whale watch tours. Boat tours and whale watching cruises have become increasingly popular. Start your whale watching year with ease why not visit hawaii. Where to watch humpback whales from shore across hawaii. A list of tours that take you humpback whale watching during hawaii s winter months. What to know about a january vacation in hawaii go visit. So, if you really, really want to see lots of humpback whales on your hawaii vacation, go during the peek of the season between january, february and march. What is the best hawaiian island for whale watching. Find the best oahu whale watching cruises at discounted rates right here.
Whale watching cruises are some of the most popular and fun things to do in hawaiis whale season, which runs from december through april. A truly amazing, jawdropping experience, when vacationing to maui during the winter season, a humpback whale watch is a mustdo. During the humpback season it is not uncommon for a curious humpback whale to investigate scuba divers, and oahu diving reports. Hawaiian islands humpback whale sanctuary ocean count. Heres how, where and what to bring if youre hoping to spot these massive mammals. The 5 best places to see the winter humpback whale migration hawaii, mexico, and california are hot spots for viewing the marine mammals on their annual journey. 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. Cruise in the comfort of hawaii s 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.
Chris fishing and whale watching recommended for you. During the winter months, the maui coast plays host to the majestic humpback whales who visit the area to mate and give birth. By the week after thanksgiving, its common to find whales off of maui or lanai as they breach and leap from the waterwith many of the whales that arrive in november being males preparing for the show. Heres what you need to know about where to go and how to spot them. A group on a whale watching boat out of lahaina, maui, gets a close look at a breaching humpback whale. You can use the species and date filters to see changes throughout the year.
Twohour whale watching cruise for one adult or one child at e sea diver up to 40% off. There are 12 survey sites along the shoreline of maui, offering a chance to spend time at a favorite spot or to explore a new part of the island. The very best months are february and march when whale sightings are almost guaranteed. Volunteers are essential in conducting the sanctuarys annual ocean count event. 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. Reef fishing and snorkel adventure for one or two adults or children from tradewind charters up to 44% off. The gentle giants come to the warm hawaiian waters every year to breed and give birth to new calves. Its truly spectacular to watch these massive creatures leaping out of the ocean, surfacing to breathe and slapping their tails and fins. If no whales are sighted during your cruise guests can go out again for free. 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.
Whalewatching tours are the best way to learn about and get great photos of these breaching behemoths up close. Although most hawaii guidebooks state that whale watching season runs from november to april, the peak time for whales in kona is from mid january through early march. But you dont have to go on a whale watching tour to spot whales. 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. Just as our idyllic weather welcomes tourists from around the world, the warm and shallow waters surrounding the hawaiian islands are a favorite destination for kohola, or humpback whales.
Incredible underwater video of whale encounter in kona, hawaii january 20 unedited. Plus, keep your eyes peeled for other marine life like hawaiian spinner dolphins, porpoises and sea turtles. The most wonderful time of the year is whale watching season in hawaii. 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. 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. Sanctuary ocean count hawaiian islands humpback whale. Humpback whale season on the hawaiian islands is between november and early may, but some months are better than others. You can do whale watching in december but this is only a fraction of what you will see a few months later. Oahu whale watching tours oahu whale watching tours are another great reason to visit oahu in the winter months. Closer to the modern honolulu, whales can be seen off the cliffs surf break near diamond head. 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 is a seasonal and very popular activity during the winter time in hawaii.
I will recommend this whale watching trip as a most do for anyone going to hawaii. Offer valid during the whale season only from january 2nd march 30th, 2020. 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. 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. Large sperm whale carcass that washed ashore at sand. Hawaii whale watching, oahu whale watch near ko olina, waikiki.
This whale watching trip was the highlight of our week long vacation on oahu. Majestic waikiki whale watch afternoon cruise see hawaii. January sync your personal devices calendar with ours to keep up with all our events. Get in touch with your wild side and meet your finned counterparts on our oahu whale watch and dolphin encounter charters hawaii is the only birthing grounds of humpback whales in the us, and has year round whale watching of other marine mammals. Whale watching hawaii oahu year round whale watch oahu. Enjoy great photo ops of the massive mammals, as well as views of honolulu, diamond head and the kahala gold coast. The first whales start arriving to the big island in late november, and more arrive as the season continues, until their numbers peak in the months of january, february, and march.
Jan 02, 2016 humpback whales slow to arrive in hawaii in this jan. So if you book a ride on any of oahus many boat or rafting tours during humpback season, dont be surprised if youre guaranteed sightings. Video taken with a digital camera from the deck of the navatek i, based in honolulu. Things to do on maui in february humpback whale season. Begin your adventure at the old wailuku inn at ulupono. Honolulu whale watching deals in honolulu, hi groupon.
And while the whales do take an extended reprieve near the islands, they are not there year round, and there may be better areas than others to catch a glimpse at their massive beauty. The majority of participants are local residents, however expanding interest has brought us calls from the mainland, australia and beyond. Stay at a hotel along the areas of high humpback density. Late january is a wonderful time to see the humpback whales in hawaiithe only thing is that they are best seen from the shores of maui, kauai, and big island report inappropriate content cocoonbarbie. The very best months are february and march when whale sightings are. Hawaii is a popular destination for whale watching because, during mating season, humpback whales are more active resulting in elevated surface activity. Years before we moved to hawaii, my husbands family would come to hawaii in the winter to see whales. Types of whales in hawaii almost a dozen whale species. When we visit hawaii during humpback whale season, we spend just about every spare moment whale watching. Sep 26, 2017 its such a delight to see a humpback whales spout breath, or tail break the oceans surface, and absolutely thrilling to see a whale breach by jumping out of the water and creating a big splash. It takes hours of filming due to a large mass of ocean to scan over the.
Video of migrating humpback whales off the coast of oahu on january 25, 2010. Mauis great whale count brings volunteers together to count whales from shore as part of a longterm survey of humpback whales in hawaii. Star of honolulu is the best vessel for viewing whales. Whale season in hawaii lasts from november to may, with the peak of the season between january and march. Departing at noon, this oahu whale watch cruise is fun for everyone in the family. Humpback whales migrate by the thousands to hawaii in winter months. Join us on hawaii s most popular whale watch cruise along waikiki beach. 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. Makapuu lighthouse and hanauma bay offer several seaside overlooks that provide a distant vantage. The whale watching season is usually under way by the 15th of december and usually lasts through april.
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. These tours run from december through march and provide you with a spectacular vantage point from the safety. Fall hawaii international film festival, vans world cup of surfing maui. Hawaiian islands humpback whale explore whale watching. The best whale watching in hawaii often happens on oahus shores.
We focus on the most interesting whales to watch, the best countries to meet them and the perfect time to go there. Embark on the most popular whale watch cruise of oahu. Onboard whale naturalists, hydrophone, and delicious food, premium bar drinks, and warm chocolate chip cookies. The whales can be found in the waters between november up until may but spotting a whale out in some of the channels is much higher in frequency from january to march. If you think of going to australia around december or january, visit the southern coast as well a pretty good spot to watch blue whales. Nothing compares to coming facetoface with a humpback whale with peak humpback whale season and couples snuggling up for valentines day, maui in february is a busy time. Whale watching tours and cruises depart from various ports along oahus southern and western harbors.
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. The best months to see whales is usually between mid january and march as this is considered peak whale. Scientists estimate that twothirds of the entire north pacific humpback whale population return to hawaii to breed, calve and nurse their young. Chinese heritage festival, hula o na keiki, made in maui county festival hawaii island. Maui, molokai and lanai offer the best whale watching opportunities. 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. Enjoy the norwegian and icelandic winter and combine whale watching orcas, humpbacks and fin whales. With we try to inspire and give you the best information about whale watching. Humpback whale season on the hawaiian islands is between november and early may. The first whales start arriving to the big island in november, and their numbers steadily build up as the season goes on until they peak in the months january, february, and march. Officially, whale season in hawaii runs from december 15may 15, although the first whale of the season is usually spotted sometime in early october.