Hawaii whale watching, oahu whale watch near ko olina, waikiki. Kihei while there has been a slight increase in humpback whale. Sep 26, 2017 whale watching boat tours can offer a closer view of humpbacks. We wanted to see how close we can get to the humpback whales here in oahu. Wild side hawaii whale watching, swimming with wild dolphins, snorkeling tour oahu based combination of best snorkeling, swimming with wild dolphins, year round whale watching, 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. 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. I checked for previous questions but couldnt find the answer. Get in touch with your wild side on our oahu whale watch tours. Honolulu whale watching deals in honolulu, hi groupon. Whale watching on oahu graceful and gentle giants of the ocean, arching, breaching, and frolicking, hawaiis humpback whales take center stage during whale season. If you are visiting oahu, you can see whales there too, they just wont be as abundant. Kauai whale watching tours captain andys has years of whale watching experience having been exploring the na pali since 1980. Marine biologist crew offers guided photo tours, 12 or full day, late afternoons or multiple day trips to the most whale intensive areas of hawaii.
Weve enjoyed whale watching near diamond head, from sandy beach to makapuu, at hanauma bay and generally along south and west facing shores. Whale watching boat tours can offer a closer view of humpbacks. They start arriving around 1st of november, but most dont arrive until december. The whaleplanner november a whale watching infographic. Take a trip to the beach or a scenic lookout and watch for the blows, pec slaps, flukeup dives, and breaches of hawaiis humpbacks. Scientists estimate that twothirds of the entire north pacific humpback whale population return to hawaii to breed, calve and nurse 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. Noaa says the season runs from november to may, but there are certainly highs and lows within that. The best time to see them is in februarymarch, and the best places to see them are pretty much on the entire south shore of maui and the east shore and far west shores of oahu. The best months for whale watching are summarized in the following table. 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. If you dont see whales on any of our whale watchspecific trips, come back again 1 more time for free. Set out on a honolulu whale watch cruise to see hawaiis humpback whales and cruise past beautiful diamond head in search of these majestic marine mammals.
Get in touch with your wild side and meet your finned counterparts on whale and dolphin encounters hawaiis year round whale watching of other marine mammals the clear temperate waters of hawaii are known worldwide amongst marine biologists, for an. The remainder of the year features a cruise on the reef dancer, a semisubmarine that features an underwater viewing cabin where you can observe marine life and the beautiful coral reef. From mid november to midapril, take a cruise to search for the humpback whales that populate the waters. Hawaiian islands humpback whale explore whale watching.
Hiking enthusiasts can usually spot whales from the islands southeastern coast. In addition to a host of seabirds such as petrels, tropicbirds, and albatross, pilot whales, hawaiian spinner dolphins, and even the rare killer whale have been spotted. From the islands beaches or lookouts, you might catch sight of them in the distance, but we highly recommend booking a tour to get a. Oahu, hawaii snorkeling tour, whale watching, swimming with. Whale watching on oahu from december to may, you may catch a glimpse of a majestic kohola, or humpback whale, in oahus southern seas. Maui whale watch tours hawaii humpback whale watching. Whales can be seen quite easily from most shorelines around the hawaiian islands.
Reef fishing and snorkel adventure for one or two adults or children from tradewind charters up to 44% off. Native hawaiians believe that hunchback whales, or kohola, is an aumakua, or family guardian, so they have high regard for these special visitors. Their migration crosses 3,100 miles of ocean each season. Types of whales in hawaii almost a dozen whale species. Hawaiian islands humpback whale marine life top 10 whale.
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. Kauai whale watching tours whale watching kauai capt andys. Lammers added that five soundtraps were also deployed off maui, molokai, oahu and kauai. 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.
Breaching refers to a whale launching itself out of the water, and falling back with a massive splash and is a common sight from shore. Jul 03, 2014 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. Docents will provide great information and free help to get you whale watching. With a donation or an adoption of a whale you can help to make the world a place where whales and dolphins are free and safe. Humpback whales in maui whales visit december to april.
And the islands are home to a large national humpback whale marine sanctuary, which encompasses near shore waters off six islands. Whale watching on the big island 2020 big island of hawaii. When is the best time to see humpback whales in hawaii and. Hawaii nautical whales guaranteed morning 2 hours dec. In your research, you may have seen different timeframes defining humpback whale season in hawaii. Hawaiian islands humpback whale marine life top 10. 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.
Whale watching cruise for one, two, or four from pink sails waikiki up to 72% off. 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. Humpback whales arent the only creatures you might spot on an oahubased whalewatching tour. Where to watch humpback whales from shore across hawaii. You wont be able to see any humpback whales in august. Majestic waikiki whale watch afternoon cruise see hawaii. There is a mandatory 14day selfquarantine for all visitors and residents of the state of hawaii. To download the full whaleplanner as a graphic, please just click this link and save the graphic on the next page. Boat tours and whale watching cruises have become increasingly popular.
Their captains know how to carefully share the waters with these amazing sea mammals and can provide educational. Whale season in hawaii lasts from november to may, with the peak of the season between january and march. 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. Hello, what are the chances of seeing whales in november in oahu. During the winter months, these magnificent creatures return to hawaiis warm waters to breed, give birth, and nurse their young. We are proud to offer whale watching tours from maui, kauai, oahu, and. From december to may of every year, humpback whales return to the warm waters of hawaii to breed and give birth to new calves. Most whale watching tours run from middecember through march to midapril. I like to view whales from makapuu lighthouse trail. Approximately 4,500 humpback whales visit the hawaiian islands each year to bask in the warm waters, breed and give birth before migrating back to their alaskan feeding.
They race more than 3,000 miles from the gulf of alaska to hawaii, then stay for a lengthy vacation, frolicking just off our shores and delighting spectators from december through may. 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. Whalewatching tours are the best way to learn about and get great photos of these breaching behemoths up close. Oahu, hawaii snorkeling tour, whale watching, swimming. Kauai whale watching tours whale watching kauai capt. Whale watching tours and cruises depart from various ports along oahus southern and western harbors. 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. Makapuu lighthouse and hanauma bay offer several seaside overlooks that provide a distant vantage. Whale watching hawaii oahu year round whale watch oahu. Their captains know how to carefully share the waters with these amazing sea mammals and can provide educational information about the whales on all of the tours.
Jan 27, 2016 we wanted to see how close we can get to the humpback whales here in oahu. Nothing beats the aweinspiring beauty of the waianae coast, except maybe the equally stunning and diverse wildlife. Humpback whales, or na kohola, migrate from alaskan waters to hawaii in the winter and spring months of november sometimes earlier through may every year, seeking warm waters for breeding and birthing new calves. And of course, feel free to share it with your friends who might be interested in seeing whales. For any chance at all it would be from a boat tour. The slapping of a whales fin against the waters surface. More than twenty species of marine mammals call the hawaiian waters home, and they include a range of. Star of honolulu is the best vessel for viewing whales. If your onboard naturalist does not spot any whales during your cruise, you will receive a complimentary return whale watch cruise. Today is free to relax, swim, enjoy water sports, or laze on the beach. The whales depart hawaii again late april early may. Whale watching island divers hawaii oahus friendliest. According to noaa, the peak season for whale watching in oahu is january to march. 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.
Maui county is world famous as the destination for the pacific northwest humpback whales. Dec 15, 2015 ultimate whale watch chose a oneandahalf or twohour whale watch adventure that takes off from lahaina harbor with 17 other guests aboard its 30foot rigidhulled inflatable raft. Below you will find our top ten viewing locations by island. Island divers brought whale listening to the tour industry in the 201112 season. If whale watching is important to you, i would highly recommend going to maui or oahu. Hawaii discount offers the best whale watching cruises in hawaii at discounted rates. Make your selection from these exciting hawaii whale watch tours below. Like placebets said your chances of seeing humpback whales from oahu in november are slim to none. Download the app to stay uptodate on the latest sightings.
A soft gaze along the oceans horizon at poipu beach will bring to light one the greatest aerial shows kauai has to offer. November, december and january are frequently listed as the start of the season with april and may usually designated as the end of the season. Under federal protection, the humpback population is steadily rising. The holiday total is from 11 november to 26 november.
Embark on the most popular whale watch cruise of oahu. Spotting humpback whales are one of the best winter activities in hawaii. The best whale watching in hawaii often happens on oahus shores. Hawaii nautical west oahu whale watch cruise hawaii. 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. The gentle giants come to the warm hawaiian waters every year to breed and give birth to new calves. Humpback whale watching season starts early in hawaii live. My future wife and i will be in maui from 20 to 25 november on our honeymoon and i want to take her whale watching. You wont have to go far from honolulu to see whales. A humpback whale breaches off the coast of oahu in hawaii. A humpback whale was spotted in western hawaii on thursday, aug.
Take the optional excursion to the polynesian cultural center for authentic island arts, crafts, history, music, a dinner buffet, and a spectacular polynesian show with more than 100 performers. Shoreline spotting is best from january to march when humpback activity is at its peak alert. 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. 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. Monitor dolphin and whale sightings in real time with our live whale tracker app, available on. There are a variety of ways in which you can catch a glimpse of hawaiis humpback whales. Whale watching boat tours and diy guide big island. Sanctuary ocean count hawaiian islands humpback whale. Oct 03, 2019 docents will provide great information and free help to get you whale watching. They dont start showing up until around the end of november and stay till around april or so.
Whale season on hawaii is between november and april. Explore whale watching hawaiian islands humpback whale. Humpback whale watching season starts early in hawaii. 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 whale watches can often be seen from the shoreline of waikiki in addition to the whale watching honolulu tours. The season generally runs from november to may, though the first. These huge mammals travel between 3 and 9 mph at over 1,000 miles per month. You may also spot kohola from the southern shores of oahu, especially at. The best places to swim with whale sharks lonely planet. Hawaii nautical west oahu whale watch cruise enjoy a whale watch tour on oahus west shore. Most oahu whale watch cruises are off waikiki beach, so this is truly a unique tour that takes you along the islands largely undeveloped leeward coast. Most oahu whale watch cruises are off the waikiki coastline, so this is truly a unique tour that takes you along the islands largely undeveloped and very scenic west coast.
Hawaiians treat these gentle giants with utmost respect. Whale watching in oahu is an activity many visitors look forward to, and for good reason. You may see some from there in early november, but dont count on it. Closer to the modern honolulu, whales can be seen off the cliffs surf break near diamond head. Daytime guided sightseeing boat trip from hawaii glass bottom boat adventures up to 40% off. The majestic whale watch lunch cruise is 2 12 hours long from 11. Enjoy a morning whale watch cruise along waikiki beach. Whale watching in oahu a breathtaking adventure in hawaii. Courtesy of a research hydrophone, you can listen to live whale song through the vessel stereo system. 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.
For your personal whale tale, book a tour on a whale watching cruise. Many of these whale watches are offered at discount pricing. Oahu whale watching tours the whale watching season is usually under way by the 15th of december and usually lasts through april. If you are visiting during one of the months of low to medium humpback whale activity or from one of the islands that have less activity, taking a boat tour can help increase your chances of seeing whales. Experts wonder how warmer oceans will further impact whale. Between november and march there are many opportunities for whale watching kauai. Star of honolulu waikikis best whale watch cruise from. Whale watching tour all islands although whale watching tours are offered on all of the islands, maui is known to be the best place to see them.
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