We recommend heading out on whale watching tour to get the best views possible, and to experience the beauty of the ocean. See why body glove has the best on big island experienced guide, hear whales sing with hydrophone, spacious boat with bar, and sighting guarantee. Whale watching on the big island offers more than just humpback sightings, too. Years before we moved to hawaii, my husbands family would come to hawaii in the winter to see whales. Moutohora is a small uninhabited island located off the bay of plenty coast of new zealands north island, about 9 kilometres 5. 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. Hawaiis big island is home to migrating pods of humpback whales, which often breach as they build up energy for their northward migration. You might also spot some of the other whale species that make their home in these waters yearround sperm whales, pilot whales, pygmy killer whales and rare beaked whales as well as dolphin pods and curious sea turtles. Big island whale watching tour best whale watching tour.
This island often draws people that are looking for a mellow time in on a stunning location. The whales begin appearing in december, and by february, the season is in full swing. By using the site, you consent to the placement of these cookies. There are several companies that offer big island whale watching tours. Captain zodiac ocean rafting kona whale watch tour from. Jan 07, 2009 head for the coastlines of all hawaiian islands right now. Types of whales in hawaii almost a dozen whale species.
Whale watching season in hawaii is always a special time, and will be a great part of your trip. One of the most popular and fun things to do on the big island in the winter months december through april is whale watching. Whale watching on the big island 2020 big island of hawaii. Humpback whales make their annual journey to hawaii between the months of november and april whale season, and the big island is our favorite of the. What is the best hawaiian island for whale watching. 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. Hawaii info guides big island whale watching results for visitors to the hawaiian islands.
From december to may, you may catch a glimpse of a majestic kohola humpback whale off the island of hawaiis shorelines. It is home to hms excellent, the oldest shore training establishment within the royal navy, and the location of the navy command headquarters. Whale watching and snorkeling with turtles makes for a very good day. Moutohora is a small uninhabited island located off the bay of plenty coast of new zealand s north island, about 9 kilometres 5. The kohala coast is frequently known as the best area of hawaii for whale watching. Weve seen whales from 5 different islands, and the end of. Whale season is here and we are saving the best seat in the house for you.
Hawaii whale watching tours are generally only available during humpback season between november and april. Wahine charters would like to invite you to come out with us and witness one of the largest animals on the planet on the best whale watching charter in hawaii. And when whale season rolls around, this already spectacular island becomes magical. On the big island, you can spot whales from various beaches along the kohala, north kohala and hamakua coasts, and in. Whale season in hawaii lasts from november to may, with the peak of the season between january and march. Best chance to see them would be in the winter off the big island kona. If you book a whale watching tour from maui, experience the thrill of spotting a spout about. Stay at a hotel along the areas of high humpback density. While maui is the best location for humpback whale spotting, the other islands also see many whales in season. Whale island is a small island in portsmouth harbour, close by portsea island.
On the island of hawaii, whales are often seen along the shores of the kohala coast, as well as hilo bay on the east side of the island. 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. Between november and april is peak whale watching season around the big island. This site needs to store information on your computer in the form of cookies to work. Just as our idyllic weather welcomes tourists from around the world, the warm and shallow waters surrounding the hawaiian islands. Hawaii big island whale watching tours hawaii discount. Youre able to hear the whales singing through the provided hydrophones. The below table outlines the key differences between our two whale watching cruises. Nov 17, 2016 whale watching is a great big island activity.
This narrated tour brings you to some of the best viewing grounds via 24person catamaran. Incredible sailing experiences and ample deck space 58 feet long by 28 feet wide make the sea smoke a favorite choice for. Head for the coastlines of all hawaiian islands right now. I would only suggest doing this if you happen to be staying there. Turn off makena road into makena state parks big beach, where the trailhead. And even then i dont know if there are whale watching tours specifically for them. The kohala coast of the big island is a marine mammal sanctuary and provides these animals a warm and safe environment to give birth and tend to their young. You can listen to the whales under water, spot them from. On the big island, whale watching opportunities abound with a full schedule of tours provided by seasoned, knowledgeable guides.
Aloha, thanks for taking the time to provide feedback about your whale watch cruise. Incredible sailing experiences and ample deck space 58 feet long by 28 feet wide make the sea smoke a favorite choice for excursions of all types. As many as 10,000 whales winter in island waters, a good number of them visible from our state. Where to find the whales on each hawaiian island hawaii. Theres plenty of whale watching tours or even snorkel tours to choose from.
Explore whale watching hawaiian islands humpback whale. Free gifts, no booking fees, and easy booking with travelshack. They only would come to hawaii when they knew they could see whales, usually around february. Kauai offers a range of whale viewing opportunities, including poipu beach on the south shore, kilauea lighthouse on the north shore and kapaa overlook on the island s coconut coast. Home blog 6 great whale watching tips whale watching is an activity that allows you see these enormous mammals in their natural habitat and play a role in their conservation. Whale watching on the big island of hawaii big island. During the winter, between december and may, these majestic mammals swim all the way from alaska to mate and give birth in the warm tropical waters off the islands. Now, there is a possibility of seeing pilot whales in kailuakona on the big island hawaii island. Top whale watching cruises on the big island of hawaii. Since long before whale watching gained the enormous popularity it boasts today, captain dan mcsweeneys passion and caring for whales defined the. Get up close with humpback whales near the big island of hawaii on this guided, whale watching excursion. Some say kohala is hawaiian for the humpback whale, and there is evidence to show that this beautiful beast has been visiting the waters near hawaii since ancient times.
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. Giant whale lashes out at surfers in sydney after they. Hawaiis humpback whale season technically begins in november when the gargantuan mammals make the long journey from cold north pacific ocean seas to calve in hawaiis famously warm waters. Hawaii whale watching guide for the big island big. See our wheretostay guides for maui and the big island for insights on accommodation selection. The sanctuary ocean count project offers the community a chance to monitor humpback whales from the shores of o. The big island is a must do because of the active volcano there. Please visit the individual pages for all the details and to book. One of the great things about big island whale watching is the fact that often you dont have to plan a special outing to see a whale. Because your time is valuable we have prepared these 6 tips on whale watching to allow you to make the most out of your time. Kauai offers a range of whaleviewing opportunities, including poipu beach on the south shore, kilauea lighthouse on the north shore and kapaa overlook on the islands coconut coast. Captains aboard holo holo charters adventurer ii spotted what appeared to be the first humpback whale of the season about a mile off kee. First humpback whales of season spotted in hawaii cbs news.
During hawaii s whale season, the ocean is full of activity from humpback whales migrating from the pacific northwest to breed and nurse their young. You wont see as many on the big island, but if youre on the shore you should still be able to see some. Humpback whales sure know where to vacation right here in hawaii. Big island whale watching tour best whale watching tour in. Other good islands to go whale watching are maui and kauai. It is generally believed that february is the absolute peek of the season. Sanctuary ocean count hawaiian islands humpback whale. These destinations offer hawaii whale watching tours that highlight those whales that choose to congregate in the alenuihaha. Its important for everyone to be extra vigilant during whale season.
Humpback whales visit hawaiian waters each year from november to may with the peak of the season being from january to march. Captain zodiac ocean rafting kona whale watch tour from honokohau harbor set out on a search for humpback whales on a speedy 24ft zodiac raft, and get a front row seat to see these majestic mammals in the beautiful waters of kona. Whale watching on the big island mauna lani sea adventures. Best chance to see them would be in the winter off the big island kona side or the channel between lanai and molokai. Come aboard winona for whale watching on the big island.
Its humpback whale season in hawaii hawaii magazine. Heres how, where and what to bring if youre hoping to spot these massive mammals. Mauna loa, which is the secondtallest mountain on the big island, helps block trade winds that can more easily affect whale watching on the other hawaiian islands, especially in the afternoon. A snorkeler and a whale shark meet offshore north of ellison onizuka kona international airport on the big island. Whale watching tours on the big island of hawaii 2020. Federal law requires divers to keep a distance of least 100 yards from the humpbacks that make the islands their home from late november to early may. The count is held the last saturday of january, february, and march during peak whale season of each year from 8. Ocean sports whale watch adventure waikoloa 2020 all 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. During hawaiis whale season you can go on a whale watching cruise along the big islands hilo, kona or kohala coast. The humpback whales leave the icy waters of alaska and migrate 6000 miles to hawaii every year to give birth and care for their calves. Every winter, our humpback whales in hawaii make the 3000 mile journey from alaska to hawaii to mate and give birth in our warm tranquil waters. Depending on the season, join us for our big island whale watching adventure, morning swim with. There are a variety of ways in which you can catch a glimpse of hawaiis humpback whales.
Hi,i am thinking of visiting hawaii for the first time. The benefit of the zodiac is that you are closer to the water, and. Since long before whale watching gained the enormous popularity it boasts today, captain dan mcsweeneys passion and caring for whales defined the character of his whale watching business. During hawaiis whale season, the ocean is full of activity from humpback whales migrating from the pacific northwest to breed and nurse their young. It has to do with the depth, 600 feet is the magical number, but one big difference between the two locations is population of boats. Were so happy to read that you enjoyed the trip, the service and information provided by the crew, and most importantly, got a chance to see the humpbacks the turtles and dolphins are a fun bonus too. Your vacation travel planning and activities guide for whale watching on the big island of hawaii. Welcome to the official website for dan mcsweeneys whale watch learning adventures. The whales do seem to prefer west maui, perhaps because of the shallow, warmer water. Every winter, pods of graceful humpback whales migrate from alaska to the warmer waters of the hawaiian islands chain. The sea smoke has won several awards, including accolades for voyages across the pacific ocean.
Zodiac raft whale watching adventure is one of our favorites. The island is linked to portsea island and thence to the mainland by road bridges. These destinations offer hawaii whale watching tours that highlight those whales that choose to congregate in the alenuihaha channel. This list is a guide to the best places to whale watch on each island. There are so many whales in hawaii during peak whale season that locals refer to the ocean as whale soup. While the beginning of the season is the same as above, november, the end of the season. Big island whale watching whale watching tours on the. Ocean sports whale watch adventure waikoloa 2020 all. As many as 10,000 whales winter in island waters, a good. Where to whale watch in hawaii fodors travel guide. 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. If you need a break from the lava fields and secluded beaches, these tours are just what the doctor ordered. First humpback of season sighted off kauai big island now. Both include an onboard marine naturalist narrating the cruise and a sighting guarantee in the unlikely event no whales are spotted, you can go again for free.
Whale watching in hawaii hawaii whale watching tours. Should you find yourself on the island of hawaii, making an effort to go whale watching is an unforgettable experience, but youll need to do a bit of planning to make it happen. Its whale watching season on the big island every winter, pods of graceful humpback whales migrate from alaska to the warmer waters of the hawaiian islands chain. From december to may, you may catch a glimpse of a majestic kohola humpback whale off the island of hawaii s shorelines. The number one spot to go whale watching is in kaanapali, maui and the number two spot is kohala coast, big island. Every year from november to may, maui locals welcome back their favorite guests the huge, majestic humpback whales who spend every winter in hawaiis warm and safe waters. Make sure to book a tour early, as they fill up quickly.
Whale watching boat tours and diy guide big island. These gentle giants come to the warm hawaiian waters every year to breed and give birth to new calves. When you dive with whales in hawaii, remember that the whales are diving with you. Its whalewatching season on the big island holualoa inn. Boat tours are available departing from lahaina harbor many times throughout the day during whale season. The humpback whales leave the icy waters of alaska and migrate 6000 miles to.
This is when thousands of pacific humpback whales make the journey from the waters off alaska to hawaiis warm waters to breed and give birth to their young. Contributed photo by bo pardau special to west hawaii today. Plan a hawaii boat tour to truly get the most out of your whale watching adventure. If you are here during peak season, look at the pictures above and then do yourself a favor and go on a whale watch.
Hawaiian islands humpback whale explore whale watching. Seeing one of these 40ton, 40foot long giants breach the water is an unforgettable sight. There is nothing like seeing a humpback whale up close and will be something that you remember forever. December to april is an exciting time for the big island of hawaii because it marks whale watching season. If you are here in the winter, there are many whale watch cruises available during humpback season, offering a wide range of boats, activities, education and. Where to watch humpback whales from shore across hawaii. The most wonderful time of the year is whale watching season in hawaii.
It seems like a certain few individual sharks enjoy hawaii and return periodically but its still a holy grail sighting. Just make a break for the kona coast or the waikoloa area if you want to do some big island whale watching. In addition to maui, the big island offers some of the best whale watching in hawaii. Whale watching on the big island your big island experience. Boat tours and whale watching cruises have become increasingly popular. Every winter, over 5,000 humpback whales travel from alaska to hawaii. Here is a selection of big island whale watching tours or other cruises on which you are likely to see whales. We recommend west or south maui and the kohala coast of the big island.