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. A passenger keeps her eyes peeled for whales on an atlantis adventures whale watching cruise off oahu. Whale season begins in november and lasts until may, with the peak months being jan thru march. Whale season is between the 15th of december until the 15th of may. Officially, whale season in hawaii runs from december 15may 15, although the first whale of the season. 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. Hiking enthusiasts can usually spot whales from the islands southeastern coast. Its whale watching season in hawaii, and these creatures are ready to play. 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. See humpback whales during their annual migration in the waters off oahu on a whale watching cruise from waikiki.
The only whale watch cruise that includes cultural activities such as making leis, hula class, ukelele lesson and kids program. Courtesy of a research hydrophone, you can listen to live whale song through the vessel stereo system. If you dream of witnessing the gentle giants of the sea in all their splendor, then these spots on a tour of hawaii offer a front row seat to natures greatest show. Humpback whale season is around november march in oahu and they are just. From december to may, you may catch a glimpse of a majestic kohola, or humpback whale, in oahus southern seas. Fall hawaii international film festival, vans world cup of surfing maui. That while their season in hawaii isnt normally set to get underway for about a month. Swam with a pod of maybe 20 dolphins, snorkeled with sea turtles and loads of reef fish, saw a humpback whale breech out of season then added bonus saw a 25 foot whale shark which family swam with coming within. The peak season is from january through march, but you might see them in april or possibly as late as early may. Take a trip to the beach or a scenic lookout and watch for the blows, pec slaps, flukeup dives, and breaches of hawaiis humpbacks. Types of whales in hawaii almost a dozen whale species.
Mar 12, 2014 whale season in hawaii it takes lots of patience and time for me to share these wonderful graceful creatures with you. Makapuu lighthouse and hanauma bay offer several seaside overlooks that provide a distant vantage. Scientists estimate that twothirds of the entire north pacific humpback whale population return to hawaii. Oahu whalewatching excursion provided by hawaii nautical. 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 memory to cherish forever.
Whale watching island divers hawaii oahus friendliest. Monitor dolphin and whale sightings in real time with our live whale tracker app, available on. Atlantis cruises introduces oahu s newest yacht cruise experience aboard the majestic. Whale tail hawaii tourism authority hta tor johnson the makapu u lighthouse trail is a popular hike any time of the year, but from december through april, when humpback whales. 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. Graceful and gentle giants of the ocean, arching, breaching, and frolicking, hawaii s humpback whales take center stage during whale season. Honolulu whale watching deals in honolulu, hi groupon. Humpback whale watching season starts early in hawaii. This tour is best for people staying close or in waikiki who would like transportation.
Swimming at a leisurely pace of 3 to 6 mph, some will arrive as early as september and most will have completed the 3,000mile journey in time for christmas. Every winter, over 5,000 humpback whales travel from alaska to hawaii. A humpback whale was spotted in western hawaii on thursday, aug. With a small group of people, watch the gentle giants swim, feed, breach and play around your boat.
Whale watching on oahu graceful and gentle giants of the ocean, arching, breaching, and frolicking, hawaiis humpback whales take center stage during whale season. 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. While the physical size of humpback whales is, well, big, much of their life is elusive. The whale watching season is usually under way by the 15th of december and usually lasts through april. Best whale watching spots in hawaii live your aloha. Daytime guided sightseeing boat trip from hawaii glass bottom boat adventures up to 40% off. A humpback whale breaches off the coast of oahu in hawaii. 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. Ambiance plus,very similar to the best of the west with 10 passengers max, and focus on nature connections dolphins, turtles, whales.
If you snorkel, snuba, or scuba during whale season, you will get the chance to hear the humpback whales singing underwater. Maui whale watching guide humpback whales in hawaii. 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. For any chance at all it would be from a boat tour.
Get in touch with your wild side on our oahu whale watch tours. We are proud to offer whale watching tours from maui, kauai, oahu, and. Take in stunning views while you dine at sea or enjoy a thrilling whale watching adventure. Learn more about hawaii s humpback whale season and the best places to see them. Hawaiian islands humpback whale national marine sanctuary. Hawaiian islands humpback whale explore whale watching. 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. If no whales are sighted during your cruise guests can go out again for free. The first humpback whale of hawaiis 2019 winter season is. Last year was a really good season for us, said shannon wilson, general manager of atlantis cruises, which runs whale watching cruises out of oahu from middecember to early april. The most wonderful time of the year is whale watching season in hawaii. Chinese heritage festival, hula o na keiki, made in maui county festival hawaii island. 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.
Oahu whale watching, swimming with wild dolphin tours. Whale watching has become a beloved activity for tourists and locals alike in the islands, and the tour boats and activity choices are abundant. Oahu whale watching whale watching tours in oahu are offered at a discount. Humpback whales have returned and free whale watching in ha waii is really possible. Like placebets said your chances of seeing humpback whales from oahu in november are slim to none. Top ten sites for shoreline whale watching marine life. With its sleek, modern design, the 150foot majestic is sure to please, offering a multitude of options to host couples, families, tour groups, and private functions.
It takes hours of filming due to a large mass of ocean to scan over the. 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. Whale sharks oahu, hawaii wild side specialty tours. 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. 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. 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. Best tours on oahu whale watching season in hawaii. Whale sharks giants of the deep whale sharks have been in hawaiian waters for as long as anyone here can remember. 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. Although the official season is from november thru may, i personally see the most whales from january thru march. Humpback whales are born in hawaiian waters, making them kamaaina native. Whale season in hawaii will be here soon so heres a whale tip for all you winter travelers. Maui, molokai and lanai offer the best whale watching opportunities.
The very best months are february and march when whale sightings are. Whale season in hawaii lasts from november to may, with the peak of the season between january and march. Get a frontrow seat to the spouting, breeching, and tail slaps of some of earths largest creatures on this whale watching adventure with hotel transfers offered from waikiki or ko olina. Scientists estimate that twothirds of the entire north pacific humpback whale population return to hawaii to breed, calve and nurse their young. Cruise along the whitesand beaches of waikiki aboard a comfortable catamaran offering stunning 360degree views of the amazing, tropical surroundings. Maui whale watching is one of the most popular activities to do in hawaii. Star of honolulu is the only ada compliant vessel in hawaii operating whale watch. Take note, however, that with each season there are various special events around the islands that make it more difficult to find accommodations. A short and basic guide for whale watching in hawaii. 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. The best whale watching in hawaii often happens on oahus shores. Migrating from the northern pacific, the hawaiian humpback whales enjoy their winter in the warm waters off hawaii s coastlines. Closer to the modern honolulu, whales can be seen off the cliffs surf break near diamond head.
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. Go whale watching off the coast of oahu on this excursion from waikiki or ko olina. Year after year, thousands of humpback whales leave their summer feeding grounds in alaska and set course for hawaii. In your research, you may have seen different timeframes defining humpback whale season in hawaii. Life, unplugged sail in the company of whales, hawaii whale watching season yes. Experience whale watching in hawaii, one of the most popular activities in the winter. 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. These humpback whales spent the summer months feeding in alaska and have now arrived in hawaii, after traveling nearly 3,000 miles. 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.
Despite its name and size, the whale shark is not a whale but classified in a family of its own rhincodontidae. Here, then, in no particular order, are some of my favorite options for seeing whales on oahu, hawaii. Start your morning early and head out for a full day on the water to include whale watching, amazing views of the napali. Twohour whale watching cruise for one adult or one child at e sea diver up to 40% off. One of the giants was reportedly seen breaching multiple times. Island divers brought whale listening to the tour industry in the 201112 season. The network involves many state and federal agencies, including hawaii s department of land and natural resources, noaa. Oct 03, 2019 humpback whales have returned and free whale watching in hawaii is really possible. Enjoy great photo ops of the massive mammals, as well as views of honolulu, diamond head and the kahala gold coast. Where to watch humpback whales from shore across hawaii. In fact, the hawaiian islands are considered to be one of the best destinations in the world for spotting these giant. The experienced captain and crew know just where to go for the best vantage points.
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 want to see whales from oahu your best bet would be to take some kind of boat tour. Whale watching tours and cruises depart from various ports along oahus southern and western harbors. 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.
Whale tail hawaii tourism authority hta tor johnson the makapu u lighthouse trail is a popular hike any time of the year, but from december through april, when humpback whales are in residence, its amazing. Officially, whale season in hawaii runs from december 15may 15, although the first. The whales dont have calendars though there are whales here now, and have been for a month. During the months of december through april, thousands of humpback whales migrate to the warm waters of hawaii to give birth. Humpback whales visit hawaiian waters each year from november to may with the peak of the season being from january to march.
Select from a morning or midday cruise, and choose. The merrie monarch festival in hilo is a popular weeklong hawaiian cultural festival that happens in april, and the honolulu marathon draws crowds to waikiki in december. Plus, keep your eyes peeled for other marine life like hawaiian spinner dolphins, porpoises and sea turtles. Oahu whale watching season lasts from december through about april. Most outdoor space with four walkaround decks and a 60foot high observation deck perfect for whale watching.
See the most comprehensive whale watching visual guide all about humpback. Also, like the best of the west, includes snorkeling gear and instruction, bbq lunch, onboard edutainment on hawaiis unique ocean creatures. During the months from december to may, pods of humpback whales migrate through hawaii s warm waters, and this tour guarantees whale sightings. Its whalewatching season in hawaii, and these creatures.
Generally speaking, december to may is seen as the best time for whale watching in oahu and the rest of hawaii. Spotting humpback whales are one of the best winter activities in hawaii. A hawaii whale watching cruise allows you to see humpback whales up close. Humpback whale watching season starts early in hawaii live. Officially, whale season in hawaii runs from december 15may 15, although the first whale of the season is usually spotted sometime in early october. Best spots for whale watching on oahu expedia viewfinder. Scientists estimate that twothirds of the entire north pacific humpback whale population return to hawaii to breed. Whale watching waikiki coast star of honolulu tour. Island divers hawaii whale watching charter is the only charter on oahu which conducts their tours inside the hawaiian islands humpback whale national marine. Maui whale watching best guide to humpback whales on. 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. These cruises are offered on the four main hawaiian islands of oahu, maui, kauai and the big island. There are a variety of ways in which you can catch a glimpse of hawaiis humpback whales.
Chose a oneandahalf or twohour whale watch adventure that takes off from lahaina harbor with 17 other guests aboard its 30foot rigidhulled inflatable raft. 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. We recommend heading out on whale watching tour to get the best views possible, and to experience the beauty of the ocean. The humpback whale is the most popular species you will see slapping its tail and making the leap off of the shores of hawaii. While the protected waters between maui and lanai are the single best spot to glimpse these leviathans doing their thing, the water on the leeward side of oahu is pretty good for whale watching, too. Whales can be seen quite easily from most shorelines around the hawaiian islands. The winner of our 10th annual predict the 1st humpback whale sighting contest is cora, who guessed october 1. Humpback whales take refuge in the warm waters of hawaii as they raise their calves. Hawaii beach vacation ideas during hawaii season spots watching whale. Your guide to whale watching in oahu open accessibility controls jump to site navigation jump to content jump to footer return to page. Hawaii the best tips for whale watching in hawaii whaletrips. Oahu whale watching tours oahu whale watching tours are another great reason to visit oahu in the winter months. Whale watching cruises are some of the most popular things to do in hawaiis whale season, which runs from december through april.
The giant whales are an iconic part of winter on the islands. Hawaii s first reported whale announced its arrival with a series of repeated breaches, much to the great cheers from some lucky onlookers aboard a nearby tour boat. Humpback whales arrive in hawaii for mating season nat. Whale season in hawaii lasts from november to may, with the peak of the season between january and. Hawaii is one of the few spots in the world where you can get up close and personal with humpback whales, and oahu offers plenty of way to do so. 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. 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. Hawaiis humpback whale season begins big island now. 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. They only would come to hawaii when they knew they could see whales, usually around february. Whale watching waikiki coast star of honolulu tour oahu. 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. Hawaii whale watching, oahu whale watch near ko olina, waikiki.
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. Save on the best hawaii whale watching tours on the hawaiian islands. Reef fishing and snorkel adventure for one or two adults or children from tradewind charters up to 44% off. Whale watching on oahu from december to may, you may catch a glimpse of a majestic kohola, or humpback whale, in oahus southern seas. During these months you will find boat tours, whale watching cruises as well as being able to spot them along the coast line especially with binoculars. When is the best time to see humpback whales 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. Its closest relatives are the leopard and nurse sharks. The gentle giants come to the warm hawaiian waters every year to breed and give birth to new calves. Boat tours and whale watching cruises have become increasingly popular. Whale season on hawaii is between november and april. Download the app to stay uptodate on the latest sightings. Humpback whale season is around november march in oahu.
First hawaii humpback whale sighting for 20192020 season. 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. Hawaii nautical guarantees whale sightings or you can come back again 1 more time for free. Ive seen a few from my home on the north shore of kauai. You may also spot kohola from the southern shores of oahu, especially at. Free whale watching in hawaii 2020 season underway. You can use the species and date filters to see changes throughout the year. Sanctuary ocean count hawaiian islands humpback whale. Hawaii is a popular destination for whale watching because, during mating season, humpback whales are more active resulting in elevated surface activity.
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