Seeing a humpback whale breach the surface of the Pacific Ocean is one of the most amazing things you can do. Its huge body hangs in the air for a moment before crashing back into the water with a loud splash. Hawaii is one of the best places in the world to see whales in their natural habitat. Every year, thousands of people come to see these amazing animals.
If you’re going to Hawaii for the first time or have been there before and want to see whales, knowing the best ways, places, and times to do it can make a big difference. This guide will tell you everything you need to know about whale watching in Hawaii, including the best times to go and how to do it safely so you don’t hurt these gentle giants.
What is the best time of year to see whales in Hawaii?
When it comes to whale watching in Hawaii, timing is everything. From November to May, people in Hawaii watch whales. The best time to do this is from January to March. During these months, thousands of humpback whales move from Alaska’s cold waters to Hawaii’s warm, shallow coastal areas to mate, have babies, and nurse their young.
Yes, you can see whales in Hawaii in October, but sightings are less common because this is the very beginning of the season. People start showing up early in late October, but your chances get a lot better by mid-November.
If you ask, “Can you see whales in Hawaii in September?” you will probably be let down. September is not the migration season because whales are still eating in Alaskan waters. Most whales start their journey back north by the end of April or the beginning of May, but some stay behind until early summer.
The winter months are not only the best time to see whales, but they are also the most active time for them. Watching mothers teach their calves to breach, males compete for females’ attention, and pods travel together is an experience you won’t forget.
The best Hawaiian island for whale watching
You can see whales from all the main Hawaiian islands, but some places are better than others at doing so. Maui is widely thought to be the best island in Hawaii for whale watching, especially the waters along its southern and western shores.
The Whale Watching Capital is Maui.
The shallow Auau Channel in Maui is a safe place for mother whales and their calves to raise their young. It is between Maui, Lanai, and Molokai. The warm, calm waters are perfect for baby whales to get stronger before they make their long journey north. People who want to stay on land can see the shore from places like McGregor Point and Papawai Point for free.
Oahu: Whale Watching in the City
Oahu is the most populated island, but whale watching there is still great. There are many places to see the ocean from the south and east shores. Some of the most popular are the Makapuu Lighthouse Trail, Diamond Head, and the beaches along the North Shore. During the busiest times of year, you can often see whales from Waikiki Beach, which is great for people staying in Honolulu.
Big Island: Amazing Views of the Coast
The Kohala Coast on the western side of Hawaii’s Big Island is a great place to see whales. Whales can get very close to the shore because the water is so deep there. The coastal trail near the Mauna Kea resort area and Anaehoomalu Bay are both great places to see things.
Kauai: Beautiful and Untouched
The north shore of Kauai, especially around Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge, is a great place to see whales and enjoy beautiful natural scenery. The island’s less crowded conditions make it easier to see things up close.
What kinds of whales can you see in Hawaii?
People usually mean humpback whales when they ask about the most common whales in Hawaii. These whales are most common in the winter. These beautiful animals can grow to be 50 feet long and weigh about 40 tons. It’s not hard to tell them apart because they have long pectoral fins, unique tail patterns, and acrobatic behaviors.
What humpback whales do
Humpback whales in Hawaii do a lot of interesting things that make whale watching so fun:
Breaching: The whale propels itself out of the water, sometimes clearing the surface entirely. Scientists believe this behavior serves multiple purposes, from communication to removing parasites.
Breaching: The whale jumps out of the water, sometimes completely clearing the surface. Scientists believe this behavior serves multiple purposes, from communication to removing parasites.
Tail Slapping: Whales lift their huge tail flukes and hit the water’s surface with them, making loud noises that can be heard for miles.
Pec Slapping: Whales slap the water over and over again with their long pectoral fins, which may be a way for them to play or talk to each other.
Spy Hopping: A whale sticks its head above the water and turns slowly to get a full view of its surroundings.
Different Types of Whales
Humpbacks are the most famous whales, but other types of whales can also be seen in Hawaiian waters all year round. These include pilot whales, false killer whales, and, on rare occasions, blue whales and sperm whales. But these sightings are hard to predict and happen much less often than humpback encounters in the winter.
The Best Ways to See Whales: A Guide to Tour Options
The best way to see whales depends on how much money you have, how fit you are, and what kind of experience you want. There are pros and cons to each method of watching.
Boat Trips
Boat tours let you get up close and personal with whales while staying within the law. These trips usually last two to three hours and are led by guides who know a lot about whales and can help you see them in the best way possible. Boats can move around in the water and follow whales, giving you a view that you can’t get from the shore.
Adventures in kayaking
If you’re feeling brave, kayaking is a quiet, close-up way to see whales. Being quiet means the animals won’t be disturbed as much, and being at water level gives you a different view. But this option needs you to be in good shape and the ocean to be calm. It’s very important to keep the right distance and follow all safety rules.
Viewing from the Shore
Shore-based whale watching is the easiest and cheapest option. You can see whales from high-up coastal points or beaches. You won’t be able to get as close as you would on a boat tour, but you can often see whales breaching, tail slapping, and blowing (the spray from a whale’s blowhole) from the tops of cliffs and beaches. This method works best when whale activity is at its highest, which is during peak season.
Tours by Helicopter
Helicopter tours give you a bird’s-eye view of whales from above, which is very impressive. You can see whole pods, get a different view of their behavior, and combine whale watching with aerial tours of Hawaii’s beautiful landscapes. This high-end choice costs more, but it will give you an experience you’ll never forget.
Whale Watching That Is Responsible
Everyone who goes out to see these amazing animals needs to make an effort to protect them. Federal law says that you can’t get closer than 100 yards by boat or 1,000 feet by plane to humpback whales. These rules are in place to keep things like nursing and mating from being stressful, painful, or interrupted.
Rules for Watching Ethically
Don’t ever chase or follow whales. If they want to, let them come up to your boat, but don’t try to follow or stop them.
Keep the noise down. Whales can be disturbed by loud sounds and music, which can also make it hard for them to talk to each other.
Do not try to touch or feed whales. It is against the law and dangerous for both people and animals to touch each other.
Don’t move quickly when whales are around. Whales can get scared or hurt when their speed or direction changes quickly.
Pick tour companies that follow all the rules and put the well-being of the whales ahead of making money.
Learning about how whales act
If you learn how to read whale body language, you can tell when they are upset or stressed. You’re too close if a whale changes direction, dives suddenly, or swims faster when you’re nearby. Give them some space and step back slowly.
What to Bring on Your Trip to See Whales
Preparing properly will make your whale watching trip more enjoyable and keep you comfortable the whole time.
Important Things
Polarized sunglasses help you see whales and other underwater activity better by cutting down on glare on the water’s surface.
Hawaii’s tropical sun can be very strong, especially when it bounces off the water. To protect marine ecosystems, use sunscreen that is safe for reefs.
Wear layers: Even in Hawaii, mornings on the water can be cool. Bring a light jacket or windbreaker that you can take off when it gets warmer.
Binoculars: You don’t need binoculars for boat tours, but they make it much easier to see whales from the shore by bringing them into clear focus.
Camera with a zoom lens: To get these shots, you need a good zoom. Action cameras like GoPros are great for recording the whole experience.
If you get seasick easily, take motion sickness medicine at least 30 minutes before you leave. Wristbands and ginger candies can also help.
Snacks and water: Drink plenty of water and keep your energy up, especially on longer trips.
Advice for taking pictures
You need to be patient to take pictures of whales. Keep your camera ready and set it to a fast shutter speed so you can freeze action during breaches. The continuous shooting mode makes it more likely that you’ll get that perfect shot. Don’t spend the whole trip behind a camera; remember that the experience itself is more important than the pictures.
Wild Side Specialty Tours: Experience the Magic
Hawaii’s whales give us a glimpse into the amazing world of marine life that few other places on Earth can match. Every time you see a whale, whether it’s the dramatic acrobatics of a breaching humpback or the sweet moments between a mother and her calf, it leaves a lasting impression.
The best whale watching trips include the right time, the right place, and the right way to watch. You can choose to see the sights from the shore, from a kayak, or from a boat tour, and you’ll make memories that will last a lifetime.
At Wild Side Specialty Tours, we promise to give you real, respectful experiences with Hawaii’s amazing marine life. Our knowledgeable guides know how whales act, where the best places are to see them, and how to make sure you have a great time while also keeping these amazing animals safe. Book your trip with us to see the beauty of humpback whales in their natural habitat. You’ll find out why Hawaii is still one of the best places in the world to watch whales.
The whales are waiting. This is where your adventure starts.
