During the peak of whale season in hawaii, humpback whales can easily be found fin slapping, jumping. 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. Its scientific name, megaptera novaeangliae, was given to it in 1781 by a german naturalist named borowski, meaning bigwinged new englander, referring to the size of the whales huge tail fins and the fact that it was once widely sighted off the coast of new england. Humpback whales make their annual journey to hawaii between the months of.
If you book a whale watching tour from maui, experience the thrill of spotting a spout about 300 yards off the. Humpback whale season on the hawaiian islands is between november and early may, but some months are better than others. Most whale watching tours run from middecember through march to midapril. The count is held the last saturday of january, february, and march during peak whale season of each year from 8. There are special viewing opportunities at puukohola heiau from december through march, fridays between 9 and 11am. Services include viewing and downloading of plans and images. Big island of hawaii whale watching tours 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 cruises are some of the most popular things to do in hawaiis whale season, which runs from december through april. The first humpback whale sighting this year in hawaii was on september 29th near the small island of niihau. When is the best time to see humpback whales in hawaii and. 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. 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. One of the very best places to see whales is in the shallow auau channel between west maui, lanai, and molokai, but if you keep a close eye out. Whale watching in hawaii is the perfect way to enjoy the incredible. Each cruise is led by certified marine naturalists for a fun and informative interpretation of humpback whale behaviors. Marine mammal specialists estimate that up to 10,000 of these magnificent giants vacation in hawaiis warm waters. 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. During hawaiis whale season, the ocean is full of activity from humpback whales migrating from the pacific northwest to breed and nurse their young. Go whale watching off the coast of oahu on this excursion from waikiki or ko olina. Although the first sightings of the year are often in october or even as early as september, different whales. However, for the best experience, we recommend a professionally guided whalewatching tour.
Early in the season, the first sightings are usually of males who have made the swim from alaska, awaiting the females. Here is a selection of big island whale watching tours or other cruises on which you are likely to see whales. Humpback whale season in hawaii generally runs from november through may. Whale watching is a seasonal and very popular activity during the winter time in hawaii. Go here from your mobile device and click your account to create a user login. Early in the season, the first sightings are usually of males who have made the swim from alaska, awaiting the females who usually show up between thanksgiving and christmas. 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. The last whales could stick around until april before they make their trek back to alaska. During hawaiis whale season you can go on a whale watching cruise along the big islands hilo, kona or kohala coast. As many as 10,000 whales winter in island waters, a good number of them visible from our state. The waters surrounding maui are the stage for some of the best whale watching in the world. The maximum time interval between steps is approximately 12 hours. Some of the best hawaii whale watching can be found where lava flows protrude out into the ocean along the west coast. Get involved hawaiian islands humpback whale national.
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. It is generally believed that february is the absolute peek of the season. The really spectacular displays, like pairs of whales breaching at the same time, over and over, are more likely to be adult males competing for the attention of an adult female, but you also see whale mamas and babies surfacing and breaching. Plus youre missing out by not spending more time on the kohala coast. Whale watching on molokai humpback whale watching on molokai is some of the best you will find anywhere from december to april every year an estimated 10,000 12,000 whales migrate to hawaii to breed and give birth to their young. As humpback whales start to make their spring migration, native hawaiians are lining up to marvel at these peaceful giants. However, for the best experience, we recommend a professionally guided whale watching tour. Lahaina cruise company experience the excitement of whale watching with lahaina cruise companys twohour hawaii ocean project cruise. 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.
Feb 05, 2014 the most amazing thing i have ever done. If you are interested in seeing these amazing animals on your hawaii vacation, peak whale watching season is maui is january to march. The humpback whale is the fifth largest of the worlds great whales. Although the peak period of humpback whale aggregation in hawaiian waters is typically between january and april, less is known about the length of. Breaking mondays via first class mail, our print versionbidservice weeklycontains information updated at the end. Each winter december through may, thousands of kohola humpback whales travel to hawaii from colder waters to breed, calve and nurse their young. If you are on the pride of america and overnighting in kauai, you can do an afternoon tour or you might also consider a sunset tour of the na pali on the afternoon evening of day one in port. Maui is a top whale watching spot for boatbased viewing. What i would recommend is take a whale watching boat up north, and then do something else up there like explore waimea and honokaa and the waipio overlook or hawi and pololu and then have a nice dinner somewhere there or at the four seasons awesome sunsets and drive back at.
Hawaiian islands humpback whale library maps, charts. As many as 10,000 whales winter in island waters, a good number of them visible. 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. Mar 07, 2014 this whale breached in front of our boat more than 10 times in a row, so it was impossible not to get good picturesphotos.
Where to whale watch in hawaii fodors travel guide. Whale watching in hawaii hawaii whale watching tours. If you have planned a hawaii vacation during this time, you should have no problem spotting whales. 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. Humpback whales begin arriving in hawaii in november and head back to alaska in late may.
A total of 984 humpback whale sightings were reported during the 2017 great whale count on maui over the weekend, including 544 pods or groups of whales and 88 calves. During the months from december to may, pods of humpback whales migrate through hawaiis warm waters, and this tour guarantees whale sightings. 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. Sep 17, 20 when youre in hawaii, you can listen underwater and hear the humpbacks whale song from up to 12 miles away. Jun 08, 2019 every year, humpback whales migrate 3,500 miles from alaska to hawaii, where they breed and give birth. Bidservice hawaii subscription services provide timely, searchable information about construction bidding opportunities, schedules, completion notices, and permits. Maui whale watching is one of the most popular activities to do in hawaii. The majority of the whales that migrate to hawaii bask in the warm, hospitable, and generally calm maui waters. Maui whale watching guide humpback whales in hawaii. Every year, humpback whales migrate 3,500 miles from alaska to hawaii, where they breed and give birth.
Hawaii big island whale watching tours hawaii discount. Maui is a top whalewatching spot for boatbased viewing. Go whalewatching off the coast of oahu on this excursion from waikiki or ko olina. Big island whale watching can be an oceanshattering experience, literally. During the months from december to may, pods of humpback whales migrate through hawaii s warm waters, and this tour guarantees whale sightings. There are a variety of ways in which you can catch a glimpse of hawaiis humpback whales. Here during the winter months, the pacific hawaiian humpback whales come to the islands to mate and give birth to their young. Humpback whale watching season starts early in hawaii live. Early in the season, the first sightings are usually of males who have made the swim from alaska, awaiting the.
Years before we moved to hawaii, my husbands family would come to hawaii in the winter to see whales. Cultural significance of whales in hawaii whales have great cultural significance for native hawaiians. We boarded the large, comfortable boat at the maalaea harbor and knew it would be a special trip. They only would come to hawaii when they knew they could see whales, usually around february.
Whale watching in hawaii is something that many visitors hope to do, and for good reason. The peak normally occurs between january and march, but. Waikoloa whale watching 8am whale watch hawaii ocean sports offers wake up with the whales a 90 minute morning whale watch on a sailing catamaran, casting off from the shore of waikoloa. The most wonderful time of the year is whale watching season in hawaii. Ask a question reserve now in the winter months, a trip to the island is not complete without a kauai whale watching tour. Types of whales in hawaii almost a dozen whale species. After spending their summer feeding in the coastal waters of alaska, the humpbacks migrate to hawaii to mate and give birth during the winter and spring months november to may, making february and march the peak time for whale sightings. Theres nothing quite like viewing whales in their natural habitat, and if you get to see a humpback whale breach, or leap almost entirely out of the water, it is something that you will surely never forget.
Hawaiian islands humpback whale explore whale watching. 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. The maui whale season lasts from december to may with peak season during february and march. Everything you need to know about whale watching on maui. Captain zodiac board a 24foot zodiac boat in honokohau harbor in kailuakona and go on a threehour bouncy adventure through the water in search of whales.
The peak season for whale watching on maui is january, february, and march, though whale season in maui officially runs from december 15may 15. Sep 26, 2017 whale watching boat tours can offer a closer view of humpbacks. Humpback whales visit hawaiian waters each year from november to may with the peak of the season being from january to march. 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. Sanctuary ocean count hawaiian islands humpback whale.
Mauis toprated whale watch cruise pacwhale ecoadventures. Lahaina harbor is home to a wide range of whale watching tours. December to april is an exciting time for the big island of hawaii because it marks whale watching season. Waikoloa whale watching 8am whale watch hawaii ocean sports offers wake up with the whales a 90 minute morning whale watch on a sailing catamaran, casting off.
With a small group of people, watch the gentle giants swim, feed, breach and play around your boat. Where is the best place to go whale watching in hawaii. Take an airconditioned ride around the island of oahu, starting at an inactive volcanic crater with sweeping views of kahala and continuing through spectacular scenery and historic sites. During whale season, you can see whales from every coastline in hawaii. Since 1980, maui whale festival has offered a series of inspiring events held during mauis peak humpback whale season. Its scientific name, megaptera novaeangliae, was given to it in 1781 by a german naturalist named borowski, meaning bigwinged new englander, referring to the size of the whale s huge tail fins and the fact that it was once widely sighted off the coast of new england. These destinations offer hawaii whale watching tours that highlight those whales that choose to congregate in the alenuihaha channel. Jan 02, 2016 humpback whales slow to arrive in hawaii. Head for the coastlines of all hawaiian islands right now. 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. Its humpback whale season in hawaii hawaii magazine. The first whale sightings of the year typically take place in late september or october while the peak of whale watching season is february and march. These majestic creatures migrate here, and they enjoy playing in the open waters.
I went kayaking out of olowalu, maui on a kayak and jumped off as a whale swam toward me. 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. The sanctuary ocean count project offers the community a chance to monitor humpback whales from the shores of o. Come aboard mauis toprated whale watch cruise departing daily from the historic lahaina and ma. We have posted a number of photos spinner dolphins, whales, turtles, reefs, snorkeling and other adventures in this section which reflect some of the unique experiences of our charters.
This video doesnt even begin to capture these few moments. Humpback whales have been slow to return to hawaii as december usually marks the start of the season, experts say the giant whales are a famous part of winter on the islands and a. Jump into the warm, worldfamous waters of oahus north shore in a splashtacular adventure that. Boat tours and whale watching cruises have become increasingly popular. Whale watching on the big island of hawaii big island. When youre in hawaii, you can listen underwater and hear the humpbacks whale song from up to 12 miles away. Mystery absence of humpback whales in hawaii has experts. 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. I spent my birthday whale watching on the pride of maui. The kauai whale watching morning tours do not work for cruise ship passengers. Whale watching boat tours and diy guide big island. Any month between middecember and february is peak whale season, but ive seen plenty in april.
Whale watching boat tours can offer a closer view of humpbacks. Get involved sanctuary ocean count hawaiian islands. Every winter, over 5,000 humpback whales travel from alaska to hawaii. Nautical chart of the west coast of the island of hawaii and the southeasternmost portion 150 sq. January is drawing to a close as peak whale season approaches. Just make a break for the kona coast or the waikoloa area if you want to do some big island whale watching. Each occasion is designed to celebrate and inspire environmental stewardship alongside a strong community of maui residents and. The whales are drawn to the areas shallow waters, especially the auau channel between maui, molokai and lanai, making maui an ideal jumpingoff spot for. The best time for humpback whale watching in hawaii is between november and april, with the peak taking place between january and march. The whales visit hawaii between late november and early may. In addition to maui, the big island offers some of the best whale watching in hawaii. 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.
Humpback whales migrate in throngs from their cold alaskan feeding grounds in the summer to our warm hawaiian waters in the winter. There are so many whales in hawaii during peak whale season that locals refer to the ocean as whale soup. Putting it all together how to maximize whale watching in hawaii. If you are visiting during one of the months of low to medium humpback whale.
Explore more things to do in hawaii go to experiences page. A humpback whale was spotted in western hawaii on thursday, aug. 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. Get up close with humpback whales near the big island of hawaii on this guided, whale watching excursion. The peak season to go whale watching in hawaii is between january to march. Humpback whale watching season starts early in hawaii.
They play a large role in hawaiian legendincluding one creation storyand appear in ancient petroglyphs on several islands. Located near kawaihae and spencer beach north of waikoloa, the elevated view from puukohola makes this one of the best places to spot whales. Taken february 22, 2014, just off of lahaina, maui. You will see them easily from land no need to go out on a whale watching boat. Jan 07, 2009 head for the coastlines of all hawaiian islands right now. However, peak hawaii whale watching season occurs during february and march. But if youre more than 12 miles away, you can listen to live whale songs online.
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