Whale season arguably the best time to visit hawaii given the level of activity in the water, whale watching season in hawaii is arguably one of the most popular times to visit, and if you venture out on the water in winter on a whale watching tour or a kayak, be sure to have your camera ready and. 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. Whale watching boat tours and diy guide big island. Scientists estimate that twothirds of the entire north pacific humpback whale population return to hawaii to breed, calve and nurse their young. Its humpback whale season in hawaii hawaii magazine.
If you are visiting kona during whale season, the chance of seeing whales is pretty good. Below you will find our top ten viewing locations by island. Types of whales in hawaii almost a dozen whale species. Maui whale watching guide humpback whales in hawaii. Hawaiian islands humpback whale marine life top 10. Sep 05, 2018 seeing as we operate seven boats that offer whale watching tours in maui, this is a question were asked a lot and at all different times of the year officially, whale season in maui runs from december 15thmay 15th, although its still possible to see whales outside of the officialwhale season dates. Scuba diving hawaii humpback whales whales in hawaii humpback whale season december to may. Generally speaking, december to may is seen as the best time for whale watching in oahu and the rest of hawaii. The majestic whale watch lunch cruise is 2 12 hours long from 11. At oahu diving we occasionally get the honors of seeing and yes swimming with these majestic big mammals of the sea. 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. Free whale watching in hawaii 2020 season underway. Oct 08, 2015 humpback whales were spotted in the waters off hawaii for the first time this season, leading officials to warn ships and recreational boaters to steer clear of the endangered visitors.
They only would come to hawaii when they knew they could see whales, usually around february. Honolulu ap there were at least nine collisions between humpback whales and boats last season, a marine sanctuary said. So unless youre already going in the next few weeks, now is a good time to plan for next season. Best chance to see them would be in the winter off the big island kona side or the channel between lanai and molokai. The whale watching season in kauai runs from november through march. Whale watching season in hawaii is always a special time, and will be a great part of your trip. The humpback whale is known for making an annual migration of nearly 6,000 miles, one of the longest of any mammal.
Geographic boundaries north, south, west, east sides. Whale season in hawaii it takes lots of patience and time for me to share these wonderful graceful creatures with you. Head for the coastlines of all hawaiian islands right now. A single humpback whale was seen near the big islands kailuakona area on thursday, aug. The most wonderful time of the year is whale watching season in hawaii. Whale season is between the 15th of december until the 15th of may. That while their season in hawaii isnt normally set to get underway for about a month. In fact, there are plenty of areas on maui where humpbacks can frequently be seen from the shore during whale season. Whales can be seen quite easily from most shorelines around the hawaiian islands. Every winter, over 5,000 humpback whales travel from alaska to hawaii.
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 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. The last whales could stick around until april before they make their trek back to alaska. When is the best time to see humpback whales in hawaii and. Scientists estimate that twothirds of the entire north pacific humpback whale population make the annual trek to hawaii. Humpback whales visit hawaiian waters each year from november to may with the peak of the season being from january to march. Hawaii s humpback whale season is in full swing by november, and winds down with the majority of whales departing in april and may.
Flip nicklinminden pictures the sanctuary ocean count provides hawaii residents and visitors with the opportunity to actively participate in evaluating the status of humpback whales. Putting it all together how to maximize whale watching in hawaii. We recommend heading out on whale watching tour to get the best views possible, and to experience the beauty of the ocean. Adults grow to be about 45 feet long and weigh a hefty 40 tons. Humpback whale watching season starts early in hawaii live. We offer an exclusive discount on hawaiian airlines when you book online from our hawaii airfare sale page. As temperatures start dropping nearly everywhere else in the u.
A humpback whale leaps out of the water in what is called breaching, as viewed from a whale watching boat operated by the pacific whale foundation off maui. You can listen to the whales under water, spot them from. Graceful and gentle giants of the ocean, arching, breaching, and frolicking, hawaiis humpback whales take center stage during whale season. Hawaiis humpback whale season is in full swing by november, and winds down with the majority of whales departing in april and may. The humpback is the star of the annual whalewatching season, which usually begins in december or january and lasts until april or sometimes may. For more information, call our reservation team at 8003255701 to plan your kauai. It is generally believed that february is the absolute peek of the season. Whale watching on oahu graceful and gentle giants of the ocean, arching, breaching, and frolicking, hawaiis humpback whales take center stage during whale season. Hawaii whale watching tours whale watching cruises are some of the most popular things to do in hawaiis whale season, which runs from december through april. The inshore boundary of all areas is given as a minimum distance from shore in nautical miles. 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. One of the giants was reportedly seen breaching multiple times.
Brfas are closed to bottom fishing, except those reopened as indicated. The first whales start arriving to the big island in november, and their numbers steadily build up as the season goes on until they peak in the months january, february, and march. Whale watching doesnt require any skills or training just watch for the spouting and big splashes and youll see them. Humpback whales have a strong cultural value in hawaii. 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. Humpback whale watching season starts early in hawaii. But if youre more than 12 miles away, you can listen to. The best places to swim with whale sharks lonely planet. About 1,500 to 3,000 humpback whales appear in hawaii waters each year.
The first humpback whale sighting this year in hawaii was on september 29th near the small island of niihau. It is estimated that more than 10,000 of these whales migrate to the hawaiian islands each year during the winter, in search of a warmer climate. According to noaa, the peak season for whale watching in oahu is january to march. But you dont have to go on a whale watching tour to spot whales. However, peak hawaii whale watching season occurs during february and march.
An adult humpback whale typically surfaces approximately every 10 to 15 minutes to witness the humpback whales breaching out of the water is spectacular. 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. The scenic mcgregor point lookout west of maalaea and the beaches of kaanapali, kihei and wailea are also great spots to see whales. Humpback whale season on the hawaiian islands is between november and early may. Download a pdf file one page showing detailed endpoint coordinates. A humpback whale was spotted in western hawaii on thursday, aug. The whales journey more than 3,000 miles from the gulf of alaska to hawaii, and stay from december through may. The foundation is a team of dedicated researchers, biologists, data analysts and support staff. Each winter december through may, thousands of kohola humpback whales travel to hawaii from colder waters to breed, calve and nurse their young. In your research, you may have seen different timeframes defining humpback whale season in hawaii. It is just about impossible for us to go out on the boat during this time and not see their abovewater displays and hear their songs. As many as 10,000 whales winter in island waters, a good number of them visible from our state. Take a trip to the beach or a scenic lookout and watch for the blows, pec slaps, flukeup dives, and breaches of hawaiis humpbacks.
Humpback whales in hawaii with oahu diving whale watching tour. During the whale watching season in hawaii, whale sightings are nearly a sure thing. Dan salden and has studied humpback whale social affiliation each season since, each winter in hawaiian waters and some summers in alaskan waters. 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. Hawaii whale watching, oahu whale watch near ko olina, waikiki. December to april is an exciting time for the big island of hawaii because it marks whale watching season. Humpback whales have returned and free whale watching in hawaii is really possible. Whale watching season whales have platelike bristles known as baleen in their mouths instead of teeth, and they feed on krill and schools of small fish such as herring. 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. Other good islands to go whale watching are maui and kauai. The whales dont have calendars though there are whales here now, and have been for a month. Ive seen a few from my home on the north shore of kauai. 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.
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, 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. Best chance to see them would be in the winter off the big island kona. Sep 26, 2017 putting it all together how to maximize whale watching in hawaii. If you want to see whales from oahu your best bet would be to take some kind of boat tour. Enjoy kona whale watching on your next trip kona coast. Hawaii is a popular destination for whale watching because, during mating season, humpback whales are more active resulting in elevated surface activity. Check out our tips and tricks to see whales on hawaii if you are interested in learning how to see andor listen to the whales yourself, or our 6 great whale watching tips to. Go on our full day charters and the humpback season extends from nov. Explore more things to do in hawaii go to experiences page. Also see specially marked kauai vacation rentals in the promo collection. Captain dan mcsweeney, a whale researcher, and conservationist provides one of the.
Go here from your mobile device and click your account to create a user login. Whale watching cruises are some of the most popular things to do in hawaiis whale season, which runs from december through april. It seems like a certain few individual sharks enjoy hawaii and return periodically but its still a holy grail sighting. The whales leave hawaii again late april early may. 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. When youre in hawaii, you can listen underwater and hear the humpbacks whale song from up to 12 miles away. Seeing as we operate seven boats that offer whale watching tours in maui, this is a question were asked a lot and at all different times of the year officially, whale season in maui runs from december 15thmay 15th, although its still possible to see whales outside of the officialwhale season dates. If viewing whales by boat, opt for an early morning or late afternoon tour to avoid the midday heat and to sail when seas are calmest. The humpback whales leave the icy waters of alaska and migrate 6000 miles to.
If you are serious about seeing humpback whales in their hawaiian mating and calving grounds, the last couple weeks in february and the whole month of march are the best times to be here. Everything you need to know about whale watching on maui. As many as 10,000 whales winter in island waters, a good. Boat tours and whale watching cruises have become increasingly popular. If you have planned a hawaii vacation during this time, you should have no problem spotting whales. Thousands of humpbacks gather in the warm waters to mate and give birth. Hawaii whale research foundation was founded in 1987 by dr. Feds say first humpback whales of season spotted in hawaii. This year, the first humpbacks were spotted in hawaiian waters in october. There is nothing like seeing a humpback whale up close and will be something that you remember forever. Research indicates that at as many as 10,000 humpback whales may be in hawaii this upcoming season.
More than 10,000 north pacific humpback whales migrate from southeastern alaska to the warm waters of hawaii each year to mate, give birth and nurture their calves. Experience whale watching in hawaii, one of the most popular activities in the winter. Where to whale watch in hawaii fodors travel guide. Oct 03, 2019 humpback whales have returned and free whale watching in hawaii is really possible. Check out our tips and tricks to see whales on hawaii if you are interested in learning how to see andor listen to the whales yourself, or our 6 great whale watching tips to make the best our of any whale watching cruise. For a more intimate and highly educational experience, captain tom bottrell, a professional marine ecologist, offers excellent kona whale watching tours of no more than six people. Whale watching season has started earlier than expected in hawaii. The whales journey more than 3,000 miles from the gulf of alaska to hawaii, and stay from.
Whale watching season is starting in maui when is whale watching season in maui. We determine the proportions of whales identified on more than one day within the same season for west maui. Mar 12, 2014 whale season in hawaii it takes lots of patience and time for me to share these wonderful graceful creatures with you. Whale season arguably the best time to visit hawaii given the level of activity in the water, whale watching season in hawaii is arguably one of the most popular times to visit, and if you venture out on the water in winter on a whale watching tour or a kayak, be sure to have your camera ready and a healthy sense of adventure, since a time. It takes hours of filming due to a large mass of ocean to scan over the. There has been numerous times where we have actually had humpback whales swim right by us on a particular reef.
The waters surrounding maui are the stage for some of the best whale watching in the world. Hawaiian islands humpback whale explore whale watching. Enjoy the norwegian and icelandic winter and combine whale watching orcas, humpbacks and fin whales. Hawaiian islands humpback whale marine life top 10 whale. The humpback is the star of the annual whale watching season, which usually begins in december or january and lasts until april or sometimes may. 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.
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. At birth, whale calves can weigh up to 3,000 pounds and are between 10 and 15 feet in length. Humpback whales were spotted in the waters off hawaii for the first time this season, leading officials to warn ships and recreational boaters. Mar 28, 2014 the season runs from december to april. 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. Jan 07, 2009 head for the coastlines of all hawaiian islands right now. Kauai deals have started for humpback whale season. Years before we moved to hawaii, my husbands family would come to hawaii in the winter to see whales. There are a variety of ways in which you can catch a glimpse of hawaii s humpback whales.
Whether from the shore, in outrigger canoe or on a whalewatching boat tour, humpback wales are easy to see in hawaii from november to april, with january through march being the highest season for whale watching. 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. The whales are drawn to the areas shallow waters, especially the auau channel between maui, molokai and lanai, making maui. To the native hawaiians a whale is the representation of the hawaiian god kanaloa the god of all. Nov 17, 2016 whale watching is a great big island activity. Get in touch with your wild side on our oahu whale watch tours. When is the best time to see humpback whales in hawaii. Get involved sanctuary ocean count hawaiian islands. Start your whale watching year with ease why not visit hawaii. So if you have not made your travel arrangements yet, shoot for these months. 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. Whales find boats a deadly hazard off hawaii nbc news. Whale watching on the big island of hawaii big island.
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