Explore whale watching hawaiian islands humpback whale. The pacific whale foundation now has over 200 employees, they research marine mammal behavior and the threats they face. Usually the very first of the humpback whales to visit will first appear sometime in november followed by a couple more sightings as days pass but the bulk of the. 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. On occasion, we will have our first whale sighting as early as october or late september. Scientists estimate that twothirds of the entire north pacific humpback whale population return to hawaii to breed, calve and nurse their young. Hawaiis humpback whale season is in full swing by november, and winds down with the majority of whales departing in april and may. Boat tours and whale watching cruises have become increasingly popular. Putting it all together how to maximize whale watching in hawaii. Hawaii whale watching, oahu whale watch near ko olina, waikiki. Officially, whale season in maui runs from december 15thmay 15th, although its still possible to see whales outside of the officialwhale season dates. Apr 06, 2020 hawaii is known as a top destination for whale watching, especially for an estimated twothirds of the north american population of humpback whales that vacation in hawaii.
You can learn about whale habits, find out how to spot them in the ocean, and maybe hear a whale song. Take a trip to the beach or a scenic lookout and watch for the blows, pec slaps, flukeup dives, and breaches of hawaiis humpbacks. If you see an injured or entangled marine mammal, keep a safe and legal distance and call noaas marine mammal stranding and entanglement hotline at. I built my first rudimentary hydrophone in order to listen to the whales with a stereo microphone inside a condom, wrapped with duct tape and shoo goo. Whales can be seen quite easily from most shorelines around the hawaiian islands. Get in touch with your wild side on our oahu whale watch tours. I moved to maui in 1980, i was absolutely taken back and totally mesmerized when whale season came for the first time. Humpback whales visit hawaiian waters each year from november to may with the peak of the season being from january to march. Whale season is the opportunity to observe these magnificent creatures, which populate the waters near the hawaiian shore to breed, give birth, and raise their young calves in safety. Between october and midmay each year, migratory humpback whales visiting warm tropical waters for calving and breeding are the stars of the local whale watch tours.
Hawaii is known as a top destination for whale watching, especially for an estimated twothirds of the north american population of humpback whales that vacation in hawaii. Last week a young, playful whale appeared beside some kayaks. You can even take a whale watching tour to see these playful creatures up close. These gentle giants find hawaiis warm waters and lack of natural predators ideal. Hawaii ist fur whale watching eine besonders geeignete anlaufstelle. There are numerous whalewatching excursions throughout the state, many of which guarantee sightings and provide expert narration to heighten the experience. Every winter, over 5,000 humpback whales travel from alaska to hawaii. May 09, 2018 did you get a chance to visit maui during whale season. 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. In fact many of our hawaii tour guests inquire as to when whale season is and when whale watching tours become available to book. Sep 26, 2017 putting it all together how to maximize whale watching in hawaii. 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. By 1993, it was estimated that 4,000 whales from the north pacific ocean came to hawaii.
Hawaiis whale watching season takes place from late november to midapril. So its hard on the mother, but perfect for the baby. Whale sightings in maui typically occur between november and may. Whalewatching is one of the most popular winter activities in hawaii, and for good reason. They escape the cold and stay in the warm hawaiian waters from. 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. Each winter december through may, thousands of kohola humpback whales travel to hawaii from colder waters to breed, calve and nurse their young. Apr 03, 2020 whale season usually stretches from mid december through mid april. The health and safety of our guests and employees is our top priority. A single humpback whale was seen near the big islands kailuakona area on thursday, aug. The humpback whale is known for making an annual migration of nearly 6,000 miles, one of the longest of any mammal. Below you will find our top ten viewing locations by island. Hawaiian islands humpback whale explore whale watching. Shortly after i moved to maui, i met greg kaufman, who founded the pacific whale foundation in 1980.
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. Officially, whale season in maui runs from december 15thmay 15th, although its still possible to see whales outside of the officialwhale. Hawaii is a popular destination for whale watching because, during mating season, humpback whales are more active resulting in elevated surface activity. Its whalewatching season in hawaii, and these creatures. However, for the best experience, we recommend a professionally guided whalewatching tour. 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. Go on our full day charters and the humpback season extends from nov. Jan 17, 2018 humpback whale watching tours are in full swing in hawaii, and some visitors are discovering the giant mammals to be curious creatures. Hawaii s humpback whale season is in full swing by november, and winds down with the majority of whales departing in april and may. 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. Operating off the kona side of the big island in the deepwater channel between hawaii and maui, torpedo tours has booked an impressive list of whale sightings on its dives. After all, there is just something about seeing these magnificent giants of the sea playing, jumping and their incredible water spouts when they come to the surface to breathe. Whale watching season has started earlier than expected in hawaii. Hawaiian islands humpback whale marine life top 10 whale.
Humpback whales spend their summers in waters near alaska where food is more abundant than in warmer waters. If you are visiting kona during whale season, the chance of seeing whales is pretty good. Humpback whale watching season starts early in hawaii. There are a variety of ways in which you can catch a glimpse of hawaiis humpback whales.
This whale surface behavior, such as breaching and tail slaps, make for exciting whale watching in hawaii. If whale watching is on your bucket list, look no further than maui, hawaii. The hawaiian islands humpback whale national marine sanctuary has actually recognized hawaii to be the only state in the u. Each year, a number of organizations and locals organize annual humpback whale festivals to welcome megaptera novaeangliae to the aloha state. 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. 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. Whale sprout from the whale watch cruise boat in the waters near maui island. Enjoy kona whale watching on your next trip kona coast. Humpback whalewatching tours are in full swing in hawaii, and some visitors are discovering the giant mammals to be curious creatures. While nursing in hawaii, humpback whale mothers are unable to feed again until they and their calves make the long voyage all the way back to alaska in spring. The best months to see whales is usually between midjanuary and march as this is considered peak whale watching season. And while the whales do take an extended reprieve near the islands, they are not there year round, and there may be better areas than others to catch a glimpse at their massive beauty. It is generally believed that february is the absolute peek of the season. It is believed that the humpback whales migrate to hawaii each winter because of the ideal warm waters, varying ocean depths, and lack of natural predators.
Enjoy the norwegian and icelandic winter and combine whale watching orcas, humpbacks and fin whales. In the 1960s there were as few as 1,400 pacific humpback whales, now, in 2019, there are over 22,000 due to conservation efforts. Generally speaking, december to may is seen as the best time for whale watching in oahu and the rest of hawaii. Without a doubt, one of the most amazing marine wildlife adventures youll ever have the opportunity to partake in is a chance to witness the majesty of the north pacific humpback whales in their natural environment year, after year, these magical. The first humpback whale sighting this year in hawaii was on september 29th near the small island of niihau. What is the best hawaiian island for whale watching. Whale watching on oahu graceful and gentle giants of the ocean, arching, breaching, and frolicking, hawaiis humpback whales take center stage during whale season. Maui is a top whalewatching spot for boatbased viewing. They migrate over 3,500 miles to get to hawaii where they breed and give birth.
Officially, whale season in hawaii runs from december 15may 15, although the first whale of the season is usually spotted sometime in early october. Types of whales in hawaii almost a dozen whale species. Whale watching is one of the most popular winter activities in hawaii, and for good reason. Maui, molokai and lanai offer the best whalewatching opportunities. 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.
Tips offered to enjoy hawaiis famed humpback whales from shore to sea. Humpback whale watching season starts early in hawaii live. Whale watching season on kauai february 18, 2014 1 comment in kauai activities, kauai events and festivals by tanya if you want to see whales, now is the time. You can listen to the whales under water, spot them from. Maui whale watching guide humpback whales in hawaii. Out of an abundance of caution related to the evolving covid19 situation, four seasons resort maui at wailea will temporarily suspend operations. The north pacific humpback whales, known as koholai, arrive in hawaii as early as. While the first maui whale sighting differs every year, its lately been as early as september that humpbacks are spotted in maui. Start your whale watching year with ease why not visit hawaii. Humpback whale season on the hawaiian islands is between november and early may, but some months are better than others. What you need to know about the maui whale season the old. The hawaii whale watching season is the most anticipated time of year regarding activities in the islands.
The whales are drawn to the areas shallow waters, especially the auau channel between maui, molokai and lanai, making maui. Without a doubt, one of the most amazing marine wildlife adventures youll ever have the opportunity to partake in is a chance to witness the majesty of the north pacific humpback whales in their natural environment year, after year, these magical mammals grace hawaiian. Hawaiis humpback whale season begins big island now. Sep 05, 2018 officially, whale season in maui runs from december 15thmay 15th, although its still possible to see whales outside of the officialwhale season dates.
Whale watching is available for visitors to enjoy between december and may. The best time to see whales on maui is november through may when thousands of north pacific humpback whales grace hawaiian waters during their annual winter migration. The first arrivals could start showing up as early as late november, but theyre few and far between. Its whalewatching season in hawaii, and these creatures are. The humpbacks sing a haunting song, that you can hear when youre swimming under the water in hawaii during whale season.
I was lucky enough to move into a condo in north kihei that overlooks maalaea bay. 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. Many of the events are marked by stories, song, prayer, dance and poetry. Fall hawaii international film festival, vans world cup of surfing maui. Chinese heritage festival, hula o na keiki, made in maui county festival hawaii island. At 25 to 40 tons, pacific humpback whales are the fifth largest whale species in the world. Whale season usually stretches from mid december through mid april. Although most hawaii guidebooks state that whale watching season runs from november to april, the peak time for whales in kona is from midjanuary through early march.
The waters surrounding maui are the stage for some of the best whale watching in the world. Of course the whales arent quite aware of the thousands of tourists in hawaii waiting for their arrival, so they come when they want to. I fondly remember my motherinlaw, who lived in maui, would always be looking out for whales throughout the maui whale watching season although sometime she would look for them while driving along the ocean, which would freak me out whale watching in hawaii is one of the most popular winter activity and one of the best islands by far for. Maui luxury 5star beach resort four seasons resort maui. Whale watching tours on the big island of hawaii 2020. 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. Best tours on oahu whale watching season in hawaii. The best time to see whales on maui is november through may when thousands of north pacific humpback whales grace hawaiian waters during their annual. Hawaii whale watching hawaii whale watching tours are the big winter event. 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.
Whale season in maui hawaii hawaiian paddle sports llc. Hawaiian islands humpback whale marine life top 10. Theres arguably no better place in the world to see humpback whales than maui. Whale watching boat tours and diy guide big island. Sep 16, 2018 in fact many of our hawaii tour guests inquire as to when whale season is and when whale watching tours become available to book.
Did you get a chance to visit maui during whale season. What you need to know about the maui whale season the. Lahaina harbor is home to a wide range of whale watching tours. Other good islands to go whale watching are maui and kauai. On average, the first whale sighting from a trilogy. 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. See below for how and when to see whales in the wild. 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.
The best way to experience maui whale watch season is to take a guided boat tour with a professional captain and crew. Check out our favorite moments from this past season. 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. 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. The last whales could stick around until april before they make their trek back to alaska. Research indicates that at as many as 10,000 humpback whales may be in hawaii this upcoming season. Hawaii is the only place in the united states where humpback whales mate, calve, and nurse their young. The majority of the whales that migrate to hawaii bask in the warm, hospitable, and generally calm maui waters. I fondly remember my mother in law, who lived in maui, would always be looking out for whales throughout the maui whale watching season although sometime she would look for them while driving along the ocean, which would freak me out whale watching in hawaii is one of the most popular winter activity and one of the best islands by far for. The whale watching season in kauai runs from november through march. When is the best time to see humpback whales in hawaii and.