You can listen to the whales under water, spot them from. Kauai whale watching tours whale watching kauai capt. Get in touch with your wild side and meet your finned counterparts on our oahu whale watch and dolphin encounter charters hawaii is the only birthing grounds of humpback whales in the us, and has year round whale watching of other marine mammals. From december through april, kohala, the humpback whale, makes the annual migration to play and breach in hawaiian waters. These amazing giants cover nearly 3,000 miles of open ocean in less than two months time arriving in hawaii around december 15 and staying until around april 15. Luxury whale watching in kona hawaii alii ocean tours. In fact, there are ancient petroglyphs, or stone carvings, that were found depicting drawings of native hawaiians riding on the backs of humpback whales. Boat tours and whale watching cruises have become increasingly popular. Kauai whale watching tours hawaii adventure center. This is due to the 60foot high observation deck and 4 walkaround decks, which allow you to see very far out on all sides of the ship.
No snorkeling on this kauai whale and dolphin adventure. She is coast guardcertified to carry up to 36 passengers, but we limit our guests to 35 per trip to allow for extra room for everyone to spread out and relax in comfort. The gestation period of pregnant females lasts between 1012 months. From december to april, known as whale season is the prime time when thousands of these giant, gorgeous beasts leave their summer home in the alaskan waters and migrate to the warm hawaiian waters. It is estimated that more than 10,000 of these whales migrate to the hawaiian islands each year during the winter, in. Whale watching kauai from december through april, kohala, the humpback whale, makes the annual migration to play and breach in hawaiian waters. Although humpback whales can be seen from all of the hawaiian islands, the shallow auau channel between maui, molokai and lanai is one of the best whale watching destinations in the world. Maui whale watching tours hawaii cruise excursions. The star of honolulu is one of the better ones because it has other entertainment besides looking for whales i live on oahu and you cannot count on seeing whales from any whale watching cruise on oahu most of the whale watching cruises offer a free return trip if you do see any whales. Go here from your mobile device and click your account to create a user login. This is the safest and most comfortable way to experience upclose whale. Although humpback whales can be seen from all of the hawaiian islands, the shallow auau channel between maui, molokai and lana. If you are fortunate enough to be on kauai during the winter months whale watching is a must do activity.
The definite guide to hawaii island whale watching tours. The humpback whale is known for making an annual migration of nearly 6,000 miles, one of the longest of any mammal. 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. Body glove afternoon kona whale watching tour from kona pier. As such, it only fits that creatures as grand as the humpback whale visit this tropical paradise every year to mate and birth their young. 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 gentle giants come to the warm hawaiian waters every year to breed and give birth to new calves. That while their season in hawaii isnt normally set to get underway for about a month. Landbased watchingfrom coastal peaks where ocean panoramas make them. This is the safest and most comfortable way to experience up. They offer kayak, paddleboard and outrigger canoe tours, and while they still adhere to the mandated limits of keeping a 100yard distance, the whales will sometimes choose to swim. Our lead boat, maui princess, is the largest, most uncrowded whale watching boat on maui.
Maui whale watching tour catamaran shore excursion adventure from port of kahului and port lahaina. 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. Humpback whales have been a fascinating part of hawaiian folklore and of life in hawaii for centuries. One of the giants was reportedly seen breaching multiple times. Every winter, our humpback whales in hawaii make the 3000 mile journey from alaska to hawaii to mate and give birth in our warm tranquil waters. The humpback whales are with us in the hawaiian waters middecember through midmay. Whale watching in oahu is an activity many visitors look forward to, and for good reason.
Each year kohola, the hawaiian humpback whale, swims from their alaskan feeding grounds to the warm. For a leisure midday whale experience, choose the stars popular premier whale watch cruise. Maui whale watching guide humpback whales in hawaii. Wild side deemed one of the top five american whale watching tours. By hawaii magazine staff dec 15, 2015 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. Every ticket supports active marine research and the whale entanglement response team. The hawaiian term for dolphin is naia, and refers to all the smaller dolphins found in hawaiian waters, though kiko is used for spotted dolphins. There are a variety of ways in which you can catch a glimpse of hawaiis humpback whales. See the beauty of hawaiis humpbacks from the spacious outdoor viewing decks aboard the majestic. If your onboard naturalist does not spot any whales during your cruise, you. R certified, this is a safe and smooth ride showing off the magnificent humpback whales and unbelievable 360degree panorama from the deck.
As temperatures start dropping nearly everywhere else in the u. Dec 15, 2015 a list of tours to see humpback whales as they migrate through hawaiian waters during the winter months. Every year in the winter months more than 8,000 pacific humpback whales travel over 3,500 miles from alaska to hawaii where they mate and nurse their young. Oct 03, 2019 whale watching tours on all the islands are popular for good reason. Today, whale watching tours are the best way to undergo whale watching in maui. Treat yourself to scenic ocean views as expert guides take you. Landbased watchingfrom coastal peaks where ocean panoramas make them easy to spotis also a possibility. Please join the hawaiian islands humpback whale national marine sanctuary and noaas office of law enforcement for a designed to help ocean users stay safe and legal during whale season. On the big island, you can spot whales from various beaches along the kohala, north kohala.
The most active times to see the whales just offshore is between january and march. Between the months of november and april, the humpback whales travel from alaska to the warm hawaiian ocean to give birth and raise their babies. Hilo whale watching is best from december april humpback whales are become a daily favorite, with sightings on every whale watch tour or you come again free. See oahus beautiful coastlines, the famous waikiki beach, and the majestic humpback whales as they play in the warm hawaii waters. Whale watching novapr archives kauai vacation tours. The majestic creatures put on quite the display for visitors hoping to see some tail slapping, lunging and breaching off the hawaiian shores. Tons of whale watching tours and cruises depart from ports along oahus southern and western harbors. They are truly the highlight of kauais winter season.
We went out on feb 1118 and saw humpback whales, spinner dauphins which we swam along side, pilot whales, and got to snorkel with green sea turtles at a turtle cleaning. Majestic waikiki whale watch afternoon cruise see hawaiis. We offer each guest plenty of room to roam around, for the very best view of mauis humpback whales. We hope you will join us in celebrating his life, his work, and his inspiring vision that continues to guide pacific whale foundation. Star of honolulu is the best vessel for viewing whales. Hawaiian islands humpback whale explore whale watching. If no whales are sighted during your cruise guests can go out again for free. Greg kaufman, founder of pacific whale foundation, passed away on saturday, february 10, 2018 after a hard fought battle with cancer we share our sympathies with his family and with his extended ohana of members, supporters and friends around the world. Majestic waikiki whale watch afternoon cruise see hawaii. Whale watching tours hokua, the most exciting charter vessel located at maalaea harbor, is a 40foot power catamaran specifically built for our unique hawaiian waters.
Sail through the waters with the whales in hawaii as your company. Whale watching tours on kauai the garden island of kauai and its breathtaking napali coast is, arguably, home to some of the most majestic coastline in the entire world. Each winter december through may, thousands of kohola humpback whales travel to hawaii from colder waters to breed, calve and nurse their young. The pacific whale foundation tours are staffed with expert marine naturalists. Everything you need to know about whale watching on maui. Where to whale watch in hawaii fodors travel guide. Try handson hawaiian culture activities such as lei making, ukulele and hula lessons. From december to may, you may catch a glimpse of a majestic kohola, or humpback whale, in oahus southern seas. Pods of dolphin and whale commonly contain nursery groups mothers with their young, adolescent females taking turns. This whale watching excursion offers you a rare chance to experience whales up close and in their natural habitat. This luxurious cruise vessel also features airconditioned rooms with large windows for comfort and viewing pleasure.
Embark on the most popular whale watch cruise of oahu. For a whales guaranteed whale watch tour, join hawaii nautical on their 30. Humpback whales visit hawaiian waters each year from november to may with the peak of the season being from january to march. Voted hawaiis most popular whale watching cruise several years in a row, the star of honolulu is a fantastic viewing for whales. Their migration crosses 3,100 miles of ocean each season. To the native hawaiians a whale is the representation of the hawaiian god kanaloa the god of all. Jump into the warm, worldfamous waters of oahus north shore in a splashtacular adventure that. Every winter, generally december through april, the majestic north pacific humpback whales make an epic journey to visit the warm hawaiian waters to breed, calve, and nurse their young. Encounter wild dolphins, endangered hawaiian sea turtles, manta rays and other amazing marine life. Pacific whale foundation joins partners worldwide in celebration of world oceans day the first week of june. Coast guard licensed captain, first mate, bartender, and all deck hands being first aid and c. Every year more than 20,000 humpback whales return to hawaii for breeding season and were lucky enough to enjoy their company. Whale watching tours around the islands hawaii experiences. Body glove afternoon whale watching tour hawaii discount.
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. Our maui whale watching tour is truly an exceptional vacation value. Our favorite whale watch its fast which means you spend more time watching whales and less time looking for them. The shallow channel between west maui, lanai, and molokai regularly hosts the largest numbers.
The whole family will enjoy it with our educational kids. A list of tours to see humpback whales as they migrate through hawaiian waters during the winter months. During my many years as a tour director, i have had the opportunity to lead tours in australia, new zealand, costa rica, hawaii, and the western u. Star of honolulu waikikis best whale watch cruise from. Our big, spacious boat and can follow the whales in comfort, no matter where they roam, throughout the humpback whale sanctuary. For recommendations on how to choose a whalewatching tour and to learn what to expect, check out these faqs. Other good islands to go whale watching are maui and kauai. 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. Maui whale watching tours and snorkeling closest encounters in. From december to april, known as whale season is the prime time when thousands of these giant, gorgeous beasts leave their summer home in the alaskan waters and migrate to the warm hawaiian. More than twenty species of marine mammals call the hawaiian waters home, and they include a range of whales. Whales have platelike bristles known as baleen in their mouths instead of teeth, and they feed on krill and schools of. 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. You may also spot kohola from the southern shores of oahu, especially at makapuu lighthouse and along the seaside overlooks near leahi diamond head.
The pacific humpback whale is a baleen whale and is the fifth largest type of whale, after the blue whale, fin whale, sei whale and the sperm whale. Whale watching hawaii oahu year round whale watch oahu. Best of the west side guided snorkeling, wild dolphin swim. Kauai whale watching tours whale watching kauai capt andys. The crew was very courteous and knowledgeable about the marine life we were lucky enough to see andor snorkel with, which included 56 sea turtles, pacific bottlenose dolphins and a humpback whale out of season. Finally, for a unique, early morning maui excursion and front row view to the whales, consider joining a paddling tour with the team at hawaiian paddle sports. Power cat, alakai the elite intimacy of our whale watching yearround, dolphin swimm. Sep 17, 20 tons of whale watching tours and cruises depart from ports along oahus southern and western harbors. Lahaina harbor is home to a wide range of whale watching tours. Maui county is world famous as the destination for the pacific northwest humpback whales. This whale watching excursion offers you a rare chance.
Because maui has deeper waters than the other hawaiian islands, this is the ideal environment for the humpback whales. Come along and spot humpback whales on a catamaran cruise, tour oahus moving world war ii memorials or hike to a hidden waterfall. As such, it only fits that creatures as grand as the humpback whale visit this tropical paradise every year. Wahine charters would like to invite you to come out with us and witness one of the largest animals on the planet on the best whale watching charter in hawaii.
The waters surrounding maui are the stage for some of the best whale watching in the world. Book the only whale watching tour departing from haleiwa on oahus north shore. Viewing whales up close on an oahu vacation is a real treat, especially if you get to see humpback whales breaching, in which they leap out of the water and return with an explosive splash. On our trip with capt zodiac off kona coast,we were treated to an amazing non stop show of whales,over and over we all gave up a little snorkle time to take in the wonder. The garden island of kauai and its breathtaking napali coast is, arguably, home to some of the most majestic coastline in the entire world. Body glove afternoon kona whale watching tour from kona. Aulani resort excursions knows where to find the spectacular sunsets, welcoming people and rich history that make this island paradise so special. The hilo side see far less boaters with only a few commercial operation so enjoy a one on one whale encounter without another boat in sight unlike the kona whale watching partys. The larger pilot whales, false killer whales, pygmy killer whales etc. To me this is meaningless because 95% do not have the time to take them up on the offer.
Pride of maui is the most stable and spacious boat on maui with incomparable amenities including two restrooms, glass bottom, water slide, submerged boarding ladders, warm showers, a large hardwood bar and over 2500 feet of open deck. Humpback whales have returned and free whale watching in hawaii is really possible. Schedule a tour or charter a boat to spot these magnificent creatures. Youll enjoy a full two hour whale watch combined with snorkeling a beautiful coral reef. 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 warm, tropical hawaiian waters provide good breeding conditions for the humpback whales. We were told by many its luck of the draw with the whale watching tours,that just as many see them as dont so we didnt sign on for any. Set out on a honolulu whale watch cruise to see hawaiis humpback whales and cruise past beautiful diamond head in search of these majestic marine mammals.
For the most upclose viewing, theres nothing like a tour. Hawaii whale watching tours hawaiian island travel network. Top 5 american whalewatching tours cbs dallas fort worth. Kauai whale watching adventures are a mustdo while visiting the island of discovery. Big island whale watching tour best whale watching tour. Andys tours offer an opportunity to view these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat. Whale watching tours be sure to take advantage of this unique opportunity to observe and witness the most spectacular performance of the seas. The explorer is a hardshelled boat with an inflatable edge like a large zodiac which gives a fast, smooth ride and a front row seat for every passenger. Maui whale watch tours hawaii humpback whale watching. Officially, whale season in hawaii runs from december 15may 15, although the first whale of the season. Whale watching boat tours and diy guide big island.
Youll create memories for the entire family that will not be soon forgotten. Humpback whales have a strong cultural value in hawaii. Another way to see whales is on a cruise of the hawaiian islands. Amongst fellow ocean conservation organizations, we will unite to share stories, citizen science opportunities, beach cleanups and more that make caring for our oceans an accessible, social and fun way to spend the most relevant saturday of summer. Although the state of hawaii does not permit approaching humpback whales closer than 100 yards, or swimming with whales or dolphins, we still find ourselves.
Escorting tours for more than 20 years being a tour director has afforded me the opportunity to travel more than i would have ever dreamed. Whale watching tour get ready to see our hawaiian gentle giants in action. Our fast and safe rafting vessels are low to the water and perfect for close whale watching encounters and small groups making every seat a front row seat. Enjoy some of the best whale watching in oahu and learn about humpback whales from our naturalist crew. Of the hawaiian islands, oahu, maui, and the big island are best known for their stellar whale watching. Come join kauai z tourz for an exciting ocean adventure.
Please, if you are lucky enough to visit in winter, you simply cannot miss seeing these magnificent creatures. 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. On the big island, you can spot whales from various beaches along the. Explore more things to do in hawaii go to experiences page.
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