Boat tours may be your best option for viewing whales up close. West and south maui and the kohala coast of hawaiis big island. In 12 years of studies by cascadia research, a total of 32 sperm whales were sighted in hawaii31 of which were off of the big island. Between eight to ten thousand whales travel long distances each year from alaska to spend january through march in hawaiian waters. 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. Where they call hawaii their winter home december to april of each year. Trips daily from within the national marine humpback whale sanctuary waters. Winter is whalewatching season in kona, hawaii luva. We live in kona part time and can spot whales in season from land so we didnt consider taking the tour until we met travis by the kona style cat at the pier. Whale watching on the big island 2020 big island of hawaii. When is the best time to see humpback whales in hawaii and which. On the east side, hilo bay is another place popular for whale sightings. December to april is an exciting time for the big island of hawaii because it marks whale watching season. 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.
This popular humpback whale watching tour is featured during the height of hawaiis whale season january march. Although most hawaii guidebooks state that whale watching season runs from november to april, the peak time for whales in kona is from. Tripadvisor afternoon whale watch island of hawaii. Maui whale watching guide humpback whales in hawaii. When is the best time to see humpback whales in hawaii. 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. Big island luxury hotel four seasons resort hualalai. 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. 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. Humpback whales travel from alaska to hawaii every winter to calve and mate. Seeing these gentle giants of the sea is an exhilarating experience and the highlight of any hawaii vacation. Some say kohala is hawaiian for the humpback whale, and there is evidence to show that this beautiful beast has been visiting the waters near hawaii since ancient times. Humpback whale season in hawaii generally runs from november through may. 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.
Since then, shes seen something near 30 members of. While the beginning of the season is the same as above, november, the end of the season. February usually marks the peak of whale season in kona, as thousands of whales become snowbirds in hawaii, arriving here to breed, give. Cultural significance of whales in hawaii whales have great cultural significance for native hawaiians. Whale watching season has started earlier than expected in hawaii. Agritourism 12 apply agritourism filter air tours 4 apply air tours filter art 1 apply art filter bikingcycling. Hawaiis whale watching season takes place from late november to midapril. If you are here in the winter, there are many whale watch cruises available during humpback season, offering a wide range of boats, activities, education and. The whale watching season in kauai runs from november through march. Whale cruises whale watching big island, waikoloa, kona. By the week after thanksgiving, its common to find whales off of maui or lanai as they breach and leap from the waterwith many of the whales. While the beginning of the season is the same as above, november, the end of the season appears to be on the earlier side in april. Maui, molokai and lanai offer the best whalewatching opportunities. Whale watching cruises are some of the most popular things to do in hawaiis whale season, which runs from december through april.
Now that most of the humpback whales have left hawaiian waters for their long journey back to alaska i will begin working on ongoing research programs focused on our many different species of resident whales. The peak normally occurs between january and march, but whales may be encountered in. Scientists estimate that twothirds of the entire north pacific humpback whale population return to hawaii to breed, calve and nurse their young. Officially, whale season in hawaii runs from december 15may 15, although the first whale of the season is usually spotted sometime in early october. The first humpback whale of hawaiis 2019 winter season was spotted yesterday off the coast of kee beach, on kauais north side, by a holo holo charters boat. There are a variety of ways in which you can catch a glimpse of hawaiis humpback whales. The big island whale season begins on dec 16th and runs till the end of mach. The humpback whale is known for making an annual migration of nearly 6,000 miles, one of the longest of any mammal. The return of the kohola humpback whale is considered more of a homecoming than a visit. 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. The open ocean safari delivers opportunities to swim with dolphins kona also features whales, whale sharks, big pelagic fish, sharks, mantas, and more.
Although humpback whales can be seen from all of the hawaiian islands, the shallow auau channel. If youve never had the chance to experience whale watching on maui, then you simply cant afford to miss this fascinating and rare opportunity to see mauis north pacific humpback whales in their natural environment. There are so many whales in hawaii during peak whale season that locals refer to the ocean as whale soup. You might consider doing your whale watching on maui. Last week a young, playful whale appeared beside some kayaks. It is generally believed that february is the absolute peek of the season. Join on an epic expedition in search of hawaiis biggest and best marine life. They play a large role in hawaiian legendincluding one creation storyand appear in ancient petroglyphs on several islands. Enjoy a special encounter with these amazing creatures on our kona whale watch tour. Ocean sports knows where the whales areweve been operating whale watch cruises on the kohala coast since 1981. Our snorkel destination is kealakekua bay where you will find some of the best snorkeling in the state of hawaii. During hawaiis whale season you can go on a whale watching cruise along the big islands hilo, kona or kohala coast. Due to the evolving covid19 situation, and as a result of the travel restrictions by the governor of the state.
Hawaii big island whale watching tours hawaii discount. He is a native and has a love for the island and the sea that is so infectious we decided to try the tour. Other good islands to go whale watching are maui and kauai. 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. Dan mcsweeneys whale watch tours official website kona. Unlike other locations in hawaii, the big island is not only the seasonal home for. Every year between december and april, more than 8,000 humpback whales journey over 3,500 miles to hawaii where they congregate to breed, calf, and nurse their young. Hawaiian islands humpback whale explore whale watching. Captain zodiac will take you to explore some of hawaiis most amazing sights along the kona coast. Whale bubblenet feeding documented by uh researchers through. Offshore of kailuakona, hawaii big island, watch whales blow, breech, tail slap and otherwise amaze you at their grace, beauty and enormity.
Big island whale watching is unavailable for cruise ship passengers who are in port for the day as these tours depart from the waikoloa area which is a significant drive from the dock. Humpback whale watching december to april see humpback whales in hawaii. Join kauai sea tours for a fun seasonal two hour adventure and go whale watching along kauais south shore to find the gentle giants of the sea. Get up close with humpback whales near the big island of hawaii on this guided, whale watching excursion. This remote marine preserve features hundreds of colorful fish and beautiful coral. Four seasons resort hualalai is a relaxing oasis on hawaiis exclusive kona coast offering 243 luxurious rooms and suites, fine dining and event venues. If you are visiting kona during whale season, the chance of seeing whales is pretty good. According to national oceanic and atmospheric administration noaa officials, the boat was heading toward the napali coast on a tour when its captains spotted the whale breaching. 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.
In your research, you may have seen different timeframes defining humpback whale season in hawaii. The south and north kohala districts are best for whale watching on the big island, and there are more than a handful of excellent tours you can signup for. The first humpback whale of hawaiis 2019 winter season is. During hawaiis whale season, the ocean is full of activity from humpback whales migrating from the pacific northwest to breed and nurse their young. November, december and january are frequently listed as the start of the season with april and. Whale watching in kona, hawaii travel tips usa today. Humpback whales arrive in hawaii for mating season nat geo wild. Its whalewatching season in hawaii, and these creatures. In 2014, a sick sperm whale was sighted off of kihei, and it was presumed that the whale had ventured to shallower water as it fought to stay alive. Kailuakona maria harvey worked for seven years in various capacities off the shores of west hawaii before she saw her first whale shark. Here are some of the highlights from last years humpback whale season in waikoloa, hawaii with blue wilderness dive adventures. Experience kona whale watching kona district, hawaii. Unlike other locations in hawaii, the big island is not only the seasonal home for the famous humpback whales but is also home year round to a selection of sperm whales, pilot whales, pygmy killer whales, the melon headed whales and the rare beaked whales.
Humpback whale watching tours look for humpback whales along the kona coast. Sightsee along the stunning kohala coastline and enjoy a fast and fun powerboat ride. When we visit hawaii during humpback whale season, we spend just. Hawaii is a popular destination for whale watching because, during mating season, humpback whales are more active resulting in elevated surface activity. Humpbacks are in hawaiian waters during the winter months to birth their calves and to mate. At 24 40 tons, the north pacific humpback whales are the fifth largest whale. If you happen to be visiting kona during the winter whale season roughly december to march we highly recommend taking the opportunity to. Humpback whales visit hawaiian waters each year from november to may with the peak of the season being from january to march. Humpback whale watching season starts early in hawaii. The health and safety of our guests, members and employees is our top priority. This site uses cookies to improve your experience, to enhance site security and to show you personalized advertising.
Stay at a hotel along the areas of high humpback density. 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. Other species of whales are attracted to hawaiis warm, shallow waters year round, so wherever you travel on the island of hawaii, keep your eyes open for these marine visitors. Dan mcsweeneys whale watch learning adventures in kona, hawaii is the best value in a whale watching tour, for you and the whales. Types of whales in hawaii almost a dozen whale species. When is the best time to see humpback whales in hawaii and. Each year, humpbacks make the 3,000mile trek from alaska to hawaiis warm waters to breed, calve and nurse their young. A single humpback whale was seen near the big islands kailuakona area on thursday, aug. Every winter in hawaii beginning in november, pods of magnificent humpback whales migrate from alaska to the warm waters of the hawaiian islands. Kauai offers a range of whaleviewing opportunities, including poipu beach on the south shore, kilauea. Our two and a half hour whale watching in kona tour offers you a.
Anyone of any age can view these spectacular creatures. You can listen to the whales under water, spot them from. If you book a whale watching tour from maui, experience the thrill of spotting a spout about 300 yards off the. Humpback whalewatching tours are in full swing in hawaii, and some visitors are discovering the giant mammals to be curious creatures. In fact, puukohola literally means hill of the whale in hawaiian. Humpback whale season in hawaii spans from late november to early may, when they migrate from alaska to the warm waters of hawaii to mate and bear their young. You can use the species and date filters to see changes throughout the year. See marine wildlife such as dolphins and turtles year round, or whales during whale season december through april. 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. February usually marks the peak of whale season in kona, as thousands of whales become snowbirds in hawaii, arriving here to breed, give birth and frolic along the shoreline. 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. At the end of summer, they make the long journey to the hawaiian islands where the whales mate and give birth. Plan an excursion to go whale watching on the island of hawaii to spot humpback whales and other species.
The kohala coast is frequently known as the best area of hawaii for whale watching. This whale surface behavior, such as breaching and tail slaps, make for exciting whale watching in hawaii. Whale watching boat tours and diy guide big island. Humpback whale season on the hawaiian islands is between november and early may, but some months are better than others. Big island whale watching tours tom barefoots tours. 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.
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