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You are viewing: When To See Whales In Hawaii
Getting to see a glimpse of the thousands of humpback whales that migrate to Hawaii every year is exhilarating and so special. As many as 10,000 humpback whales are estimated to migrate from Alaska to the warm waters of Hawaii each year to mate, birth, and nurture their offspring.
If you’re hoping to see these gentle giants on your winter vacation, here’s what you need to know about the best time for whale watching in Hawaii as well as tips to help you make the most of this awe-inspiring experience.
The Best Time for Whale Watching in Hawaii
The best time for whale watching in Hawaii is between December and March. Though you can begin to see whales off the coast in the beginning of October (or even September) and as late as May, between December and March is when the population of humpback whales in Hawaii is the largest.
Some sites will tell you that the best month to go whale watching is November, but while there are a number of whales in the Hawaiian islands during this month, it’s nowhere near the peak months in Hawaii and tour operators don’t run whale watching tours yet.
What month is the best to see whales in Hawaii?
The peak months for viewing whales in Hawaii are from mid-January through March, as this is considered to be the peak whale season in Hawaii. That’s when the official whale counts occur.
Where to See Whales in Hawaii
You can see whales from the shore of any of the main Hawaiian islands during whale season. But if you want the best information on exactly where to go, we’ve got you covered.
Which Hawaiian island has the best whale watching?
Maui is by far the best island for whale watching in Hawaii. Each year, volunteers gather at various viewing locations around the island to count the number of whale sightings over 15 minute intervals. Maui always has significantly more recorded sightings than on the other islands.
To give you an example, the data from the whale counts on January 29, 2022 is below. This table shows the most number of whale sightings on each island during a 15 minute interval that day:
- Maui: 122 whales
- Oahu: 107 whales
- Kauai: 59 whales
- Hawai’i (Big Island): 19 whales
You can find whale count data published by the Sanctuary Ocean Count for Oahu, Kauai, and the Big Island, and additional whale count data published by the Pacific Whale Foundation for Maui.
Related read: be sure to check out our full guide to whale watching on Maui.
Is whale watching better on Oahu or the Big Island?
If you’re deciding between heading to Oahu or to the Big Island for whale watching, you’ll find better whale watching on Oahu. According to the data, Oahu has a higher number of whale sightings during the official whale count, when compared to the Big Island.
For example, during the January 2022 count, Oahu averaged 6.4 whale sightings per 15 minutes, while the Big Island averaged 1.4 whale sightings per 15 minutes.
The best places for whale watching in Hawaii
We have island specific information for where to see the best whale watching in Hawaii. While there are plenty of places to see them from shore, these are the spots where you’ll usually find the most whale sightings. For Oahu, Kauai, and the Big Island, these spots had the most sightings during the official whale counts. You can see all of the whale count locations using this map.
The best places for whale watching on Maui
Whales love Maui for the shallow waters found in the ‘Au ‘au channel between Maui and Lana’i, Molokai, and Kaho’olawe. This is the center of whale watching in Hawaii. So anywhere along the leeward side of the island, from Kapalua down to Wailea, you’ll be able to see whales from the shore.
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We have specific places listed for you to stop and watch from the shore in our Maui Whale Watching Guide.
The best places for whale watching on the Oahu
On Oahu you can usually find great whale sightings both north and south on the island. On the North Shore, there are a high number of sightings from Turtle Bay, Sharks Cove, Pyramid Rock Beach in Kaneohe, the Halona Blowhole, and Lana’i Lookout.
If you’re heading to Oahu, be sure to check out our full Oahu guide.
The best places for whale watching on Kauai
On Kauai, you’ll want to head to Kilauea Lighthouse, Kapa’a Lookout, and Makahuena Point for your best bet for spotting whales from the shore.
Our Kauai guide has you covered with what you need to know for your trip.
The best places for whale watching on the Big Island
On the Big Island, you’ll want to head to the Four Seasons Hualalai, Pu’ukohola Heiau National Historic Site, or Kapa’a Beach Park.
Make sure you check out our Big Island guide before you plan your trip.
The Best Whale Watching Tours in Hawaii
If you are looking to head out whale watching, we have some of the best tours for you to choose from. We love going on our tours because we not only get the chance to have a closer experience with the whales (if they choose to venture towards the boat), we have also learned so much from the marine naturalists onboard. Seeing a whale breach in front of your boat is something you won’t soon forget!
Best whale watching tours on Maui
If you are looking for the best whale-watching tours on Maui, we have a full list of 7 tours that we have done often and have really enjoyed. Probably our favorite on the list is the tour with Ultimate Whale Watch & Snorkel.
You’re heading out on an adventure in their raft and we have never been disappointed with the tour. They have plenty of tour options leaving from Lahaina Harbor for you to choose from, and you can even combine whale watching with a snorkeling tour. Check out these great tours you can choose from:
Or, you can go with their standard 2 hour and most popular tour.
Best whale watching tours on Oahu
We have two tours for you to choose from which top our list as the best whale watching tours on Oahu. The first leaves from Waikiki, making it an easy option if you’re staying in Waikiki. Check out the Waikiki whale watching tour.
The second tour leaves from the Wainae coast, which is approximately 45 minutes/1 hour north of Waikiki. This is a small group whale watching tour on a raft, and is perfect if you’re staying in Ko Olina or if you want to combine it with a trip up to the Ko Olina lagoons.
For even more, we have the 7 Best Oahu Whale Watching Tours
Best whale watching tours on Kauai
We have two power rafting tours that we recommend on Kauai. The first whale watching tour leaves from Port Allen, approximately 25 minutes from Poipu. The second whale watching tour leaves from Poipu, so it’s really convenient if you’re staying in the Poipu area.
For even more, we have The 3 Best Kauai Whale Watching Tours.
Best whale watching tours on the Big Island of Hawaii
There are three great tours that we recommend on the Big Island, all located either in Kona or the Kohala Coast. If you’re staying in Kohala, you’ll want to check out this small group raft whale watching tour. If you’re heading out of Kona, and would prefer not to be on a raft, this small group boat whale watching tour is a great option.
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For even more, we have The 6 Best Big Island Whale Watching Tours.
Whale Watching FAQs
Can you see whales from the shore in Hawaii?
You can absolutely see whales from the shore in Hawaii. Some of my favorite whale sightings have been when a whale has unexpectedly breached close to the shore and I just happen to be looking in the right place.
Whales tend to come close to the shore and in fairly shallow waters, so you’ll be able to see plenty of whales from the shore if you come during whale season.
How much does it cost to go whale watching in Hawaii?
While a tour isn’t required to see whales, if you want to get closer and learn more about them from a marine naturalist, you can find a range of tours at all different price points.
You can find early-bird tours on larger boats for as little as $50. Our favorite style of rafting tours can range from $65 to $150. And our favorite style tour with kids — a catamaran tour — can run you around $100. Gratuity for the crew is not included in the price but is appreciated.
Types of Hawaii whale watching tours
If you want to head out onto the water to view the whales, there are a number of different types of tours you can choose from. Tours include:
1. Catamaran whale watching
A number of the whale watching tour operators use catamarans to take large groups out whale watching. You’ll generally find groups of over 100 people on the large catamarans. Though during peak whale season you generally don’t have to worry about not being able to see through the crowd — they often do a good job of rotating the boat or spreading people out to make sure everyone gets to see something.
2. Sailboat
Heading out on a sailboat offers a smaller group experience than catamaran whale watching. You’ll usually find that the sailboats will take out groups of 60 or less. They might also offer more upscale amenities, such as breakfast or mai tai drinks. Our favorite sailboat tour operator is Sail Maui.
3. Raft
Rafting is another popular tour type and you’ll hit the water with an even smaller group. Rafts offer a faster ride so you can cover more ground than you would in a catamaran or sailboat. And you’re closer to the water so if a whale does venture close, you get a great view. But these can be bumpier rides so it won’t be a smooth, luxurious sailing experience. We love rafting for whale watching and from Lahaina, we head out on one of these tours:
4. Kayaking
Get some exercise while looking for whales. Hop in a kayak and head out with a guide to paddle out to the whales. These small group tours can’t cover as much ground as a regular boat tour, but it gives you a unique, adrenaline-filled experience. Check out this kayaking whale watching tour on Maui.
5. Outrigger Canoe
Jump in an outrigger canoe — the form of transportation that Hawaiians have used for centuries. Powered by your arms, this is a unique way to get out on the water and see the whales. Just like a kayak, you won’t cover as much ground. But your guides will know where to take you to have the best chance of seeing whales.
Can you swim with whales in Hawaii?
No. Humpback whales are federally protected under the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act. To keep them safe, it is illegal to approach a whale within 100 yards.
What time of day is best for whale watching in Hawaii?
We have been told by marine naturalists many times that there is no time of day when whales are most active. They can be active at any point during the day, so you can book any tour slot and have a good chance of seeing whales.
That said, we think that early morning is the best time for whale watching. That’s because you won’t need to worry about sitting on a boat in the hot sun — and it can get very hot on those boats! The ocean also tends to be more calm before the trade winds kick up in the afternoon, making it a more pleasant experience.
Plan the Rest of Your Hawaii Trip
If you’re heading to Hawaii during whale season — or anytime — our itineraries will help you make the most of your trip. Designed to make your planning easy, our excursion days take you sightseeing to the best spots on the island (and the best restaurants) on a planned route.
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