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Oct 1, 2024 · Make a beeline for the Four Seasons Hualalai, Kapa’a Beach Park, or the Pu’ukohola Heiau National Historic Site for a chance to spot them from January to March. Hawaii’s smaller and less frequented islands, like Lanai, are also ideal areas for whale watching.
- The Best Time For Whale Watching in Hawaii
- Where to See Whales in Hawaii
- The Best Whale Watching Tours in Hawaii
- Whale Watching FAQs
- Plan The Rest of Your Hawaii Trip
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 watchin...
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.
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...
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:
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.
- Oahu. As Hawaii’s busiest island, Oahu has the most choices when it comes to whale watching cruises. Hawaii Nautical has boats that dock at both the Waianae Boat Harbor on the west side of the island and Kewalo Basin on the south side near Waikiki; they even offer an afternoon tour.
- Maui. The ‘Au’au Channel runs between Maui and Lana’i, and as one of the most protected channels in the islands, it has become an epicenter for whale watching during the season.
- Molokai. More than half of the whales that migrate to Hawaii each year to give birth to their young can be found in the waters off of South Molokai. The Kalohi Channel that separates Molokai and Lana’i is a great spot for whale watching, as it tends to be much calmer than other Hawaiian channels.
- Lanai. The small island of Lanai often goes unnoticed by tourists, even though it offers amazing snorkeling, stunning vistas and the promise of a less-crowded Hawaiian vacation.
Prime Whale-Watching Spots: On Maui, the west coast (Kaanapali, Lahaina, Maalaea Harbor, and Wailea) is highlighted as the prime location for whale watching. For the Big Island, the best spots are from Kohala and Waikoloa areas. In Kauai, the north and west coasts are recommended.
The whales just love the shallow Auau Channel that is situated between West Maui, Lanai, and Molokai. While Maui is the best location for humpback whale spotting, the other islands also see many whales in season. There are fabulous whale-watching tours on Kauai, the island of Oahu, and off the shores of the Big Island.
Schedule a tour or charter a boat to spot these magnificent creatures. Treat yourself to scenic ocean views as expert guides take you to the best spots to observe whales playfully surfacing, tail slapping or blowing spouts in the air.
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Mar 4, 2024 · The below map shows the locations of the 9 best places for whale watching in Maui from the shore. 1. Lahaina Harbor. Lahaina Harbor, located on the west side of Maui, is our favorite spot for whale watching because it directly overlooks Maui Nui Basin, the whale sanctuary, and the Au’au Channel.
