5 Tips For An Unforgettable Whale Watching Adventure In Hawaii

Each year, Humpback Whales travel roughly 4,000 miles from their summer feeding grounds in Alaska to breed in the balmy seas of Hawaii.

Humpback whales mate during mating season. Whales are more active, resulting in more surface activity, making Hawaii a popular whale-watching location. Whale viewing in Hawaii is thrilling because of the dynamic surface behavior, such as breaching and tail slaps.

As a Hawaii native and ardent waterman, I’ve compiled a list of five easy suggestions to help you get the most out of your Hawaii whale watching trip. So, when you book your next Hawaii vacation, keep these guidelines in mind, and you could just experience a once-in-a-lifetime whale encounter!

1. Schedule your trip during the busiest months.

Humpback Whales arrive in Hawaii around November and leave in late May to return to Alaska. If you’re planning a trip to Hawaii around this time, you should have no trouble seeing whales. The best months to go whale watching in Hawaii are February and March. So, if you haven’t already planned your trip, aim for these months.

2. Travel to Whale-Watching Islands

The most popular destinations for Hawaii whale viewing are Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island, so plan a trip to one of these islands during your holiday. If you visit Oahu, you can view whales as well, albeit they will not be as many.

3. Arrange for a boat tour

Whale watching cruises in Hawaii are great for witnessing these magnificent creatures in their native habitat. Not only will you be in the whale’s ecosystem, but humpback whales may occasionally approach your boat since they are interested about their surroundings. To get the most out of your whale-watching trip, book a Hawaii boat tour.

During whale season, boat cruises depart from Lahaina Harbor at various times throughout the day. Whale-watching possibilities abound on the Big Island and Kauai, with a full schedule of trips conducted by seasoned, expert operators.

If you prefer solid ground to the deck of a boat, you may see humpback whales from land. On Kauai, the Kilauea Lighthouse, Kealia Lookout, and several coastal high points are wonderful locations to start. Once you’ve found the correct position, finding the whales is simple: watch for the majestic plumes of water (“blows”) soaring into the air and the fun splashes created by these enormous creatures.

4. Respect their own space.

Whale watching is a popular pastime in Hawaii, and as with other outdoor hobbies, there are some guidelines to follow. Within 100 yards of a whale, observers may not approach by boat or swim (also known as the 100-yard rule). However, there is no law prohibiting whales from approaching humans. Hawaii whale watching tour guides are trained to approach these creatures gently and urge them to approach them.

5. Humpback Whale Preservation

After intensive commercial whaling in the early twentieth century, the humpback whale was nearly extinct in 1966. Humpback whales number between 30,000 and 40,000 in the wild today. Federal laws protect them, but there are things we can all do to help preserve this amazing animal for future whale watching generation.

Keep beaches and waterways clear of debris.

Only take part in responsible whale-watching excursions.

Aid efforts to end unlawful whaling.

Legislation, research, and preservation projects should all be supported.

Support environmentally conscious businesses and organizations.

You can read books on whales, but with so many possibilities to view them up up and personal, there’s no excuse not to plan your next Hawaii whale watching cruise right now. It’s simple, enjoyable, and enjoyable for the entire family.

You can read books on whales, but with so many possibilities to view them up up and personal, there’s no excuse not to plan your next Hawaii whale watching cruise right now. It’s simple, enjoyable, and enjoyable for the entire family.