Start your whale watching year with ease why not visit hawaii. Sanctuary ocean count hawaiian islands humpback whale. Whale watching on oahu graceful and gentle giants of the ocean, arching, breaching, and frolicking, hawaii s humpback whales take center stage during whale season. We believe in delivering service, safety, and the spirit of aloha. Hawaii humpback whale counts plunge in march honolulu star. The sanctuary ocean count project offers the community a chance to monitor humpback whales from the shores of o. Go whalewatching off the coast of oahu on this excursion from waikiki or ko olina. Whale watching is a seasonal and very popular activity during the winter time in hawaii. Catamaran sailing is one of the most popular activities in hawaii. North shore catamaran charters offers several types of tours that you are sure to enjoy.
The count is held the last saturday of january, february, and march during peak whale season of each year from 8. They only would come to hawaii when they knew they could see whales, usually around february. Get in touch with your wild side on our oahu whale watch tours. North shore catamaran charters snorkel, sailing, whale. The whales are drawn to the areas shallow waters, especially the auau channel between maui, molokai. One of the giants was reportedly seen breaching multiple times. The star of honolulu celebrates their 60 year anniversary. In fact, whale watching is one of oahus main attractions, drawing onlookers from across the world. Our kauai whale watching tour is a must do for all wildlife enthusiasts, allow you to cruise the calm south shore waters of kauai on one of our spacious 65.
The gentle giants come to the warm hawaiian waters every year to breed and give birth to new calves. Whale watching off of waikiki, hawaii, february 2017 youtube. Whale watching tours and cruises depart from various ports along oahus southern and western harbors. Both tours are truly dedicated to the oahu whale watching experience, and expert naturalists share insightful information and educational commentary on the humpback whale s behavior and biology. Whale season on hawaii is between november and april. 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. I was originally planning on doing a whale watch cruise off maui one of the cruise days. Most whale watching tours run from middecember through march to midapril. How close would we get, or would they be far off in the distance. Available during the kauai whale watching season november march. Whalewatching tours are the best way to learn about and get great photos of these breaching behemoths up close.
Oahu whale watching tours whale watching cruises are some of the most popular and fun things to do in hawaii s whale season, which runs from december through april. Experience whale watching in hawaii, one of the most popular activities in the winter. If you book a whale watching tour from maui, experience the thrill of spotting a spout about 300 yards off the bow, and then motoring close for a. Whale watching cruise along scenic oahu west coast witness the beauty and majesty of the amazing humpback whales as they make their annual migration through hawaiian waters.
From december to may, around 10,000 north pacific humpback whales escape frigid alaskan waters for the tropical climes of hawaii. Whale watching on oahu from december to may, you may catch a glimpse of a majestic kohola, or humpback whale, in oahus southern seas. Island divers hawaii whale watching charter is the only charter on oahu which conducts their tours inside the hawaiian islands humpback whale national marine sanctuary. Monitor dolphin and whale sightings in real time with our live whale tracker app, available on. Officially, whale season in hawaii runs from december 15may 15, although the first whale of the season is usually spotted sometime in early october. What is the best time of the day to see whales in february. Daytime guided sightseeing boat trip from hawaii glass bottom boat adventures up to 40% off.
Brilliant trip crew were great saw dolphins, great ipro footage by the crew. Whale watching in march honolulu forum tripadvisor. Sep 26, 2017 whale watching boat tours can offer a closer view of humpbacks. Honolulu whale watching deals in honolulu, hi groupon.
Whale watching boat tours and diy guide big island. Find more things to do on oahu go to oahu things to do page. Humpback whale surfaces for a breath off the coast of maui, hawaii in march 2007. It is generally believed that february is the absolute peek of the season. According to noaa, the peak season for whale watching in oahu is january to march. The whaleplanner march a whale watching infographic. Hawaii is a favorite wintering spot for na kohola humpback whales and has one of the largest seasonal populations of north pacific humpbacks in the world. Its not quite as dramatic when you consider that february only has 28 days and march has 31 days. You may also spot kohola from the southern shores of oahu, especially at makapuu lighthouse and along the seaside overlooks near leahi diamond head.
Boat tours and whale watching cruises have become increasingly popular. Its great that its just off shore and the whole cruise was set up to be casual and laid back with a great honesty bar system. Jan 27, 2016 we wanted to see how close we can get to the humpback whales here in oahu. Overall june is the driest month in hawaii, while december is the wettest month. 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. Get in touch with your wild side and meet your finned counterparts on whale and dolphin encounters hawaiis year round whale watching of other marine mammals. If you are visiting during one of the months of low to medium humpback whale activity or from one of the islands that have less activity, taking a boat tour can help increase your chances of seeing whales. We are hawaii s first dolphin smart recognized operator for proper viewing of dolphins.
More than twenty species of marine mammals call the hawaiian waters home, and they include a range of whales. Humpback whale season on the hawaiian islands is between november and early may, but some months are better than others. With a donation or an adoption of a whale you can help to make the world a place where whales and dolphins are free and safe. The last whale counts from oahu showed the largest. If you want to be sure to see the most whales in the ocean, it is best to plan your trip for the peak whale times of midjanuary to the beginning of march.
The whole family will enjoy it with our educational kids. Whale watching cruises are some of the most popular things to do in hawaii s whale season, which runs from december through april. A special whale count is held the last saturday of january, february, and march on the islands of oahu, kauai, and hawaii. You may also spot kohola from the southern shores of oahu, especially at. Courtesy of a research hydrophone, you can listen to live whale song through the vessel stereo system. If you are ready to check out the north pacific humpback whales in hawaii, know that there are a variety of ways to experience it, and the best place to do it is on the island of maui. Feb 27, 2017 whale watching with friends on a beautiful february 2017 day in hawaiinei. January through march is the best time for spotting these acrobatic, social and curious whales who have been known to swim up to. Each winter december through may, thousands of kohola humpback whales travel to hawaii from colder waters to breed, calve and nurse their young. Whale watching island divers hawaii oahus friendliest.
Maui whale watching tours are truly an exceptional experience. Stay at a hotel along the areas of high humpback density. Humpback whale season in hawaii generally runs from november through may. You can also spot whales from oahus many beaches and from southeastern oahu spots like the scenic makapuu lighthouse, hanauma bay, and along the seaside overlooks near leahi diamond head. Are our chances of seeing whales off oahu about as good as seeing whales off maui. Learn about hawaii s marine animals from the onboard naturalist. Oct 03, 2019 humpback whales have returned and free whale watching in hawaii is really possible. Where to watch humpback whales from shore across hawaii.
While in hawaii we booked the west oahu, sailing catamaran. Were fodors choice for whale watching on oahu, and deemed by cbs josh horwitz author of war of the whales as one of the top five american whale watching tours get in touch with your wild side on our oahu whale watch tours. Take a trip to the beach or a scenic lookout and watch for the blows, pec slaps, flukeup dives, and breaches of hawaiis humpbacks. Try familyfriendly cultural activities such as making leis, dancing hula or playing ukelele. However, peak hawaii whale watching season occurs during february and march. Reef fishing and snorkel adventure for one or two adults or children from tradewind charters up to 44% off.
Honolulu ap there were at least nine collisions between. Hawaii whale watching, oahu whale watch near ko olina, waikiki. Were fodors choice for whale watching on oahu, and deemed by cbs josh horwitz author of war of the whales as one of the top five american whale watching tours. Whale season in hawaii lasts from november to may, with the peak of the season between january and march. Nothing beats the aweinspiring beauty of the waianae coast, except maybe the equally stunning and diverse wildlife.
Enjoy a morning whale watch cruise along waikiki beach. Boat tours and whale watching cruises, for instance, have become increasingly popular, with both commercial and private tour companies offering all. Set out on a honolulu whale watch cruise to see hawaii s humpback whales and cruise past beautiful diamond head in search of these majestic marine mammals. Hawaii rainfall chart by month and island go visit hawaii. If one is seeking to enjoy an encounter with the species, there are myriad options available. Download the app to stay uptodate on the latest sightings. 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. Oahu whale watching tours whale watching tours on oahu if youre fortunate enough to be visiting oahu during the months of novembermay give or take a couple of weeks either way, you absolutely must plan a whale watching tour. Wild side hawaii whale watching, swimming with wild dolphins, snorkeling tour oahubased combination of best snorkeling, swimming with wild dolphins, year round whalewatching, incredible history, stunning landscapes, and a mesmerizing wealth of natural beauty that only mother nature at her finest can provide our mission is quite simply, conservation through experience. Years before we moved to hawaii, my husbands family would come to hawaii in the winter to see whales.
Try handson hawaiian culture activities such as lei making, ukulele and hula lessons. This luxurious cruise vessel also features airconditioned rooms with large windows for comfort and viewing pleasure. Every winter, over 5,000 humpback whales travel from alaska to hawaii. Whales can be seen quite easily from most shorelines around the hawaiian islands. Make your selection from these exciting hawaii whale watch tours below. We offer the best whale watching on oahu and the only whale watching tour on the north shore, sunset tours, snorkeling tours seasonal, and a sun and moon cruise. The waianae coast is the best place in oahu to spot whales. Humpback whales visit hawaiian waters each year from november to may with the peak of the season being from january to march. 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. During this time literally thousands of pacific humpback whales make their journey from the cold waters off alaska to hawaii s warm waters to mate, breed and raise their young. The whaleplanner january a whale watching infographic. Majestic waikiki whale watch afternoon cruise see hawaiis. Enjoy the norwegian and icelandic winter and combine whale watching orcas, humpbacks and fin whales.
I am changing my plans to one week on oahu and one week in kauai instead of doing the hawaiian cruise. Any input or suggestions about whale watching in march. When we plotted this data, the uptick in rain from february to march was surprising. Share the beauty of kauais south shore with some of the worlds largest and most peaceful creatures. Oahu whale watching tours are a particular delight for visitors coming to hawaii to escape the winter chill and the humpback whales seen on these whale watches can often be. 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.
Majestic waikiki whale watch afternoon cruise see hawaii. Weve been to oahu, maui, and the big island but only in late may and june, but we are looking to take my mom in february to oahu and i was wondering if you can see whales on oahu. If no whales are sighted during your cruise guests can go out again for free. Oahu, hawaii whale watching, swimming with wild dolphins.
The very best months are february and march when whale sightings are almost guaranteed. During this time literally thousands of pacific humpback whales make their journey from the cold waters off alaska to hawaiis warm waters to mate, breed and raise their young. There are a few whales around maui from midnovember to midapril. Spend a day on the water with your eyes peeled for humpback whales, gray whales. Hawaii nautical kapolei all you need to know before you. Humpback whales begin arriving in hawaii in november and head back to alaska in late may. The worlds 8 best destinations for whale watching and. For a leisure midday whale experience, choose the stars popular premier whale watch cruise. 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. Only 34 humpback whales were spotted during the third and final monthly count that took place saturday on oahu, kauai and hawaii island.
A number of speedboat, pontoon, and sailboat tours depart from areas around waikikiespecially from kewalo basin harbor opposite ala moana beach parkas well as from the north shore and the western leeward side of the island. There are at about 10,000 to 15,000 humpback whales in the world, and over 1,000 of them visit the tropical waters of hawaii every year at the end of november. The most wonderful time of the year is whale watching season in hawaii. Poipu whale watching november to march blue dolphin. Yet, when we averaged the rainfall to a per day level, march still. Without being told at time of booking or before getting in their bus, we ended up on a scuba diving boat full of tanks so you couldnt get to the side to view the whale.
We saw plenty of turtles and the whole family had a great time. And for those lucky enough to experience this once in a lifetime influx of such extraordinary creatures these sea stars offer performances worthy of oscars, it is truly a. If your onboard naturalist does not spot any whales during your cruise, you will receive a complimentary return whale. Round trip transportation from waikiki and a freshly made local lunch are included, choose from menu at spinners cafe. That while their season in hawaii isnt normally set to get underway for about a month. Whale watching hawaii oahu year round whale watch oahu.
The waters surrounding maui are the stage for some of the best whale watching in the world. The whaleplanner march a whale watching infographic whaletrips. With a small group of people, watch the gentle giants swim, feed, breach and play around your boat. Hawaii discount offers the best whale watching cruises in hawaii at discounted rates. We respect the ocean and the ecosystem, and follow strict guidelines so that all marine mammals and wildlife are protected. See oahu s beautiful coastlines, the famous waikiki beach, and the majestic humpback whales as they play in the warm hawaii waters. By the peak of the season from january march, thousands of humpbacks have gathered in hawaii from hilo to hanalei, with the largest concentration of whales residing between maui, molokai, and lanai. Waikiki and kewalo basin charters are not in the sanctuary. But there are only a lot of whales around maui from mid january to early march.
Oahu events in september including the honolulu festival, waikiki aquarium birthday, and the. Whale watching in oahu is an activity many visitors look forward to, and for good reason. We wanted to see how close we can get to the humpback whales here in oahu. God held the rains back till after we got off the ship. Maui whale watching guide humpback whales in hawaii. Whale watching cruises are some of the most popular and fun things to do in hawaiis whale season, which runs from december through april. See the beauty of hawaiis humpbacks from the spacious outdoor viewing decks aboard the majestic.
Thousands of humpbacks gather in the warm waters to mate and give birth. Humpback whale season in hawaii generally runs from november through. Whale watching cruise for one, two, or four from pink sails waikiki up to 72% off. Poipu whale watching november to march blue dolphin charters. If you have planned a hawaii vacation during this time, you should have no problem spotting whales. During the months from december to may, pods of humpback whales migrate through hawaiis warm waters, and this tour guarantees whale sightings. There are a variety of ways in which you can catch a glimpse of hawaiis humpback whales. Whale watching december thru march hawaii activities. A humpback whale breaches off the coast of oahu in hawaii. Hawaii nautical is one of hawaii s largest oceanactivity providers, with a fleet of vessels islandwide serving many harbors across oahu and the big island. Upgrade to include a breakfast or lunch buffet, or hotel transport. Top ten sites for shoreline whale watching marine life. Learn about hawaiis marine animals from the onboard naturalist.
Oahu is the third largest of the inhabited hawaiian islands, but is by far the most densely populated. But humpback whales visit the hawaiian islands every year from november to may, so its possible that you can see whales outside of that january to march peak whale season too. The count is held the last saturday of january, february, and march during peak whale. 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. Enjoy some of the best whale watching in oahu and learn about humpback whales from our naturalist crew. You can use the species and date filters to see changes throughout the year. Cruise in the comfort of hawaii s largest vessel with hightech stabilizers for smooth cruising and the most outdoor space with four walkaround decks and a top observation deck for optimal whale encounters. So if you have not made your travel arrangements yet, shoot for these months. The peak normally occurs between january and march, but whales. Oahu whale watching tours the whale watching season is usually under way by the 15th of december and usually lasts through april. Hawaiian islands humpback whale explore whale watching. Heres how, where and what to bring if youre hoping to spot these massive mammals. Were fodors choice for oahu whale watching, and cbss top five american whale watching tours dolphin encounters and swimming with wild dolphins every tour is diverse, depending on the dolphins moods and the crews discretion in maximizing the adventure.
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