Hawaii is a popular destination for whale watching because, during mating season, humpback whales are more active resulting in elevated surface activity. Humpback whale watching season starts early in hawaii. When we visit hawaii during humpback whale season, we spend just. The return of the kohola humpback whale is considered more of a homecoming than a visit. Our snorkel destination is kealakekua bay where you will find some of the best snorkeling in the state of hawaii. Humpback whales arrive in hawaii for mating season nat geo wild. 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. Kauai offers a range of whaleviewing opportunities, including poipu beach on the south shore, kilauea. Each year, humpbacks make the 3,000mile trek from alaska to hawaiis warm waters to breed, calve and nurse their young. 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. Get up close with humpback whales near the big island of hawaii on this guided, whale watching excursion. Humpbacks are in hawaiian waters during the winter months to birth their calves and to mate.
Dan mcsweeneys whale watch learning adventures in kona, hawaii is the best value in a whale watching tour, for you and the whales. The first humpback whale of hawaiis 2019 winter season is. This whale surface behavior, such as breaching and tail slaps, make for exciting whale watching in hawaii. The whale watching season in kauai runs from november through march. 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. When is the best time to see humpback whales in hawaii and which. Boat tours and whale watching cruises have become increasingly popular. Last week a young, playful whale appeared beside some kayaks. In your research, you may have seen different timeframes defining humpback whale season in hawaii. At the end of summer, they make the long journey to the hawaiian islands where the whales mate and give birth. 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. 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. When is the best time to see humpback whales in hawaii. Ocean sports knows where the whales areweve been operating whale watch cruises on the kohala coast since 1981.
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. 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. 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. 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.
Hawaiian islands humpback whale explore whale watching. There are so many whales in hawaii during peak whale season that locals refer to the ocean as whale soup. Other good islands to go whale watching are maui and kauai. In fact, puukohola literally means hill of the whale in hawaiian.
They play a large role in hawaiian legendincluding one creation storyand appear in ancient petroglyphs on several islands. Scientists estimate that twothirds of the entire north pacific humpback whale population return to hawaii to breed, calve and nurse their young. Captain zodiac will take you to explore some of hawaiis most amazing sights along the kona coast. The kohala coast is frequently known as the best area of hawaii for whale watching. Although humpback whales can be seen from all of the hawaiian islands, the shallow auau channel. 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. 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.
The humpback whale is known for making an annual migration of nearly 6,000 miles, one of the longest of any mammal. Enjoy a special encounter with these amazing creatures on our kona whale watch tour. Big island whale watching tours tom barefoots tours. Whale watching on the big island of hawaii big island. Seeing these gentle giants of the sea is an exhilarating experience and the highlight of any hawaii vacation. Plan an excursion to go whale watching on the island of hawaii to spot humpback whales and other species. Every winter in hawaii beginning in november, pods of magnificent humpback whales migrate from alaska to the warm waters of the hawaiian islands. Whale watching season has started earlier than expected in hawaii. 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. What is the best hawaiian island for whale watching. Its whalewatching season in hawaii, and these creatures. 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. 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.
Humpback whalewatching tours are in full swing in hawaii, and some visitors are discovering the giant mammals to be curious creatures. You can listen to the whales under water, spot them from. February usually marks the peak of whale season in kona, as thousands of whales become snowbirds in hawaii, arriving here to breed, give. Our two and a half hour whale watching in kona tour offers you a. Kailuakona maria harvey worked for seven years in various capacities off the shores of west hawaii before she saw her first whale shark. 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.
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. 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. Tripadvisor afternoon whale watch island of hawaii. Anyone of any age can view these spectacular creatures. This popular humpback whale watching tour is featured during the height of hawaiis whale season january march. Hawaiis whale watching season takes place from late november to midapril. If you book a whale watching tour from maui, experience the thrill of spotting a spout about 300 yards off the. If you happen to be visiting kona during the winter whale season roughly december to march we highly recommend taking the opportunity to. The open ocean safari delivers opportunities to swim with dolphins kona also features whales, whale sharks, big pelagic fish, sharks, mantas, and more. 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. Humpback whales visit hawaiian waters each year from november to may with the peak of the season being from january to march. 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. Since then, shes seen something near 30 members of.
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. 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. During hawaiis whale season you can go on a whale watching cruise along the big islands hilo, kona or kohala coast.
Winter is whalewatching season in kona, hawaii luva. Sightsee along the stunning kohala coastline and enjoy a fast and fun powerboat ride. Experience kona whale watching kona district, hawaii. 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. The big island whale season begins on dec 16th and runs till the end of mach. Trips daily from within the national marine humpback whale sanctuary waters. Whale watching tours on the big island of hawaii 2020. If you are visiting kona during whale season, the chance of seeing whales is pretty good. 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. Humpback whale watching december to april see humpback whales in hawaii. A single humpback whale was seen near the big islands kailuakona area on thursday, aug.
Between eight to ten thousand whales travel long distances each year from alaska to spend january through march in hawaiian waters. 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. Types of whales in hawaii almost a dozen whale species. The peak normally occurs between january and march, but whales may be encountered in. Big island luxury hotel four seasons resort hualalai. Whale watching on the big island 2020 big island of hawaii. Whale watching boat tours and diy guide big island. Whale bubblenet feeding documented by uh researchers through. Boat tours may be your best option for viewing whales up close. 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. During hawaiis whale season, the ocean is full of activity from humpback whales migrating from the pacific northwest to breed and nurse their young.
Humpback whale season on the hawaiian islands is between november and early may, but some months are better than others. Whale watching cruises are some of the most popular things to do in hawaiis whale season, which runs from december through april. He is a native and has a love for the island and the sea that is so infectious we decided to try the tour. This remote marine preserve features hundreds of colorful fish and beautiful coral. When is the best time to see humpback whales in hawaii and. At 24 40 tons, the north pacific humpback whales are the fifth largest whale. This site uses cookies to improve your experience, to enhance site security and to show you personalized advertising. 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. Join on an epic expedition in search of hawaiis biggest and best marine life. Stay at a hotel along the areas of high humpback density. See marine wildlife such as dolphins and turtles year round, or whales during whale season december through april. Dan mcsweeneys whale watch tours official website kona. 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. Maui, molokai and lanai offer the best whalewatching opportunities.
While the beginning of the season is the same as above, november, the end of the season. There are a variety of ways in which you can catch a glimpse of hawaiis humpback whales. Due to the evolving covid19 situation, and as a result of the travel restrictions by the governor of the state. Cultural significance of whales in hawaii whales have great cultural significance for native hawaiians. 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.
November, december and january are frequently listed as the start of the season with april and. Humpback whale season in hawaii generally runs from november through may. Whale watching in kona, hawaii travel tips usa today. Maui whale watching guide humpback whales in hawaii. December to april is an exciting time for the big island of hawaii because it marks whale watching season. 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. Here are some of the highlights from last years humpback whale season in waikoloa, hawaii with blue wilderness dive adventures. You might consider doing your whale watching on maui. Humpback whales travel from alaska to hawaii every winter to calve and mate.
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. It is generally believed that february is the absolute peek of the season. Hawaii big island whale watching tours hawaii discount. Officially, whale season in hawaii runs from december 15may 15, although the first whale of the season is usually spotted sometime in early october. Where they call hawaii their winter home december to april of each year. Humpback whale watching tours look for humpback whales along the kona coast.
Every winter over 10,000 humpback whales migrate to hawaiian waters to breed and give birth. Four seasons resort hualalai is a relaxing oasis on hawaiis exclusive kona coast offering 243 luxurious rooms and suites, fine dining and event venues. The health and safety of our guests, members and employees is our top priority. 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. Whale cruises whale watching big island, waikoloa, kona. You can use the species and date filters to see changes throughout the year. On the east side, hilo bay is another place popular for whale sightings. Unlike other locations in hawaii, the big island is not only the seasonal home for. Offshore of kailuakona, hawaii big island, watch whales blow, breech, tail slap and otherwise amaze you at their grace, beauty and enormity.
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