
Whale Watching
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Whale Watching in Hawaii
Adult males range from 40 to 52 feet and can weigh up to 45 tons. Despite their size, humpback whales are graceful acrobats. Keep your eye on the ocean and you might see one breach, propelling up to 40 percent of its body out of the water and landing on its side with a spectacular splash.
Cultural Significance of Whales in Hawaii
Whales have great cultural significance for Native Hawaiians. They play a large role in Hawaiian legend—including one creation story—and appear in ancient petroglyphs on several islands. The return of the kohola (humpback whale) is considered more of a homecoming than a visit. Humpback whales are born in Hawaiian waters, making them kamaaina (native born). Some Native Hawaiians also believe the whales are aumakua (family guardians), so these gentle giants are treated with great respect.
What's the Best Way to See Whales?
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. You may also spot kohola from the southern shores of Oahu, especially at Makapuu Lighthouse and along the seaside overlooks near Leahi (Diamond Head).
Kauai offers a range of whale-viewing opportunities, including Poipu Beach on the South Shore, Kilauea Lighthouse on the North Shore and Kapaa Overlook on the island’s Coconut Coast.
On the island of Hawaii, whales are often seen along the shores of the Kohala Coast, as well as Hilo Bay on the east side of the island. The Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site is another great viewing spot, with its sweeping, elevated views near Kawaihae Harbor. In fact, Puukohola literally means “hill of the whale” in Hawaiian.
Boat tours may be your best option for viewing whales up close. Hawaii has dozens of tour operators, including a few that lead kayak excursions—a thrilling way to experience these majestic mammals.
In respect for the kohola and the safety of sightseers, all watercraft must stay a minimum of 100 yards from the whales, but you'll be surprised how close you feel when a 45-ton behemoth lunges out of the sea. If a boat tour is not for you, the whales’ impressive acrobatic displays are often visible from miles away. If you're on land, keep a pair of binoculars handy because you never know when you'll see a humpback’s spout (which can be 10–20 feet tall).
Whale Watching in Hawaii
Voted the #1 paid attraction in Hawaii, the Polynesian Cultural Center on Oahu's North Shore offers 6 Pacific Island villages and exhibits. Featuring Hawaii's most authentic luau, and our award-winning show, "Hā: Breath of Life.” Visit us for an unforgettable experience great for the whole family.
From ziplines to downhill biking, hashtags don't begin to describe our Land Adventures. Join us for miles and miles of smiles. NEW May 1- Kauai's longest zipline at 4000ft. Famous for the renowned Kipu Zipline Safari and Bicycle Downhill Waimea Canyon. Making Kauai vacations AWESOME since 1988.
The historic Hawaii Theatre is a 1400-seat multi-purpose performing arts center for music, dance, drama, national/international tours/festivals, film, and meetings.
Hawaii Islands only family owned and operated Native Hawaiian Surf School. Join our 'ohana of Lifeguards and watermen. Team HLSI is proud to offer the only surfing classroom on the island for students to practice surf skills, increasing the successful board stories before paddling out.
The Umauma Falls and ZipLine Experience is Hawaii's best 9-Line zipline experience. Enjoy beautiful ocean views and lush tropical vegetation while you zip over 14 waterfalls, including the famous triple-tier Umauma Falls and almost 2 miles of ziplining excitement. It's an experience of a lifetime!
Nestled in the lush heart of unspoiled Lana`i, discover this gallery of paradise-inspired pieces by award-wining artist Mike Carroll and his guest artists. Just minutes from the resort in historic Lana'i City, you'll find paintings, prints, woodwork, photography, jewelry, Asian antiques, and more!
Gaylord’s offers one of Kauai’s most beautiful settings for lunch, dinner or Sunday brunch. Our kitchen uses only the freshest, seasonal ingredients supporting our local farmers and fishermen. Our 67-acre sustainable farm provides much of the produce and herbs used in our dishes and cocktails.
Hawaii Pacific Parks is a non-profit cooperating association working in partnership with the National Park Service in Hawaii and in American Samoa. Proceeds from our bookstores support interpretive and educational programs, research projects, publications, and cultural activities.
Haleakala Ecotours is an authorized concessionaire for Haleakala National Park. We provide Sunrise, Daytime, and Sunset tours of Upcountry Maui and Haleakala National Park as well as Hana tours.
Garden Island Chocolate is the premier gourmet Hawaiian chocolate company. We make organic dark chocolate bars,(85% cacao) chocolate truffles and a hot chocolate drink. We have guided chocolate farm tours and tastings every Mon, Wed, & Friday at 9:30am. The tours are very popular so book in advance.

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