Whale Watching
Scroll to Continue
Whale Watching in Hawaiʻi
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 Hawaiʻi
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 koholā (humpback whale) is considered more of a homecoming than a visit. Humpback whales are born in Hawaiian waters, making them kamaʻāina (native born). Some Native Hawaiians also believe the whales are ʻaumakua (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 Auʻau Channel between Maui, Molokaʻi and Lānaʻi is one of the best whale-watching destinations in the world. You may also spot koholā from the southern shores of Oʻahu, especially at Makapuʻu Lighthouse and along the seaside overlooks near Lēʻahi (Lēʻahi Head).
Kauaʻi offers a range of whale-viewing opportunities, including Poʻipū Beach on the South Shore, Kīlauea Lighthouse on the North Shore and Kapaʻa Overlook on the island’s Coconut Coast.
On the island of Hawaiʻi, whales are often seen along the shores of the Kohala Coast, as well as Hilo Bay on the east side of the island. The Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site is another great viewing spot, with its sweeping, elevated views near Kawaihae Harbor. In fact, Puʻukoholā literally means “hill of the whale” in Hawaiian.
Boat tours may be your best option for viewing whales up close. Hawaiʻi has dozens of tour operators, including a few that lead kayak excursions—a thrilling way to experience these majestic mammals.
In respect for the koholā 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 Hawaiʻi
If you would like to experience the "real" Maui, then you'll want to stay here with us. Far from [...]
Aloha, we manage beautiful Maui properties with exceptional customer service and guest experience. Our [...]
This Maui family friendly condo resort with low-rise buildings spans 34 acres of tropical landscaping [...]
Embrace Hawaiian heritage and local culture during your stay at the new all-suites Wailea hotel. Upon [...]
Wailea Resort is a 1,500 acre master planned, world class resort situated on Maui's southern shore, [...]
Nestled on 54 acres, The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua showcases a stunning, AAA Five-Diamond oceanfront [...]
Maui Printing Company is a local, Maui based printing company with years of experience behind it's name. [...]
Dreams Come True on Maui Bed and Breakfast and Vacation Cottage rental is the perfect place to spend [...]
At Island Partners Hawaii, our team orchestrates guest experiences to achieve your objectives and exceed [...]
Renew yourself in an ocean of possibilities at the immaculate Wailea Beach Resort. Cradled between [...]
At Maui Marketing, we are more than just a marketing agency; we are your partners in success. Born from [...]
Vacation Rentals of our two family-owned one bedroom condos in sunny Kihei, Maui. Both Maui Vista and [...]