
Whale Watching
Scroll to Continue
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
Specializing in custom open-air photo booths for your special event. Our unique artisanal wooden booths capture professional-quality photos that can be shared instantly and sent directly so your guests never miss a beat! Take unlimited shots, poses, and prints and even post live to social media.
We specialize in Snorkeling and Scuba Diving at Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve (No experience required). We also offer a Swim with Dolphins snorkeling tour on the leeward coast of Oahu.
We proudly offer premium shortbread cookies baked in Honolulu using the finest ingredients. Each box can be presented as a treasured gift, from our 'Ohana to yours. With two stores in Maui, please visit our Website for store locations: https://www.honolulucookie.com
CFX Hawaii is your partner to a successful experience. Quality-oriented, our kamaaina staff is ready to provide you with complete services from advance show planning to post show support.
Gourmet Events Hawaii is a Premier Catering & Event Planning Company in Honolulu, Hawaii. We entertain food lovers and wine aficionados from around Hawaii as well as the U.S. mainland, Europe, and Asia.
Aloha! We offer happy, affordable weddings, vow renewals, surprise renewals, double and triple renewals, marriage proposals packages, helicopter ceremonies, and beautiful ceremony photography that won't break your budget as well as fantastic, tropical and very Maui, wedding flowers.
FareHarbor provides modern reservation software built for Hawaii - free online booking software for activity and tourism businesses.
Destination Management Company since 1980 includes greetings, transfers, theme events, tours. Your professional link between local suppliers & hotels to ensure a total program planned to the last interlocking detail and managed flawlessly on site.
The Maui Visitor Channel transmitting Island-wide, featuring destinations, restaurants and activities. Full service production facility, programming, commercials, Sales & Marketing videos, travel trade videos and hotel in-room videos.

Learn More About The Cultural Significance Of Whales in Hawaii
