
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
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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.
Kohala Divers is your one stop water sport connection for scuba diving, snorkeling, sportfishing and whale watching. we are a five star PADI dive training facility and offer high quality water sports equipment for rent or retail.
The open-air Don the Beachcomber signature restaurant located at the Royal Kona Resort features a prime oceanfront setting with spectacular sunset views. Choose from succulent Pacific Fusion, Prime Rib and seafood specialties.
BikeVolcano.com specializes in guided bicycle tours of Hawaii Volcanoes National & Bike/Hike Tours to Active Lava Surface Flows. Our Certified National Park Interpretive Guides and support staff will lead you incredible and informative volcano and lava adventures. Bike Down an Active Volcano!!!
Snorkel with award-winning Fair Wind Cruises aboard the luxury vessel, Hula Kai. Our Big Island snorkel & SNUBA tour travels the Kailua-Kona Coast to the best snorkeling spots in Hawaii. We also offer Kona's first-class Manta Ray snorkel adventure, sure to be the highlight of your Hawaii Vacation.
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