
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
This nationally recognized private facility is a distinctly Hawaiian experience offering complete mental relaxation and body rejuvenation. Services include: outdoor treatment rooms, sand volleyball court, half-basketball court and tennis club. MAE# 2139
We provide guided tours of our coffee, protea, & botanical farm on the island of Maui. Protea include orchids, lavendar, and others. If conditions permit, guests can pick the coffee beans and see the pulping process and Kula's "million dollar" view.
A natural 8-acre setting of plants, trees, and flowers. Labels for identification. Stream, carp pond, bird sanctuary, picnic area, gift shop, wedding site available. Open 9am-4pm daily.
Anara Spa offers treatments in private rooms or bungalows, each opening to its own tropical garden. An abundance of treatments rooted in traditional healing customs and island-fresh botanicals may be found here. Anara Spa provides a Hawaiian spa experience like no other.
State of the art working goat dairy with over 25 cheeses including 11 National Award winners. Daily casual tours, grand's orchard tours, barbeques, special events, goat milk soaps, citrus relishes, specialty fruits & herbs.
Offering treatments from massages to facials performed by licensed estheticians and therapists, many designed uniquely for the Kea Lani. Massages are offered in different styles from Swedish to Shiatsu to Hawaiian Lomi Lomi. MAE# 2125
MAUI COUNTRY FARM TOURS newest adventures and tours: We love sharing Maui's agricultural beauty exploring organic farms, ranches, gardens, farmer's markets, native plant botanical gardens, five hundred year old taro farms, micro green growers, beekeepers and coffee growers.
Our menu mixes the spicy hot sizzle of the Pacific Rim of Fire with the fresh, cool, tropical touches of Waikiki. Sip on a tropical rum drink, rediscover the art of conversation and enjoy some social comfort food.
Kau Coffee Mill is a grower and producer of coffee with 100 acres in production. Provides a full range of services from pulping to roasting for local farmers. A visitors center and retail store is located at the Mill and is open 7 days a week to sell our roasted coffees and macadamia nuts.
Kona Brewing Company's waterfront Koko Marina restaurant serves innovative entrees of local beef and fish, gourmet pizzas, pupus, sandwiches, salads and desserts. All of the brewery's fresh craft beers are available, including several pub exclusives.

Learn More About The Cultural Significance Of Whales in Hawaii
