
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
Escape from the crowds, buses and tour boats and see Maui from the ocean perspective! Connect with your friends and family as our professional kayak guides take you paddling and snorkeling. You'll see amazing wildlife, enjoy special moments, views and hear stories of Maui.
Valley Isle Excursions takes you on one of the most breathtaking drives on earth down the road to Hana Maui. Spectacular cliffs, bamboo jungles, hawaiian waterfalls, tropical scenery and colorful fragrant flowers are part of our "Heavenly Hana" tour.
At Pearl Harbor Tours we strive to be the most convenient, entertaining, personalized and safest tours on the road here in Hawaii so you can enjoy a stress-free experience visiting Oahuʻs top attractions. Our small group tours of 12 passengers or less will make you feel part of our ohana. Join Us.
Explore Maui Nui’s ocean environment with the experts at Pacific Whale Foundation through PacWhale Eco-Adventures top-rated Whalewatches, as well as award-winning snorkel cruises to Molokini & Turtle Arches, Lanai and Honolua Bay; Dolphin Watch ecotours; Sunset Dinner and Cocktail Cruises.
Alaska Airlines offers low fares and the most nonstop flights between Hawaii and the West Coast. Learn more about Alaska's award-winning service and unmatched reliability at alaskaair.com and blog.alaskaair.com.
Enterprise Rent-A-Car is an internationally recognized brand with more than 7,000 locations throughout North America, including several on the Island of Maui. Enterprise is also the largest car rental brand in North America, well-known for its Great Rates and Award Winning Customer Service.
Maui car rental service for Maui Airport at Kahului (OGG), Kihei, Kaanapali, Wailea, and Cruise Ship car rentals at Kahului and Lahaina. Specially negotiated discount rates through large national Rent-A-Car brands. Check Rates Today for Jeep Wranglers 4WD, convertibles, vans, SUVs, and cars.
Twogood Kayaks has been providing guided and self guided kayak tours, + kayak & snorkel rentals for 28 years. Let us show you Hawaii's most beautiful beaches, secluded offshore islands, and marine wildlife.
Hawaiian Ocean Sports is one of Maui's premier ocean recreation businesses for over a decade. We offer a variety of ocean activities including surf rentals and lessons, Hawaiian outrigger cultural, turtle and snorkel tours.
Island of Maui - Discounted rates on Jeep Wranglers 4WD, convertibles, SUVs, vans and cars from major national companies. Kahului and Kapalua airports and resort locations. Toll Free 1-800-292-1930 or Book directly on our website www.discounthawaiicarrental.com. We specialize in customer service.

Learn More About The Cultural Significance Of Whales in Hawaii
