
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
MauiWine is Hawaii's largest winery, growing & crafting quality wines capturing Maui's essence through its pineapple & estate-grown wines. Daily tastings & tours of the cellar & historical grounds. MauiWine embraces its responsibility to Maui's agriculture, manufacturing & hospitality industries.
Loko Ea is a 400-year-old fishpond in heart of Haleiwa. The Holole'a tour is a cultural based experience where you and your families can participate in activities that include fishing, a walking tour, and a chance to give back to the land through restoration of the pond. Mahalo nui for your support.
Official PGA Tour golf tournament featuring champions only from the prior year. Features 60+ hours of live replay television coverage, on NBC/Golf Channel and provides significant economic, marketing and charitable impact to the state.
Maui Surfer Girls ("MSG") is a co - ed surf school and overnight girls and women's surf camp. We specialize in small classes at uncrowded locations south of Lahaina. We offer 2 hour classes that include boards, booties, and rash guards. Juice and stickers available after class.
Kona Natural Soap Company manufacturers and sells aromatheraphy vegan soaps and infused kukui nut oils; grows and sells 100% Kona Coffee and 100% Hawaiian roasted cocoa beans grown on our bio-diverse 5 acre farm called Kokoleka Lani Farm. We also offer culinary tours through "Home Tours Hawaii."
"EAT DRINK PLAY!" The ultimate place for big "kids" to play! Enjoy quality food in big portions in an upscale, modern atmosphere with the latest interactive electronic amusements at The Million Dollar Midway, and panoramic ocean views from the Sunset Lanai.
Maverick offers VIP-level service and has the worlds largest and youngest fleet of ECO-Star helicopters. Choose from an existing excursion or customize your own and land at a beautiful waterfall.
This Smithsonian-affiliated Lyman Museum tells the story of Hawaii’s islands and people. Exhibits trace Hawaii’s history from its volcanic origins and the flora and fauna that arrived before humans to life in ancient Hawaii and the immigrant groups that helped shape Hawaii’s unique culture of today
Every year since 1996, Frommer's Hawaii has called Blue Hawaiian, "The Cadillac of helicopter tour companies"—featuring the incredible, 21st-Century "ECO-Star" helicopter, superlative tours, award-winning customer service, and the world's finest pilots. Daily departures from Lihue and Princeville.
Maverick Helicopters offers VIP-level service from Port Allen Airport in Kauai. With the majority of Kauai’s natural marvels inaccessible by ground, the best views are from the sky!

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