
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
Billfish Poolside Bar & Grille offers casual, al fresco dining every day for lunch, dinner, & happy hour. Its poolside location is the perfect place to enjoy tropical drinks, tasty food, & ocean views. Plus, enjoy daily Happy Hour from 5 pm - 6 pm, including discounted domestic beers & appetizers!
Donkey Balls? Visit the original chocolate factory and store in Kainaliu, where we've been hand making gourmet chocolates for over 14 years. Stop in and sample our wide selection of over 50 flavors or try our flavored macadamia nuts, award-winning brittles, hot sauces and more.
Gaylord’s offers one of Kauai’s most beautiful settings for lunch, dinner or Sunday brunch. Our kitchen uses only the freshest, seasonal ingredients supporting our local farmers and fishermen. Our 67-acre sustainable farm provides much of the produce and herbs used in our dishes and cocktails.
Located at Hawaii's largest sports venue, the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet is a place where families can gather to share their cultural diversity with pride and a feeling of Aloha.
The Island BBQ at the Polynesian Cultural Center offers an all you can eat buffet featuring a quality continental menu. Served in a beautiful and spacious dining hall reflecting the islands of the Pacific, our family-friendly “all you can eat” menu comes with dishes to please your entire Ohana.
Waiolu Ocean Cuisine offers a seafood dinner menu from 6pm-10:30pm daily. Enjoy seafood items as well as fresh sushi including traditional nigiri & new wave maki sushi. Daily Happy Hour specials. The restaurant is also open for lunch from 11am-6pm. Comp 4-hr valet parking. Call 808.683.7456.
Island Vintage Coffee Company has been providing the finest gourmet 100% Kona coffee for coffee lovers around the world. Extra care is taken in choosing only the finest coffee beans, grown in the fertile volcanic soils on the upper slopes of the Kona district on the Island of Hawaii.
Located on Kalakaua—the Rodeo Drive of Waikiki—Cheeseburger In Paradise, Waikiki began serving Aloha in 1997. Following in the footsteps of Lahaina, Waikiki serves up fantastic food, great value, amazing Aloha service and sensational unobstructed ocean views complete with magical sunsets.
The fresh flavours of Sydney's stylish surf bars meet the relaxed island vibe of Hawaii at Australian restaurateur Bill Granger's all day casual eatery. Enjoy joyful, barefoot-from-the-beach dining with a menu inspired by the local tropical produce.
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."

Learn More About The Cultural Significance Of Whales in Hawaii
