Whale Watching
Scroll to Continue
Whale Watching in Hawaiʻi
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 Hawaiʻi
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 koholā (humpback whale) is considered more of a homecoming than a visit. Humpback whales are born in Hawaiian waters, making them kamaʻāina (native born). Some Native Hawaiians also believe the whales are ʻaumakua (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 Auʻau Channel between Maui, Molokaʻi and Lānaʻi is one of the best whale-watching destinations in the world. You may also spot koholā from the southern shores of Oʻahu, especially at Makapuʻu Lighthouse and along the seaside overlooks near Lēʻahi (Lēʻahi Head).
Kauaʻi offers a range of whale-viewing opportunities, including Poʻipū Beach on the South Shore, Kīlauea Lighthouse on the North Shore and Kapaʻa Overlook on the island’s Coconut Coast.
On the island of Hawaiʻi, whales are often seen along the shores of the Kohala Coast, as well as Hilo Bay on the east side of the island. The Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site is another great viewing spot, with its sweeping, elevated views near Kawaihae Harbor. In fact, Puʻukoholā literally means “hill of the whale” in Hawaiian.
Boat tours may be your best option for viewing whales up close. Hawaiʻi has dozens of tour operators, including a few that lead kayak excursions—a thrilling way to experience these majestic mammals.
In respect for the koholā 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 Hawaiʻi
The Mauna Lani Terrace is the cornerstone of vacation rentals in the Mauna Lani Resort. Our hand [...]
Nestled on a quarter mile of white sand beach. Provides an irresistible combination of Hawaiian [...]
Recently updated, Aqua Palms Waikiki in Honolulu is a lively boutique hotel conveniently located just a [...]
Located oceanfront on Ka'anapali Beach, this condominium resort combines condo living with hotel-caliber [...]
Prime beachfront condominium resort on beautiful Sugar Beach. Central air conditioning, pool, jacuzzi, [...]
Located oceanfront on a white sandy beach, nestled in a tropical forest, Kaha Lani Resort is the perfect [...]
The Puakea Ranch is listed on the State Historic Register. Now completely restored, the original Ranch [...]
Nestled on 54 acres, The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua showcases a stunning, AAA Five-Diamond oceanfront [...]
Kanaloa at Kona welcomes the hopeless romantics, the thrill-seekers, and those who just want to have [...]
Experience all the excitement of Waikiki from one incredible location. Steps from the azure blue waters [...]
Volcano Rainforest Retreat is located at 3800 feet above the sea on the slopes of Kilauea Volcano. Be [...]
Ka Laʻi Waikiki Beach offers the most sought after residential-style accommodations in Waikiki, located [...]