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
Our accommodations offer either two double beds or one king bed, private balconies with ocean or city [...]
Opened in 1927 and known as the "Pink Palace of the Pacific," The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection [...]
Since 1962, Napili Kai Resort on the island of Maui, has welcomed guests to 10 acres of tropical [...]
Step off the beaten path with our charming Kauai vacation rental home and cottages Looking for a [...]
A luxury boutique Guesthouse in Captain Cook, South Kona on Hawaii Island, at the historic former home [...]
These fabulous new townhouses have a spacious, split-level design and large picture windows for dramatic [...]
Since 1995, Maui Beachfront Rentals has been a true local gem, devoted to overseeing fine vacation [...]
The first and only Relais & Châteaux property in Hawaii, Hotel Wailea offers travelers a [...]
With its dramatic setting overlooking Kailua Bay, the Royal Kona Resort is an oceanfront landmark in the [...]
Hotel Lanai is an island landmark in the heart of Lanai City. Recently renovated in 2018, the hotel [...]
Located on Kuhio Avenue near the International Market Place, Bamboo Waikiki Hotel’s affordable hotel [...]