
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
Local Maui Tours is a unique Maui tour company that offers private, custom tours from the perspective of a credible, professional Maui local.
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.
Maui Healing Retreat specializes in creating Health and Wellness packages for individuals, couples, groups. We are a Retreat company that can assist with accommodations, food options, activities and Retreat packages to help focus and heal your Body, Mind and Spirit. Individual one on one Retreat.
The Ultimate Road Trip along Maui’s East Coast! See Maui like never before on our road to Hana tour. Experience the majestic east coast of Maui Island with a personal and in depth tour by our ambassadors of aloha!
Our 8 acre Alpaca Farm Estate is located on the slopes of Haleakalā National park. Come feel the magic as you learn more about the ‘Aina and the healing of the land through animals and nature. Our offerings include: Retreats, Fiber Classes, Yoga and Meditation ~ with our Alpaca and Angora bunnies.
The award-winning Wailea Tennis Club offers 11 Plexipave courts, a full-service pro shop, professional lessons and activities.
Offering daily snorkel tours to Molokini Crater and Coral Gardens. The Four Winds II has been deemed Maui's favorite family fun boat and offers the BEST snorkeling tours on Maui! Great for kids of all ages. Enjoy our glass-bottom viewing room & water slide!
Naturalist-led hikes with extraordinary guides renowned for their knowledge of Hawaiian botany, geology, culture, and history. Lush rainforests, stunning waterfalls, majestic Haleakala Crater, heavenly Hana, and more. Tours include transportation to the trailhead, lunch, equipment, and narration.
This exciting outdoor adventure takes you to a private rainforest, halfway to Hana, where you'll gear up like a pro with your guides and walk down secret tropical waterfalls & jungle cliffs. No experience is necessary. Tour includes transportation, gear (including footwear), bottled water, lunch.
Located steps away from Kā`anapali Beach Hotel's sunny shore, the new water activity center will bring Hawaiian culture to popular ocean activities such as surfing, stand up paddle boarding, snorkeling, conch shell blowing and more!

Learn More About The Cultural Significance Of Whales in Hawaii
