
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
Atlantis Submarines offers a one-of-a-kind underwater experience off the shorelines of Oahu, Maui, and Hawaii Island, giving guests a close-up view of an array of marine life, exotic tropical reefs and numerous sunken vessels.
Ko Olina Golf Club is recognized as one of the top resort courses in the US with an award winning golf shop and spectacular water features, generous fairways and challenging greens.
Come enjoy Dolphins, Sailing, Snorkeling, Whale-Watching, Scuba, Sunset & Fireworks Dinner Cruises, Private Charters and more. Oahu's Ko Olina coast & Waikiki, Kona-Kohala, & Hilton Hawaiian Village with "Port Waikiki Cruises."The captains, crew and family of Hawaii Nautical welcome you aboard!
Makani Catamaran is a luxury sailing vessel with a capacity of 80. Offering 4 sails daily. Departing from Kewalo Harbor. With an experienced crew, full wet bar, interior cabin with large screen TV, and surround sound its World Class Sailing at its finest!
Take in the glow of Diamond head at golden hour and the magic of the Honolulu city lights from an all-new luxury powerboat! Ocean and You is the premier Oahu experience for an intimate and upscale sunset dinner cruise.
Oahu's only marine-biologist founded and led ocean wildlife tours. Small group (6-10 passengers) charters include year-round whale watching, swimming with dolphins, and snorkeling with giant sea turtles and endemic tropical reef fish. Portion of proceeds donated to marine conservation orgs.
Big Wave Dave Surf Co., your one stop shop for Surf & SUP Lessons, Board & Beach Rentals, Outrigger Canoe Rides, and Photography Services. Located in the heart of Waikiki. Top Rated on Oahu.
Swim alongside dolphins and snorkel through the clear waters of Oahu’s western shores with pods of 30 to 100 spinner dolphins. We’re taking you on an unforgettable journey to the sea, where you’ll learn about Hawaii’s culture, traditions, and ocean environment.
Hawaiian Ocean Adventures specializing in traditional, authentic Hawaiian Sailing Canoe adventures. We also offer a variety of other ocean activities from Stand-up Paddling to Canoe Paddling and Snorkeling.
A mobile surfboard rental company in Waikiki serving Honolulu, Hawaii with free islandwide surfboard drop off and pick up since 2005. Our surfboard rentals are in excellent condition and renting at some of the best prices on the island. We rent paddle boards, car racks, coolers and beach chairs too!

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