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 Diamond Head Visitor Center is a partnership between the State Park Division and Pacific Historic [...]
Kanu Hawaii is a movement of everyday people, launched in 2006, working to protect and promote the [...]
Join our ʻOhana for an exciting evening under the stars as we take you on a voyage across Ka Moana (the [...]
Lonohana Estate Chocolate grows cacao on the North Shore of Oahu and makes fine finished chocolate in [...]
Along the stunning ocean coastline at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel is the award-winning 11-court Seaside Tennis [...]
Coral Crater Adventure Park is a 35-acre outdoor adventure center located in West Oahu. The park [...]
Kaneohe Bay Ocean Sports is a locally owned and family operated tour company that has been providing [...]
Wai Kai is an active year-round destination where residents and visitors connect to the water, land, and [...]
Maui Surfer Girls ("MSG") is a co - ed surf school and overnight girls surf camp. We specialize in small [...]
808 Smart Cars affords Oahu visitors the opportunity to rent Smart cars with convertible roofs, sun [...]
You cannot leave Kauai without an authentic luau experience and, to get one you need only visit us at [...]
Welcome to Hawaiian Style Rentals & Sales, the go-to specialist for exploring the islands on two(and [...]