
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
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.
This Smithsonian-affiliated Lyman Museum tells the story of Hawaii’s islands and people. Exhibits trace Hawaii’s history from its volcanic origins and the flora and fauna that arrived before humans to life in ancient Hawaii and the immigrant groups that helped shape Hawaii’s unique culture of today
Swim with wild dolphins and sea turtles in their natural habitat on Oahu's west side, or enjoy the view from our boat. Then enjoy ocean activities and a complimentary lunch as our crew entertains with hula and singing. Transportation from select Waikiki hotels available. Truly a lifetime experience.
Aloha Festivals is a statewide non-profit, multi-cultural festival formed in 1946 and held each September. It features over 100 events: parades, street parties, cultural displays and more. Most events free with discounts offered to ribbon wearers.
Kohala Divers is your one stop water sport connection for scuba diving, snorkeling, sportfishing and whale watching. we are a five star PADI dive training facility and offer high quality water sports equipment for rent or retail.
Beautiful Island of Kauai, state-of-the-art airplanes, and pilots with the most GA-8 Airvan experience in the nation. You will experienced the Napali coast, Waimea canyon, Waialeale Crater and much more. We also offer the only Waco open cockpit Biplane ride on Kauai. This is a ride of a lifetime.
Brown's Beach House menu selections were designed to complement the restaurant's outdoor setting with the freshest in seafood and produce the islands offer. Newly renovated. Nightly entertainment.
Mauna Loa Helicopters offers exclusive private helicopter tours with guaranteed window seats for all passengers and a doors-off option for the adventurous. Be mesmerized by unequaled views of Kauai's most stunning scenery. Recommended in Lonely Planet. Certificate of Excellence - Trip Advisor
We have tours and private cruises at the Kaneohe sandbar. We provide superb service with aloha for your special excursion. Join us to experience the beautiful sandbar and see the Ko'olau mountains from the ocean, swim with tropical fish and sea turtles!
Maui's Leading Snorkel & Dive Center offering dive gear rentals, sales, instruction & beach wear, Maka Koa, our 48' custom dive boat, offers dives to Molokini, Back Wall, Cathedrals, & Wreck Dives. Maka Koa offers a full breakfast & deli lunch. Free Transportation provided south & west Maui.

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