
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
Explore Maui Nui’s ocean environment with the experts at Pacific Whale Foundation through PacWhale Eco-Adventures top-rated Whalewatches, as well as award-winning snorkel cruises to Molokini & Turtle Arches, Lanai and Honolua Bay; Dolphin Watch ecotours; Sunset Dinner and Cocktail Cruises.
Kipu Ranch Adventures, located on the lush island of Kauai, is proud to be one of the top eco-tours in Hawaii. We enable visitors and residents alike to discover the rich history, landscape and legends that make Kauai activities unique. Come out and join us for a tropical 4x4 off road adventure.
Kualoa is 4,000 acres of stunning tropical beauty offering a Jurassic Valley Zipline, ATVs, Raptor Tours, Boat tours, Hollywood Movie Site Tours, Food Tours as well as Horseback. If you've seen Jurassic World, you've seen Kualoa!
Book the exact Wailea Ekahi Village condo you want from our luxury vacation rentals at one of Maui's most desirable beach front resorts. View our meticulous maintained & surprisingly affordable Studio, One & Two bedroom condos. Rates, photos, videos, virtual tours & reviews for each.
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.
Maui Printing Company is a local, Maui based printing company with years of experience behind it's name. Our team members each oversee specific parts of the printing process to ensure each step meets the highest standards of commercial printing.
Kumu Tech is a virtual concierge company that will supply, install, maintain our in-room concierge system to assist guests with all hotel needs and information. Our smart phone based device will also plan guests itinerary, link them directly to activity---dining--transportation --shopping vendors offering a 20% discount Keep it Hawaii pass-- for all purchases, proceeds will be shared with the hotel (to eliminate lease cost) and help participating vendor organizations improve their offerings
Situated across from shopping, dining and night life at the International Marketplace, and just one block from Waikiki Beach, Ohia Waikiki Studio Suites at the hub for all Waikiki’s hotspots.
Vacation Rentals of our two family-owned one bedroom condos in sunny Kihei, Maui. We have one condo in Maui Vista, and one in Maui Banyan. Both have been outfitted for your comfort, and include all you need for a wonderful vacation!
Generations of families have made Mauna Kea Beach Hotel their home. Children have forged lifetime friendships here while building sandcastles or exploring the shoreline. Program available seasonally or for three or more with prior arrangements.

Learn More About The Cultural Significance Of Whales in Hawaii
