
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
Kauai Hiking Tours offers day hikes, backpacking trips and driving tours on Kauai Island. Our local guides are passionate about sharing their knowledge with aloha. We welcome adventurers of all ages & ability levels - several options of beginner, intermediate, and advanced tours are available.
Holo Holo Charters is the only Kauai boat tour company that offers daily snorkeling and sightseeing trips to the Napali Coast and "Hawaii's Forbidden Island" of Niihau. Experience unique marine life while exploring sea caves, waterfalls, cliffs, beaches, and valleys. Call 808-335-0815 to learn more.
Monkeypod Jam is a quaint, local destination featuring house-made preserves featuring Kauai grown produce. Breakfast, bistro-style lunches, espresso, and Saturday Brunch are served daily. Innovative culinary Workshops are also offered by founder, Aletha Thomas and local chefs.
Hawaii's Largest selection of Hawaiian fashions, gifts and souvenirs; Travel agent and Group discounts; open 365 days, available in Oahu, Maui, Big Island and Kauai.
Kauai Bound is a locally owned snorkel, golf, underwater camera, and beach rental and retail shop located in Lihue at Anchor Cove Shopping Center. We carry quality dry snorkels with silicone masks, new Wilson golf sets, underwater cameras, and more!
Family owned business selling jewelry by well known local designer Denny Wong, cultured Tahitian Pearl original designs made in Hawaii by Mark Kane Designs, Marahlago Larimar jewelry and Hawaiian Koa Wood rings, watches and more.
Kukui Grove Center and Kukui Marketplace is Kauai’s largest lifestyle center destination. The 50-acre open-air Center features over 50 stores and restaurants.
National Geographic winner! – Located at Wailua River Marina - Summer Na Pali sea kayak tours - Poipu Winter Whale Watching - Wailua River waterfall tour - Hanalei River paddle & snorkel adventure - Island wide hiking tours - Stand Up Boards Rentals - Camping outfitters - VACATION RENTALS.
Since 1949, with over 60 stores through out Hawaii, ABC Stores offer a wide selection of gifts & treasures, apparel, beach needs, fine wines & spirits, drugs, cosmetics, fresh deli and groceries all in one place. Mail order available.
Convenient and delicious offerings includeStarbucks coffee, pastries, breakfast sandwiches, fruit, salads, hot & cold sandwiches, pizza, basic groceries, beer and wine along with sundries, souvenirs and Kaua'i Made products and more.

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