
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
Koloa Landing Resort offers the islands largest and newest luxury accommodations; ranging from deluxe studios to multi-bedroom villas. The property is also home to a 350,000-gallon pool, celebrity chef poolside bar & grill collaboration, full-service day spa, and many more world-class amenities.
An oceanfront condominium, adjacent to Lydgate park, w/ a walking path along the coast. Centrally located, it features one-, two- & three-bedroom suites, all oceanview or oceanfront. Amenities include pool, tennis court, BBQs & putting green.
At the Kauai Coast Resort at the Beachboy you’ll find recently remodeled, spacious one- and two- bedroom accommodations some of the most dramatic scenery in the South Pacific. Resort suites include full kitchens, private lanais, and all of the comforts of home.
An exclusive private resort with private beach, waterfall, lake, boats, kayaks, fishing, golf & custom estate with every possible amenity.
Just steps away from beautiful Kalapaki Beach, Banyan Harbor offers one and two bedroom condominium vacation rentals; full kitchen and and washer/dryer in every unit.
Alekona Kauai's oceanfront homes, condos, and five-star luxury concierge services offer the discerning traveler a Kauai unlike anything they have previously experienced. From creating custom itineraries to private chef dinners, our staff is dedicated to ensure you experience the best of Kauai.
Plantation Hale Suites invites you to experience an unforgettable Kauai vacation. Located on the scenic Royal Coconut Coast in the heart of Kauai,steps away from Waipouli Beach, you couldn't picture a more beautiful place to spend a Hawaii vacation.
Perched high atop the lush, emerald cliffs that line Kauai's North Shore, this rejuvenating retreat is the perfect place to savor refreshing Pacific breezes while gazing at the sparkling ocean that lingers beyond the island's breathtaking bluffs.
59 lovingly refreshed, individual plantation-era cottage homes spread across 43 acres on Kauai's sunny west shore. Each cottage features a full kitchen and private lanai. The resort is set on a quiet, black-sand walking beach nearby the road to Waimea Canyon and Kokee State Park.
Top rated, privately managed Lae Nani beachfront condos on Kauai's Coconut Coast. Well maintained 1, 2, and 3 bedroom oceanfront condos in a peaceful beachside resort, walking distance to shopping, dining, attractions and the coastal path.

Learn More About The Cultural Significance Of Whales in Hawaii
