
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
Since 1964 the Mauna Kea Golf Course set the standard of course beauty and design, solidifying its place in history as one of the Hawaii's most scenic and favored courses. Epic views and challenging play equate to an ideal Hawaii golf vacation.
In search of the perfect blend of nature and challenge have found their paradise at Hualalai Golf Club. The course is restricted to Hualalai residents and Four Seasons Resort Hualalai guests, and plays to a par 72, with four tee locations at each hole.
Kona Country Club provides the perfect environment for golf. Situated in scenic Keauhou just six miles south of Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii. Kona Country Club features spectacular ocean and mountain views, excellent facilities and friendly service.
Awarded "2006/2007 C.R.U.I.S.E. Tour of the Year" by Princess Cruises! Captain Zodiac is more than a snorkel tour; it’s a high-speed thrill ride adventure. See dolphins & whales, explore sea caves and see blowholes & unique lava formations.
Par-72 Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish Scottish links-style course, consisting of a double green, drivable Par 4s and large pot bunkers.
Par-70 Robert Trent Jones Jr. resort course. Very scenic with elevation changes and dramatic ocean hole. "FUN."
18 hole Robert Trent Jones Jr. Golf Course. Prepare yourself for an unparalleled golfing experience. Our course is a pleasure for golfers of any skill level to play. Open 364 days of the year. Wide, forgiving landing areas. Breathtaking scenery with views of five volcanoes and the Kohala coast.
Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows is a Hawaii golf resort home to the championship Francis H. I'l Brown South Course, renown as the former home to the annual Senior Skins Game from 1990 - 2000. The resort is now home to the prestigious Hawaii State Open.
The North Course is built on a lava bed of pahoehoe. The 17th is the signature hole with elevated tees which form a natural amphitheater. www.maunalani.com
Once at the Big Island Country Club, you’ll shift quickly into a relaxed and refreshed mindset as you leave the noise, traffic, deadlines, and fast pace of the big city behind.

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