Believe it or not, that is not always the case in kona. Whale watching doesnt require any skills or training just watch for the spouting and big splashes and youll see them. When you dive with whales in hawaii, remember that the whales are diving with you. Enjoy kona whale watching on your next trip kona coast. Whale sightings are guaranteed and if you dont see whales on your trip, come back again for free.
According to noaa, the peak season for whale watching in oahu is january to march. The majestic whale watch lunch cruise is 2 12 hours long from 11. The open ocean safari delivers opportunities to swim with dolphins kona also features whales, whale sharks, big pelagic fish, sharks, mantas, and more. While the best hawaiian island for whale watching is said to be maui, theres a chance you can see whales in oahu too if you go during whale season.
Putting it all together how to maximize whale watching in hawaii. Whale watching on the big island of hawaii big island. Its about 78, sunny blue sky, and a few white puffy clouds. Captain dan mcsweeneys whale watching adventures holualoa. The whale watching season in kauai runs from november through march. Kona hawaii humpback whale sighting filmed with hawaii marlin fishing and daron castoro. It seems like a certain few individual sharks enjoy hawaii and return periodically but its still a holy grail sighting. The humpback whale is known for making an annual migration of nearly 6,000 miles, one of the longest of any mammal. We will cruise along the coast looking for these amazing creatures that are known to slap the water with their fins and tails as well as breach. Body glove afternoon kona whale watching tour from kona pier sail beautiful kona coast in search of humpback whales.
I would only suggest doing this if you happen to be staying there. Whether from the shore, in outrigger canoe or on a whale watching boat tour, humpback wales are easy to see in hawaii from november to april, with january through march being the highest season for whale watching. Whale watching in kona, hawaii lets you get in touch with ocean life in its natural. Humpback whales come to hawaii between november and april whale season, and the big island is our favorite of the hawaiian islands to go see the whales.
Set a course along the kohala coast for a chance to see migrating whales. It is generally believed that february is the absolute peek of the season. Hawaiian islands humpback whale explore whale watching. It is estimated that more than 10,000 of these whales migrate to the hawaiian islands each year during the winter, in search of a warmer climate. Oct 03, 2019 humpback whales have returned and free whale watching in hawaii is really possible. So, if you really, really want to see lots of humpback whales on your hawaii vacation, go during the peek of the season between january, february and march.
Now, there is a possibility of seeing pilot whales in kailuakona on the big island hawaii island. There are fabulous whale watching tours on kauai, the island of oahu, and off the shores of big island. Hawaiis marine mammals are fascinating and easily observed creatures and many boating activity companies combine dolphin watching with snorkeling, scuba or snuba. Go on a whale watching adventure on this cruise in kailua kona. Whale watching boat tours and diy guide big island. Join the crew of hang loose for a kona whale watch tour. Free whale watching in hawaii 2020 season underway.
And even then i dont know if there are whale watching tours specifically for them. The sea smoke has won several awards, including accolades for voyages across the pacific ocean. A hawaii whale watching cruise allows you to see humpback whales up close. If viewing whales by boat, opt for an early morning or late afternoon tour to avoid the midday heat and to sail when seas are calmest. Glide along the stunning kona coast searching for the majestic humpback whales. Scientists estimate that twothirds of the entire north pacific humpback whale population return to hawaii to breed, calve and nurse their young. Since long before whale watching gained the enormous popularity it boasts today, captain dan mcsweeneys passion and caring for whales defined the character of his whale watching business. Humpback whale watching december to april see humpback whales in hawaii. There are at about 10,000 to 15,000 humpback whales in the world, and over 1,000 of them visit the tropical waters of hawaii every year at the end of november. Hawaii whale research foundation was founded in 1987 by dr. Seeing one of these 40ton, 40foot long giants breach the water is an unforgettable sight.
Whale watching kona, big island hawaii the humpback whales come from alaska to hawaii during the winter months to calve and mate. One of the giants was reportedly seen breaching multiple times. During hawaiis whale season you can go on a whale watching cruise along the big islands hilo, kona or kohala coast. Dec 12, 2017 its about 11 am here today, and the weather is perfect. There are many variations on the whale watching cruise in hawaii. When is the best time to see humpback whales in hawaii and. Best chance to see them would be in the winter off the big island kona side or the channel between lanai and molokai. Humpback whales visit hawaiian waters each year from november to may with the peak of the season being from january to march. But humpback whales visit the hawaiian islands every year from november to may, so its possible that you can see whales outside of that january to march peak whale season too.
If you are here in the winter, there are many whale watch cruises available during humpback season, offering a wide range of boats, activities, education and amenities. Explore whale watching hawaiian islands humpback whale. Sep 26, 2017 putting it all together how to maximize whale watching in hawaii. See and experience this phenomenon, a rare opportunity to listen to their songs and learn all about the annual hawaii whale season. Nov 17, 2016 whale watching is a great big island activity. Years before we moved to hawaii, my husbands family would come to hawaii in the winter to see whales. Whale watching on hawaiis big island dolphin bay vacation. Click on the chart number to download a portable document format pdf of the chart. Kona whale watching is great all year long because the water is usually calm, and the ocean gets very deep right offshore, so access to the whales may take only minutes. Incredible sailing experiences and ample deck space 58 feet long by 28 feet wide make the sea smoke a favorite choice for excursions of all types. For more information or to order your whale watch tickets over the phone. Humpback whales make their annual journey to hawaii between the months of november and april whale season, and the big island is our favorite of the. Boat tours and whale watching cruises are extremely popular, but you can also see them.
The pdf files are very large and may require considerable. Find the best hawaii whale watching cruises at discounted rates by selecting your island above. Maui has the best whale watching in hawaii, hands down. During the winter humpback season, its common to see 40ton whales with 15foot pectoral fins breaching offshore, and resident spinner dolphins can be seen flashing through the. Keep your eyes peeled for humpback whales, pilot whales, and false killer whales, which all might make an appearance during your cruise. Officially, whale season in hawaii runs from december 15may 15, although the first whale of the season. Start your morning early and head out for a full day on the water to include whale watching, amazing views of the napali coastline, and snorkeling, with food and beverages included for a five or seven hour excursion. Hawaii is known as a top destination for whale watching, especially for an estimated twothirds of the north american population of humpback whales that vacation in hawaii. And while the whales do take an extended reprieve near the islands, they are not there year round, and there may be better areas than others to catch a glimpse at their massive beauty. Enjoy kona whale watching on your next trip kona coast vacations. Humpbacks are in hawaiian waters during the winter months to birth their calves and to mate. Enjoy the wind in your hair, the gentle ocean breeze and the magnificent views of the kona coast. Federal law requires divers to keep a distance of least 100 yards from the humpbacks that make the islands their home from late november to early may.
Whale watching season has started earlier than expected in hawaii. The hilo side see far less boaters with only a few commercial operation so enjoy a one on one whale encounter without another boat in sight unlike the kona whale watching partys. Sperm whales, which tend to lounge along the surface like giant logs, are sometimes in residence, as are beaked whales, pilot whales and the giant but harmless whale shark. Honokohau marina north boat ramp, 74425 kealakehe pkwy, kailua kona, hi 96740 check in.
Hawaii s humpback whale season is in full swing by november, and winds down with the majority of whales departing in april and may. They race more than 3,000 miles from the gulf of alaska to hawaii, then stay for a lengthy vacation, frolicking just off our shores and delighting spectators from december through may. Go here from your mobile device and click your account to create a user login. The last whales could stick around until april before they make their trek back to alaska. Board a 48foot 15meter delta boat in honokohau harbor, and set sail on the water to try and spot whales in their natural habitat. If you are visiting kona during whale season, the chance of seeing whales is pretty good.
Here is a selection of big island whale watching tours or other cruises on which you are likely to see whales. You can listen to the whales under water, spot them from. Its about 11 am here today, and the weather is perfect. A single humpback whale was seen near the big islands kailuakona area on thursday, aug. Humpback whale watching season starts early in hawaii. Hawaii whale watching is definitely an activity you dont want to miss out on if youre visiting the islands during whale watching season. Humpback whale season in hawaii spans from late november to early may. Join on an epic expedition in search of hawaii s biggest and best marine life. Hilo whale watching is best from december april humpback whales are become a daily favorite, with sightings on every whale watch tour or you come again free.
Join an epic expedition in search of hawaiis biggest and best marine life. Waikoloa whale watching 8am whale watch hawaii ocean sports offers wake up with the whales a 90 minute morning whale watch on a sailing catamaran, casting off. Here in the hawaiian islands, however, the white clumps of water that signify winter are found in splashes and spouts, when between 10,000 and 15,000 humpback whales arrive in hawaii for the holidays. Where they call hawaii their winter home december to april of each year. We will begin processing online booking requests after september 1st, 2020 so please wait until then to submit your booking forms. Whether from the shore, in outrigger canoe or on a whalewatching boat tour, humpback wales are easy to see in hawaii from november to april, with january through march being the highest season for whale watching. Generally speaking, december to may is seen as the best time for whale watching in oahu and the rest of hawaii. Humpback whale watching tours look for humpback whales along the kona coast. Flip nicklinminden pictures the sanctuary ocean count provides hawaii residents and visitors with the opportunity to actively participate in evaluating the status of humpback whales. Guaranteed whale watch in kona 2020 big island of hawaii. The channel between the kona side and the southeastern end of maui is a draw not only for humpbacks but some of the more elusive species. Whale season arguably the best time to visit hawaii given the level of activity in the water, whale watching season in hawaii is arguably one of the most popular times to visit, and if you venture out on the water in winter on a whale watching tour or a kayak, be sure to have your camera ready and a healthy sense of adventure, since a time. Ocean sports wake up with the whales hawaii discount.
Whale watching tour get ready to see our hawaiian gentle giants in action. Honokohau marina north boat ramp, 74425 kealakehe pkwy, kailuakona, hi 96740 check in. Open ocean safari freediving and snorkeling kona with whales and dolphins. Captain dan mcsweeney, a whale researcher, and conservationist provides one of the. Body glove afternoon kona whale watching tour from. That while their season in hawaii isnt normally set to get underway for about a month. The open ocean safari delivers opportunities to see whales, dolphins, whale sharks, big pelagic fish, sharks, mantas, and more. The first humpback whale sighting this year in hawaii was on september 29th near the small island of niihau. From december to may, you may catch a glimpse of a majestic kohola humpback whale off the island of hawaiis shorelines. Hawaiis humpback whales to be counted despite fed shutdown. These cruises are offered on the four main hawaiian islands of oahu, maui, kauai and the big island.
Humpback whales mother, baby, and escort seen on the captain zodiac whale watching tour march 2015. Weve seen whales from 5 different islands, and the end of january is a great. A single humpback whale was seen near the big islands kailua kona area on thursday, aug. Get involved sanctuary ocean count hawaiian islands. You can swim with completely free hawaiian spinner dolphins, snorkel with the. Kailuakona, hawaii ap an annual humpback whale count in. Watch the northern pacific humpback whale in their playground and ours, beautiful hawaii. December to april is an exciting time for the big island of hawaii because it marks whale watching season. For more information or to order your whale watch tickets over the phone, call toll free at 18664829775 or 8088922082 local. Humpback whales have returned and free whale watching in hawaii is really possible. Hawaii big island whale watching tours hawaii discount. The whales do seem to prefer west maui, perhaps because of the shallow, warmer water. Jun 28, 2010 now, there is a possibility of seeing pilot whales in kailua kona on the big island hawaii island.
Today is the second day in a row that ive seen a whale here. What is the best hawaiian island for whale watching. These gentle giants come to the warm hawaiian waters every year to breed and give birth to new calves. Whale sightings are guaranteed, or you will be given a voucher for another tour. Humpback whale watching season starts early in hawaii live. For a more intimate and highly educational experience, captain tom bottrell, a professional marine ecologist, offers excellent kona whale watching tours of no more than six people.
The most wonderful time of the year is whale watching season in hawaii. Dan salden and has studied humpback whale social affiliation each season since, each winter in hawaiian waters and some summers in alaskan waters. May 14, 2020 ocean tours to learn about humpback whales and see them close up off the kona coast of hawaiis big island, personally guided by veteran whale researcher captain dan mcsweeney. The humpback whales leave the icy waters of alaska and migrate 6000 miles to hawaii every year to give birth and care for their calves. This is when thousands of pacific humpback whales make the journey from the waters off alaska to hawaiis warm waters to breed and give birth to their young. Jan 18, 2017 kona hawaii humpback whale sighting filmed with hawaii marlin fishing and daron castoro. Join an epic expedition in search of hawaii s biggest and best marine life. This activity only operates from december through midapril during whale season. Ocean sports offers a variety of tours including this wake up with the whales tour.
Every winter, over 5,000 humpback whales travel from alaska to hawaii. Maui, kauai and the big island are the most popular islands for hawaii whale watching, so plan to visit one of these islands on your vacation. Feb 21, 2016 humpback whales mother, baby, and escort seen on the captain zodiac whale watching tour march 2015. Enjoy kona coffee, soft drinks, crunchy granola bar snacks and the chance to see these large whales up close. Thousands of humpback whales migrate back to hawaii every.
Although most hawaii guidebooks state that whale watching season runs from november to april, the peak time for whales in kona is from midjanuary through early march. They only would come to hawaii when they knew they could see whales, usually around february. The foundation is a team of dedicated researchers, biologists, data analysts and support staff. From december through marchapril, the magnificent humpback whales make their yearly migration from alaska to hawaii. Most of our whales are on the northenmost north kona and kohala coasts, so a boat that operates out of south kohala, like kohala divers, mauna lani sea adventures, or waikoloa ocean sports, is best. So if you have not made your travel arrangements yet, shoot for these months. Luxury whale watching in kona hawaii alii ocean tours. Choose from catamarans, zodiacs, jetboats and even kayak and outrigger canoe tours that depart from centralized locations including lahaina and kaanapali on maui, waikiki on oahu, and kailuakona on the big island. Other good islands to go whale watching are maui and kauai. Waikoloa whale watching 8am whale watch hawaii ocean sports offers wake up with the whales a 90 minute morning whale watch on a sailing catamaran, casting off from the shore of waikoloa. Whale watching is a seasonal and very popular activity during the winter time in hawaii. Explore more things to do in hawaii go to experiences page. Every year more than 20,000 humpback whales return to hawaii for breeding season and were lucky enough to enjoy their company. You wont see as many on the big island, but if youre on the shore you should still be able to see some.