What to know about a january vacation in hawaii go visit. If you think of going to australia around december or january, visit the southern coast as well a pretty good spot to watch blue whales. During this time literally thousands of pacific humpback whales make their journey from the cold waters off alaska to hawaiis warm waters to mate, breed and raise their young. Download the app to stay uptodate on the latest sightings. Whale watching boat tours and diy guide big island. You can do whale watching in december but this is only a fraction of what you will see a few months later. Hawaii whale watching, oahu whale watch near ko olina, waikiki. Volunteers are essential in conducting the sanctuarys annual ocean count event. Each year, the great humpback whales migrate some 4,500 miles, from summer feeding grounds in alaska, to mate in the warm waters of hawaii.
This whale watching trip was the highlight of our week long vacation on oahu. Plus, keep your eyes peeled for other marine life like hawaiian spinner dolphins, porpoises and sea turtles. We focus on the most interesting whales to watch, the best countries to meet them and the perfect time to go there. One of the giants was reportedly seen breaching multiple times. Although most hawaii guidebooks state that whale watching season runs from november to april, the peak time for whales in kona is from mid january through early march. Video of migrating humpback whales off the coast of oahu on january 25, 2010. Both tours are truly dedicated to the oahu whale watching experience, and expert naturalists share insightful information and educational commentary on the humpback whales behavior and biology. Start your whale watching year with ease why not visit hawaii.
I will recommend this whale watching trip as a most do for anyone going to hawaii. There are 12 survey sites along the shoreline of maui, offering a chance to spend time at a favorite spot or to explore a new part of the island. Embark on the most popular whale watch cruise of oahu. Heres what you need to know about where to go and how to spot them. Types of whales in hawaii almost a dozen whale species. These tours run from december through march and provide you with a spectacular vantage point from the safety. Heres how, where and what to bring if youre hoping to spot these massive mammals. Star of honolulu waikikis best whale watch cruise from aloha tower embark on the most popular whale watch cruise of oahu. Hawaiis best places to spot humpback whales from the shore. Get in touch with your wild side and meet your finned counterparts on our oahu whale watch and dolphin encounter charters hawaii is the only birthing grounds of humpback whales in the us, and has year round whale watching of other marine mammals. See humpback whales during their annual migration in the waters off oahu on a whale watching cruise from waikiki. Whale watching cruise for one, two, or four from pink sails waikiki up to 72% off. Years before we moved to hawaii, my husbands family would come to hawaii in the winter to see whales. A truly amazing, jawdropping experience, when vacationing to maui during the winter season, a humpback whale watch is a mustdo.
Thousands of humpbacks gather in the warm waters to mate and give birth. Departing at noon, this oahu whale watch cruise is fun for everyone in the family. Join us on hawaiis most popular whale watch cruise along waikiki beach. Dec 15, 2015 a whale watch on pride of maui begins at maalaea harbor and includes a barbecue lunch, mai tais, beer and two and a half hours at sea. The 5 best places to see the winter humpback whale migration hawaii, mexico, and california are hot spots for viewing the marine mammals on their annual journey. Its truly spectacular to watch these massive creatures leaping out of the ocean, surfacing to breathe and slapping their tails and fins. A group on a whale watching boat out of lahaina, maui, gets a close look at a breaching humpback whale. We hope this website will be a good inspiration for a great trip. January is one of the peak months to observe humpback whale season in hawaii.
So if you book a ride on any of oahus many boat or rafting tours during humpback season, dont be surprised if youre guaranteed sightings. During the winter months, the maui coast plays host to the majestic humpback whales who visit the area to mate and give birth. Incredible underwater video of whale encounter in kona, hawaii january 20 unedited. Officially, whale season in hawaii runs from december 15may 15, although the first whale of the season is usually spotted sometime in early october. Boat tours and whale watching cruises have become increasingly popular. Cruise in the comfort of hawaii s largest vessel with hightech stabilizers for smooth cruising and the most outdoor space with four walkaround decks and a top observation deck for optimal whale encounters. And for those lucky enough to experience this once in a lifetime influx of such extraordinary creatures these sea stars offer performances worthy of oscars, it is truly a. Set out on a honolulu whale watch cruise to see hawaii s humpback whales and cruise past beautiful diamond head in search of these majestic marine mammals. Early morning trips usually mean calmer seas highlights. You can also spot whales from oahus many beaches and from southeastern oahu spots like the scenic makapuu lighthouse, hanauma bay, and along the seaside overlooks near leahi diamond head.
Whale watching on oahu graceful and gentle giants of the ocean, arching, breaching, and frolicking, hawaii s humpback whales take center stage during whale season. From charter boats to passenger rafts, a stroll past the kiosks lining lahaina harbor reveals a variety of options during the peak of whale watching season, between january and early april. Few things compare to seeing these magical mammals in real life. Humpback whales in maui whales visit december to april. The 5 best places to see the winter humpback whale migration. Where to watch humpback whales from shore across hawaii. Wild side hawaii whale watching, swimming with wild dolphins, snorkeling tour oahubased combination of best snorkeling, swimming with wild dolphins, year round whalewatching, incredible history, stunning landscapes, and a mesmerizing wealth of natural beauty that only mother nature at her finest can provide our mission is quite simply, conservation through experience. Best of whale watching, monterey california as of 7.
Offer valid during the whale season only from january 2nd march 30th, 2020. An oahu whale watching cruise allows you to see humpback whales up close. Twohour whale watching cruise for one adult or one child at e sea diver up to 40% off. During the humpback season it is not uncommon for a curious humpback whale to investigate scuba divers, and oahu diving reports. Various whale watching tours can locate the whales, as well as provide education about the history of humpbacks in hawaii and their migration all the way from alaska down into. Whale watching on oahu from december to may, you may catch a glimpse of a majestic kohola, or humpback whale, in oahu s southern seas. Experience whale watching in hawaii, one of the most popular activities in the winter. Official mapquest website, find driving directions, maps, live traffic updates and road conditions. The very best months are february and march when whale sightings are almost guaranteed. It takes hours of filming due to a large mass of ocean to scan over the.
Hiking enthusiasts can usually spot whales from the islands southeastern coast. Daytime guided sightseeing boat trip from hawaii glass bottom boat adventures up to 40% off. That while their season in hawaii isnt normally set to get underway for about a month. 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. Oahu whale watching tours whale watching cruises are some of the most popular and fun things to do in hawaii s whale season, which runs from december through april. The sanctuary ocean count project offers the community a chance to monitor humpback whales from the shores of o. Oct 03, 2019 humpback whales have returned and free whale watching in hawaii is really possible. Were fodors choice for whale watching on oahu, and deemed by cbs josh horwitz author of war of the whales as one of the top five american whale watching tours. The most wonderful time of the year is whale watching season in hawaii. Oahu whale watching tours oahu whale watching tours are another great reason to visit oahu in the winter months. What is the best hawaiian island for whale watching. Hawaii is a favorite wintering spot for na kohola humpback whales and has one of the largest seasonal populations of north pacific humpbacks in the world.
Closer to the modern honolulu, whales can be seen off the cliffs surf break near diamond head. Its an experience anyone visiting hawaii should at least experience once. Chris fishing and whale watching recommended for you. Wild side deemed one of the top five american whale watching tours. You can use the species and date filters to see changes throughout the year. Whalewatching tours are the best way to learn about and get great photos of these breaching behemoths up close. In 12 years of studies by cascadia research, a total of 32 sperm whales were sighted in hawaii31 of which were off of the big island. Oahus ultimate whale watching trip off kaena point.
Majestic waikiki whale watch afternoon cruise see hawaii. A number of speedboat, pontoon, and sailboat tours depart from areas around waikikiespecially from kewalo basin harbor opposite ala moana beach parkas well as from the north shore and the western leeward side of the island. Volunteers monitor the water for signs of humpback whale activity. But you dont have to go on a whale watching tour to spot whales. Reef fishing and snorkel adventure for one or two adults or children from tradewind charters up to 44% off. The best months to see whales is usually between mid january and march as this is considered peak whale. The whaleplanner january a whale watching infographic. The count is held the last saturday of january, february, and march during peak whale season of each year from 8. Chinese heritage festival, hula o na keiki, made in maui county festival hawaii island. A list of tours that take you humpback whale watching during hawaii s winter months. January sync your personal devices calendar with ours to keep up with all our events. November to january are normally the months where humpback whales start showing on the waters off maui. Whale watching tours and cruises depart from various ports along oahus southern and western harbors. With we try to inspire and give you the best information about whale watching.
Oahu whale watching tours whale watching tours on oahu if youre fortunate enough to be visiting oahu during the months of novembermay give or take a couple of weeks either way, you absolutely must plan a whale watching tour. Whale watching hawaii oahu year round whale watch oahu. 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. The first whales start arriving to the big island in november, and their numbers steadily build up as the season goes on until they peak in the months january, february, and march. Whale watching on oahu graceful and gentle giants of the ocean, arching, breaching, and frolicking, hawaiis humpback whales take center stage during whale season. Whale watching cruises are some of the most popular and fun things to do in hawaiis whale season, which runs from december through april. Select from a morning or midday cruise, and choose. Hawaiian islands humpback whale sanctuary ocean count. The whales can be found in the waters between november up until may but spotting a whale out in some of the channels is much higher in frequency from january to march.
Jan 02, 2016 humpback whales slow to arrive in hawaii in this jan. If you are having an issue that isnt listed here, please let us know at the help desk. Humpback whale season on the hawaiian islands is between november and early may, but some months are better than others. When we visit hawaii during humpback whale season, we spend just about every spare moment whale watching. Nothing compares to coming facetoface with a humpback whale with peak humpback whale season and couples snuggling up for valentines day, maui in february is a busy time. Under federal protection, the humpback population is steadily rising.
During this time literally thousands of pacific humpback whales make their journey from the cold waters off alaska to hawaii s warm waters to mate, breed and raise their young. Stream full episodes of lifetime series and original movies, including dance moms, married at first sight, bring it, rap game, and more. December 15th is the official start of the humpback whale season in hawaii, but guests on our private whale watching tour could spot whales as early as november, and since the feeling of watching a humpback from a kayak is one of the islands best adventures, we figured it was time to discuss some basics about humpback whales in maui. Whale season in hawaii lasts from november to may, with the peak of the season between january and march. Hawaii is a popular destination for whale watching because, during mating season, humpback whales are more active resulting in elevated surface activity. They only would come to hawaii when they knew they could see whales, usually around february. Whale watching is a seasonal and very popular activity during the winter time 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. Large sperm whale carcass that washed ashore at sand. It is generally believed that february is the absolute peek of the season. Late january is a wonderful time to see the humpback whales in hawaiithe only thing is that they are best seen from the shores of maui, kauai, and big island report inappropriate content cocoonbarbie. Honolulu whale watching deals in honolulu, hi groupon. Whale watching experiences on maui mauis best whale watching tours. Video taken with a digital camera from the deck of the navatek i, based in honolulu. Makapuu lighthouse and hanauma bay offer several seaside overlooks that provide a distant vantage. The whale watching season is usually under way by the 15th of december and usually lasts through april. These cruises take you along the beautiful shoreline of waikiki beach or along the islands scenic west shore. Fall hawaii international film festival, vans world cup of surfing maui. In 2014, a sick sperm whale was sighted off of kihei, and it was presumed that the whale had ventured to shallower water as it fought to stay alive. Enjoy the norwegian and icelandic winter and combine whale watching orcas, humpbacks and fin whales.
Sep 26, 2017 its such a delight to see a humpback whales spout breath, or tail break the oceans surface, and absolutely thrilling to see a whale breach by jumping out of the water and creating a big splash. Maui, molokai and lanai offer the best whale watching opportunities. By the week after thanksgiving, its common to find whales off of maui or lanai as they breach and leap from the waterwith many of the whales that arrive in november being males preparing for the show. What you need to know about the maui whale season the. Find the best oahu whale watching cruises at discounted rates right here. The majority of participants are local residents, however expanding interest has brought us calls from the mainland, australia and beyond.
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. Hawaiian islands humpback whale explore whale watching. Every winter, over 5,000 humpback whales travel from alaska to hawaii. Get in touch with your wild side on our oahu whale watch tours. Oahu, hawaii whale watching, swimming with wild dolphins. Official mapquest maps, driving directions, live traffic. The first whales start arriving to the big island in late november, and more arrive as the season continues, until their numbers peak in the months of january, february, and march.
Majestic waikiki whale watch afternoon cruise see hawaiis. The best whale watching in hawaii often happens on oahus shores. Things to do on maui in february humpback whale season. Just as our idyllic weather welcomes tourists from around the world, the warm and shallow waters surrounding the hawaiian islands are a favorite destination for kohola, or humpback whales. When youre ready to start planning your trip to hawaii, book a stay at the old wailuku inn.
Humpback whales visit hawaiian waters each year from november to may with the peak of the season being from january to march. Humpback whale season on the hawaiian islands is between november and early may. 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. Stay at a hotel along the areas of high humpback density. Scientists estimate that twothirds of the entire north pacific humpback whale population return to hawaii to breed, calve and nurse their young. Mar 12, 2014 whale season in hawaii it takes lots of patience and time for me to share these wonderful graceful creatures with you. Join us on hawaii s most popular whale watch cruise along waikiki beach. Oahu whale watching tours the whale watching season is usually under way by the 15th of december and usually lasts through april. According to noaa, the peak season for whale watching in oahu is january to march. And the islands are home to a large national humpback whale marine sanctuary, which encompasses near shore waters off six islands.
Cruise in the comfort of hawaiis largest vessel with hightech stabilizers for smooth cruising and the most outdoor space with four walkaround decks and a top observation deck for optimal whale encounters. If no whales are sighted during your cruise guests can go out again for free. There are a variety of ways in which you can catch a glimpse of hawaiis humpback whales. Onboard whale naturalists, hydrophone, and delicious food, premium bar drinks, and warm chocolate chip cookies. Both tours are truly dedicated to the oahu whale watching experience, and expert naturalists share insightful information and educational commentary on the humpback whale s behavior and biology. Star of honolulu waikikis best whale watch cruise from.
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