And the islands are home to a large national humpback whale marine sanctuary, which encompasses near shore waters off six islands. 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. On oahu, dive oahu will get you to oahus best sites like ewa. Small group 610 passengers charters include yearround whale watching, swimming with dolphins, and snorkeling with giant sea turtles and endemic tropical reef fish. Reef fishing and snorkel adventure for one or two adults or children from tradewind charters up to 44% off. By simplicio paragas on 12012017, updated on 03142018. The whales dont have calendars though there are whales here now, and have been for a month. Whale watching waikiki coast star of honolulu tour. Humpback whale watching boat tours whale watching season 20192020 starts dec 21st, 2019 join us for a unique honolulu whale watching cruise. 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. Humpback whales take refuge in the warm waters of hawaii as they raise their calves. Hawaii humpback whale counts plunge in march honolulu star. With four walkaround decks and a 60foot high observation deck, our vessel. Next year 2017 may go down as one of the most critical years for humpback whale research in hawaii in the last fifty years.
Enjoy hawaiis favorite seasonal visitors, the majestic humpback whales, from the comfort of the beautiful honi olani sailing catamaran on their morning and afternoon tour. Go whale watching off the coast of oahu on this excursion from waikiki or ko olina. Play in new window download on todays podcast, well be talking about whalewatching season in hawaii. One of the giants was reportedly seen breaching multiple times. 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. Oahus only marinebiologist founded and led ocean wildlife tours. The star of honolulu is one of oahus most well known cruise ships, so be sure to book your tour well in advance to avoid missing the humpback whales. Oahu whale watching tour right now its whale season in hawaii. Whale watching cruises are some of the most popular and fun things to do in hawaiis whale season, which runs from december through april. Whale watching season runs from october to april in hawaii. This hiking trail gives you a chance to see whales.
Makapuu lighthouse and hanauma bay offer several seaside overlooks that provide a distant vantage. 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. Humpback whales visit hawaiian waters each year from november to may with the peak of the season being from january to march. Weather conditions for whale viewing were great on hawaii island, but.
The most wonderful time of the year is whale watching season in hawaii. Whale season is between the 15th of december until the 15th of may. For the best viewing opportunity to see whales, join us on board the star of honolulu and use our favorite tips for spotting these magnificent creatures. May 03, 2017 footage gathered from the last two times i spotted whales with my drone to conclude the whale season till they return in december. Here, then, in no particular order, are some of my favorite options for seeing whales on oahu, hawaiis most populous island. The site is a bare and steep in some places area that runs along the cliff faces of portlock and may be slippery when wet. Hawaiian islands humpback whale get involved sanctuary.
The peak season to go whale watching in hawaii is between january to march. We recommend heading out on whale watching tour to get the best views possible, and to experience the beauty of the ocean. Whale watching season begins in hawaii luxe travel hawaii. Its quite possible that there are whales swimming towards hawaii right now.
Annual humpback whale count completed hawaii tribuneherald. We have been whale watching on four islands and on as many different boats. Beautifully arched backs, graceful limbs leaping and truly inspiring choreography. Hiking enthusiasts can usually spot whales from the islands southeastern coast. With a small group of people, watch the gentle giants swim, feed, breach and play around your boat. 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.
The best whale watching in hawaii often happens on oahus shores. Whale watching waikiki coast star of honolulu tour oahu hawaii. Oahu whale watching season lasts from december through about april. According to noaa, the peak season for whale watching in oahu is january to march. Ocean count serves to promote public awareness about humpback whales, the sanctuary and shorebased whalewatching opportunities. Hawaii whale watching, oahu whale watch near ko olina, waikiki.
Jan 15, 2017 whale watching waikiki coast star of honolulu tour oahu hawaii. Every year from november through march around 8,000 humpback whales migrate from the cold waters of the gulf of alaska to hawaii to birth and raise their young. There is a popular whale watching site along the pali highway a few miles west of maalaea harbor. Jan 12, 2017 not that we blame them, if we had to pick between the icy waters of alaska and the aloha spirit of hawaii we know which hawaiian tours we would choose each time the humpback whale is the most popular species you will see slapping its tail and making the leap off of the shores of hawaii. Not that we blame them, if we had to pick between the icy waters of alaska and the aloha spirit of hawaii we know which hawaiian tours we would choose each time the humpback whale is the most popular species you will see slapping its tail and making the leap off of the shores of hawaii.
Oct 20, 2017 oct 20, 2017 a humpback whale breaches off the coast of oahu during a atlantis cruises whalewatching tour. With whale watching season at a peak the next few months, we decided to board the star of honolulu in hopes of catching a glimpse of these majestic mammals in their natural environment. Its great that its just off shore and the whole cruise was set up to be casual and laid back with a great honesty bar system. You may also spot kohola from the southern shores of oahu, especially at makapuu lighthouse and along the seaside overlooks near leahi diamond head. Years before we moved to hawaii, my husbands family would come to hawaii in the winter to see whales. The count is conducted three times per year during the peak whale season and provides a snapshot of. Footage gathered from the last two times i spotted whales with my drone to conclude the whale season till they return in december. Ive seen a few from my home on the north shore of kauai.
Whale watching cruise for one, two, or four from pink sails waikiki up to 72% off. We were told that the day before, only a few pod sightings were detected. Humpback whale watching season starts early in hawaii live. 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. November, december and january are frequently listed as the start of the season with april and may usually designated as the end of the season. Top whalewatching tours on oahu by simplicio paragas on 12012017, updated on 03142018.
They only would come to hawaii when they knew they could see whales, usually around february. A humpback whale was spotted in western hawaii on thursday, aug. Graceful and gentle giants of the ocean, arching, breaching, and frolicking, hawaiis humpback whales take center stage during whale season. When we visit hawaii during humpback whale season, we spend just about every spare moment whale watching. When we visit hawaii during humpback whale season, we spend just about every spare moment whale. Peak whale season is now underway as the humpback whales make their annual migration to the hawaiian islands. There is a big difference between seeing a whale and experiencing a whale. Today we saw a pod of about 5 whales, which according to star of honolulu was the largest pod theyve seen this 2017 whale watching. In hawaii, whale watching season is one of the most anticipated times of the year. For the first time since 1966 when whaling was deemed illegal in the north pacific, humpbacks will no longer be considered an endangered species trying to come back from the brink of extinction. Nov 21, 2019 hawaiis humpback whale season is underway.
During the months from december to may, pods of humpback whales migrate through hawaiis warm waters, and this tour guarantees whale sightings. 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. While the protected waters between maui and lanai are the single best spot to glimpse these leviathans doing their thing, the water on the leeward side of oahu is pretty good for whalewatching, too. If no whales are sighted during your cruise guests can go out again for free. Boat tours and whale watching cruises have become increasingly popular. Get in touch with your wild side and meet your finned counterparts on whale and dolphin encounters hawaiis year round whale watching of other marine mammals. Where to watch humpback whales from shore across hawaii. I will recommend this whale watching trip as a most do for anyone going to hawaii. Closer to the modern honolulu, whales can be seen off the cliffs surf break near diamond head.
More than 380 volunteers gathered data from the shores of hawaii island, oahu and kauai during the final count of the 2017 hawaiian islands humpback whale national marine sanctuary ocean count. When is the best time to see humpback whales in hawaii and which. Humpback whales have returned and free whale watching in hawaii is really possible. Whale watching off of waikiki, hawaii, february 2017 youtube. Whale watching season in hawaii is always a special time, and will be a great part of your trip. That while their season in hawaii isnt normally set to get underway for about a month. We saw plenty of turtles and the whole family had a great time. Whale watching island divers hawaii oahus friendliest. Whalewatching cruise for one, two, or four from pink sails waikiki up to 72% off. There is nothing like seeing a humpback whale up close and will be something that you remember forever. Aug 27, 2019 so, its time to kick off our annual contest to predict the first humpback whale sighting of the 20192020 season. Whale watching on oahu graceful and gentle giants of the ocean, arching, breaching, and frolicking, hawaiis humpback whales take center stage during whale season. Humpback whale season is around november march in oahu and they are just off the beach, it.
If you want to see whales from oahu your best bet would be to take some kind of boat tour. Get in touch with your wild side and meet your finned counterparts on whale and dolphin encounters hawaiis year round whale watching of other marine mammals the clear temperate waters of hawaii are known worldwide amongst marine biologists, for an. Portion of proceeds donated to marine conservation orgs. More than 0 north pacific humpback whales migrate from southeastern. 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. Waikiki whale watching sail cruise whales guaranteed or come back again free. Daytime guided sightseeing boat trip from hawaii glass bottom boat adventures up to 40% off. Every winter, over 5,000 humpback whales travel from alaska to hawaii. The pacific whale foundation pwf counted 984 humpbacks during a february 2017 census in maui, up from 732 in 2016. You can use the species and date filters to see changes throughout the year. Oahu whale watching on the majestic whale watching.
Humpback whale watching season starts early in hawaii. Whalewatching tours are the best way to learn about and get great photos of these breaching behemoths up close. There are a variety of ways in which you can catch a glimpse of hawaiis humpback whales. Oct 05, 2016 next year 2017 may go down as one of the most critical years for humpback whale research in hawaii in the last fifty years. Seeing whales in the wild can be a majestic experience. Graceful and gentle giants of the ocean, arching, breaching, and frolicking, hawaii s humpback whales take center stage during whale season. Oct 03, 2019 humpback whales have returned and free whale watching in hawaii is really possible. Whale season begins on december 26th and runs through midapril, meaning the limited window is sure to fill up fast. In your research, you may have seen different timeframes defining humpback whale season in hawaii. Best whale watching spots in hawaii live your aloha. My husband and i went to the big island during mid october of 2017. Honolulu whale watching deals in honolulu, hi groupon. Though hawaiis exciting humpback whale season doesnt officially start until decemberjanuary, some whales start their visit sooner.
Brilliant trip crew were great saw dolphins, great ipro footage by the crew. Oahu s only marinebiologist founded and led ocean wildlife tours. Under federal protection, the humpback population is steadily rising. With several whale populations the world over considered to be in danger, oahu is a beautiful spot to come for whale watching this location is an absolute magnet for a variety of whale populations worldwide. A critical year for humpbacks in hawaii whale trust maui. Whale watching waikiki coast star of honolulu tour oahu. We are local and go whale watching at least once a year. You wont have to go far from honolulu to see whales. The official season for this whale of an adventure takes place from mid december and lasts. Hawaiian islands humpback whale explore whale watching. You can get up with the sun or sip a cocktail as it sets on a luxury catamaran, swim with dolphins or snorkel with turtles, listen to whale song broadcast by hydrophone, catch the photo of a lifetime on a photo safari tour. This whale watching trip was the highlight of our week long vacation on oahu. Experience the difference a more intimate setting makes.
Oct 20, 2017 a humpback whale breaches off the coast of oahu during a atlantis cruises whalewatching tour. In february, 5 whales were recorded from 44 sites on oahu, kauai and. When is the best time to see humpback whales in hawaii. May 18, 2019 alternatives to whale watching tours in oahu when your hawaii vacation is during whale season. That means ill earn a small commission if you purchase something through these links. 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. Follow a rather steep public access trail that runs between the homes.
Operators on oahu, maui, hawaii island and kauai provide a variety of cruises. Go visit hawaiis 10th annual contest to predict the seasons. Whale watching hawaii oahu year round whale watch oahu. Our where hawaii editor gives tips on seeing the humpback whales. While capturing a glimpse of the gentle giants on their annual migration to hawaii waters is no guarantee during a hawaii vacation, there are many ways to increase your chances. Chose a oneandahalf or twohour whale watch adventure that takes off from lahaina harbor with 17 other guests aboard its 30foot rigidhulled inflatable raft. We captured over 15 hours of footage in 4 months on 3 islands to share new and interesting behaviors from above. Majestic waikiki whale watch afternoon cruise see hawaii. Go visit hawaiis 10th annual contest to predict the.
Waikiki whale watching sail cruise whales guaranteed or. Nothing beats the aweinspiring beauty of the waianae coast, except maybe the equally stunning and diverse wildlife. Hawaiis humpback whale season begins big island now. You can book a whale watching tour on maui through hawaii aloha travel. Sail in the company of whales, oahu whale watching, marine biologist crew guided photo tours, watch humpback whales in season, tours depart near ko olina, honolulu, waikiki.
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. I am thinking about go whale watching or maybe at least getting into the water to see the awesome. Views are excellent for whale watching, though the area tends to be windy. Majestic waikiki whale watch afternoon cruise see hawaiis. Go whalewatching off the coast of oahu on this excursion from waikiki or ko olina. Free whale watching in hawaii 2020 season underway. 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. First humpback whales of season spotted in hawaii cbs news. Best spots for whale watching on oahu expedia viewfinder.
Pick the earliest date you think the first whale sighting will be this year. 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. This is my second time going to oahu but was traveling with friends who have never gone. Get in touch with your wild side on our oahu whale watch tours. Here are tips and advice on how to spot whales around the island. Each year, a number of organizations and locals organize annual humpback whale festivals to welcome megaptera novaeangliae to the aloha state.
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