Whale Watching

Meet the Gentle Giants of the Sea

Majestic and deeply respected, whales (koholā) are honored in Hawaiian culture as ancestral guardians of the ocean. Between January and May, about 5000 - 6000 humpback whales journey from the colder Alaskan ocean to the warm waters of Hawaiʻi to give birth. Then they stay a few months to nurse their young. It’s really the ultimate maternity leave.

For the best whale sighting, book a whale watching catamaran sail to get fairly close (100 yards) to these gentle giants in a peaceful, quiet manner. With the sun in the sky, the gentle breeze and calm waves, it is sure to be an amazing life experience.

To see the whales without having to leave the shore, get a pair of binoculars and look out from the shores of Kāʻanapali and McGregor Point and Lighthouse in West Maui.

Must Do:

Budget

Gear up with binoculars to watch humpback whales' tails slap, blow spray into the air and “pilot” from the shores of Kauaʻi's Nā Pali Coast and Māʻalaea Bay on Maui.
Mid-Range

Book a whale watching boat excursion from Waikiki Beach on Oʻahu for a heartwarming view of whale families. Bonus: you might also get to snorkel with turtles and dolphins.
Luxury

For the ultimate whale watching experience, sail a catamaran to Kāʻanapali Beach on Maui and a family of humpback whales might swim near you.

Whale tail above the surface of the water

Insider Tips

For a more intimate whale watching experience without crowds and the loud noise of an engine, choose a smaller, quiet vehicle like a catamaran.

If you love whales, protect them. Book a tour operator with ethical policies that acknowledges the laws of respectful distance for whale watching.

Stand-up paddleboard to the whales in Kīhei, Maui. Perks: the journey is serene and you will get a good workout along the way.

Must Go:

Maui Maui

Humpback whales love Maui’s shallow waters, which makes Maui the Hawaiian whale watching capital. Whale watching enthusiasts flock to the shores of Kāʻanapali between January and April yearly for a closer look at these majestic creatures.

Hawaii Island Hawaii Island

Visit the “hill of the whale” at Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site on Hawaiʻi Island for whale sightings that will melt your heart.

Oʻahu Oʻahu

Oʻahu’s southeastern tip near Diamond Head and Hanauma Bay is great for whale watching. That means you can hike, snorkel and watch whales all in one location. It doesn’t get better than that.