Captain zodiac ocean rafting kona whale watch tour from honokohau harbor set out on a search for humpback whales on a speedy 24ft zodiac raft, and get a front row seat to see these majestic mammals in the beautiful waters of kona. Please visit the individual pages for all the details and to book. Make sure to book a tour early, as they fill up quickly. Captain zodiac ocean rafting kona whale watch tour from. Should you find yourself on the island of hawaii, making an effort to go whale watching is an unforgettable experience, but youll need to do a bit of planning to make it happen. During hawaii s whale season, the ocean is full of activity from humpback whales migrating from the pacific northwest to breed and nurse their young. Head for the coastlines of all hawaiian islands right now. Youre able to hear the whales singing through the provided hydrophones. There are so many whales in hawaii during peak whale season that locals refer to the ocean as whale soup. Every winter, pods of graceful humpback whales migrate from alaska to the warmer waters of the hawaiian islands chain. Hawaii big island whale watching tours hawaii discount. While maui is the best location for humpback whale spotting, the other islands also see many whales in season. Moutohora is a small uninhabited island located off the bay of plenty coast of new zealands north island, about 9 kilometres 5. It seems like a certain few individual sharks enjoy hawaii and return periodically but its still a holy grail sighting.
You wont see as many on the big island, but if youre on the shore you should still be able to see some. The count is held the last saturday of january, february, and march during peak whale season of each year from 8. Come aboard winona for whale watching on the big island. What is the best hawaiian island for whale watching. The island is linked to portsea island and thence to the mainland by road bridges. Aloha, thanks for taking the time to provide feedback about your whale watch cruise. Between november and april is peak whale watching season around the big island. Now, there is a possibility of seeing pilot whales in kailuakona on the big island hawaii island. Boat tours are available departing from lahaina harbor many times throughout the day during whale season. First humpback whales of season spotted in hawaii cbs news. Best chance to see them would be in the winter off the big island kona. Big island whale watching tour best whale watching tour.
Incredible sailing experiences and ample deck space 58 feet long by 28 feet wide make the sea smoke a favorite choice for. Whale watching in hawaii hawaii whale watching tours. See our wheretostay guides for maui and the big island for insights on accommodation selection. Whale watching tours on the big island of hawaii 2020. The benefit of the zodiac is that you are closer to the water, and. Humpback whales visit hawaiian waters each year from november to may with the peak of the season being from january to march. Whale watching on the big island 2020 big island of hawaii. During the winter, between december and may, these majestic mammals swim all the way from alaska to mate and give birth in the warm tropical waters off the islands. Boat tours and whale watching cruises have become increasingly popular. Whale island is a small island in portsmouth harbour, close by portsea island. And even then i dont know if there are whale watching tours specifically for them. During hawaiis whale season, the ocean is full of activity from humpback whales migrating from the pacific northwest to breed and nurse their young.
One of the most popular and fun things to do on the big island in the winter months december through april is whale watching. Hi,i am thinking of visiting hawaii for the first time. Theres plenty of whale watching tours or even snorkel tours to choose from. Ocean sports whale watch adventure waikoloa 2020 all. Seeing one of these 40ton, 40foot long giants breach the water is an unforgettable sight. Its humpback whale season in hawaii hawaii magazine. Whale watching on the big island offers more than just humpback sightings, too. The most wonderful time of the year is whale watching season in hawaii. It has to do with the depth, 600 feet is the magical number, but one big difference between the two locations is population of boats.
See why body glove has the best on big island experienced guide, hear whales sing with hydrophone, spacious boat with bar, and sighting guarantee. From december to may, you may catch a glimpse of a majestic kohola humpback whale off the island of hawaiis shorelines. Home blog 6 great whale watching tips whale watching is an activity that allows you see these enormous mammals in their natural habitat and play a role in their conservation. Welcome to the official website for dan mcsweeneys whale watch learning adventures. Free gifts, no booking fees, and easy booking with travelshack. The best months to visit for peak hawaii whale watching. By using the site, you consent to the placement of these cookies. We recommend heading out on whale watching tour to get the best views possible, and to experience the beauty of the ocean. Other good islands to go whale watching are maui and kauai. Because your time is valuable we have prepared these 6 tips on whale watching to allow you to make the most out of your time. Weve seen whales from 5 different islands, and the end of. Get up close with humpback whales near the big island of hawaii on this guided, whale watching excursion. These destinations offer hawaii whale watching tours that highlight those whales that choose to congregate in the alenuihaha. 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.
It is home to hms excellent, the oldest shore training establishment within the royal navy, and the location of the navy command headquarters. Hawaii whale watching tours are generally only available during humpback season between november and april. The kohala coast is frequently known as the best area of hawaii for whale watching. The big island is a must do because of the active volcano there. Wahine charters would like to invite you to come out with us and witness one of the largest animals on the planet on the best whale watching charter in hawaii. December to april is an exciting time for the big island of hawaii because it marks whale watching season. Whale watching and snorkeling with turtles makes for a very good day.
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. 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. Whale season in hawaii lasts from november to may, with the peak of the season between january and march. The below table outlines the key differences between our two whale watching cruises. The whales begin appearing in december, and by february, the season is in full swing. As many as 10,000 whales winter in island waters, a good. As many as 10,000 whales winter in island waters, a good number of them visible from our state. This narrated tour brings you to some of the best viewing grounds via 24person catamaran. Just as our idyllic weather welcomes tourists from around the world, the warm and shallow waters surrounding the hawaiian islands. Depending on the season, join us for our big island whale watching adventure, morning swim with. Whale watching on the big island of hawaii big island. Hawaii whale watching guide for the big island big. Stay at a hotel along the areas of high humpback density. Its important for everyone to be extra vigilant during whale season.
Heres how, where and what to bring if youre hoping to spot these massive mammals. 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. 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. Hawaiis big island is home to migrating pods of humpback whales, which often breach as they build up energy for their northward migration. By the peak of the season from januarymarch, thousands of humpbacks have gathered in hawaii from hilo to hanalei, with the largest concentration of whales residing between maui, molokai, and lanai. From december to may, you may catch a glimpse of a majestic kohola humpback whale off the island of hawaii s shorelines. They only would come to hawaii when they knew they could see whales, usually around february. Explore whale watching hawaiian islands humpback whale. Turn off makena road into makena state parks big beach, where the trailhead. First humpback of season sighted off kauai big island now. 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. This site needs to store information on your computer in the form of cookies to work.
These gentle giants come to the warm hawaiian waters every year to breed and give birth to new calves. Here is a selection of big island whale watching tours or other cruises on which you are likely to see whales. Your vacation travel planning and activities guide for whale watching on the big island of hawaii. Hawaii info guides big island whale watching results for visitors to the hawaiian islands. Giant whale lashes out at surfers in sydney after they. 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. Humpback whales sure know where to vacation right here in hawaii. Hawaiian islands humpback whale explore whale watching. Big island whale watching whale watching tours on the. Whale watching on the big island your big island experience. The sanctuary ocean count project offers the community a chance to monitor humpback whales from the shores of o.
Just make a break for the kona coast or the waikoloa area if you want to do some big island whale watching. Its whalewatching season on the big island holualoa inn. You can listen to the whales under water, spot them from. If you book a whale watching tour from maui, experience the thrill of spotting a spout about. Contributed photo by bo pardau special to west hawaii today. One of the great things about big island whale watching is the fact that often you dont have to plan a special outing to see a whale. Mauna loa, which is the secondtallest mountain on the big island, helps block trade winds that can more easily affect whale watching on the other hawaiian islands, especially in the afternoon. If you are here during peak season, look at the pictures above and then do yourself a favor and go on a whale watch. Sanctuary ocean count hawaiian islands humpback whale. Where to watch humpback whales from shore across hawaii. Jan 07, 2009 head for the coastlines of all hawaiian islands right now.
If you need a break from the lava fields and secluded beaches, these tours are just what the doctor ordered. The whales do seem to prefer west maui, perhaps because of the shallow, warmer water. Types of whales in hawaii almost a dozen whale species. Ocean sports whale watch adventure waikoloa 2020 all you. We recommend west or south maui and the kohala coast of the big island. Nov 17, 2016 whale watching is a great big island activity. 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. The sea smoke has won several awards, including accolades for voyages across the pacific ocean. You might also spot some of the other whale species that make their home in these waters yearround sperm whales, pilot whales, pygmy killer whales and rare beaked whales as well as dolphin pods and curious sea turtles. During hawaiis whale season you can go on a whale watching cruise along the big islands hilo, kona or kohala coast. It is generally believed that february is the absolute peek of the season. Moutohora is a small uninhabited island located off the bay of plenty coast of new zealand s north island, about 9 kilometres 5. Zodiac raft whale watching adventure is one of our favorites. Kauai offers a range of whaleviewing opportunities, including poipu beach on the south shore, kilauea lighthouse on the north shore and kapaa overlook on the islands coconut coast.
Every winter, our humpback whales in hawaii make the 3000 mile journey from alaska to hawaii to mate and give birth in our warm tranquil waters. This list is a guide to the best places to whale watch on each island. Whale season is here and we are saving the best seat in the house for you. This island often draws people that are looking for a mellow time in on a stunning location. Its whale watching season on the big island every winter, pods of graceful humpback whales migrate from alaska to the warmer waters of the hawaiian islands chain. There are a variety of ways in which you can catch a glimpse of hawaiis humpback whales. When you dive with whales in hawaii, remember that the whales are diving with you. Where to whale watch in hawaii fodors travel guide. The number one spot to go whale watching is in kaanapali, maui and the number two spot is kohala coast, big island. The humpback whales leave the icy waters of alaska and migrate 6000 miles to. 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. There are several companies that offer big island whale watching tours. Whale watching season in hawaii is always a special time, and will be a great part of your trip.
These destinations offer hawaii whale watching tours that highlight those whales that choose to congregate in the alenuihaha channel. Top whale watching cruises on the big island of hawaii. The kohala coast of the big island is a marine mammal sanctuary and provides these animals a warm and safe environment to give birth and tend to their young. Whale watching boat tours and diy guide big island. Captains aboard holo holo charters adventurer ii spotted what appeared to be the first humpback whale of the season about a mile off kee. Best chance to see them would be in the winter off the big island kona side or the channel between lanai and molokai. Plan a hawaii boat tour to truly get the most out of your whale watching adventure.
Some say kohala is hawaiian for the humpback whale, and there is evidence to show that this beautiful beast has been visiting the waters near hawaii since ancient times. Big island whale watching tour best whale watching tour in. Every winter, over 5,000 humpback whales travel from alaska to hawaii. 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. Whale watching on the big island mauna lani sea adventures. On the big island, you can spot whales from various beaches along the kohala, north kohala and hamakua coasts, and in. There is nothing like seeing a humpback whale up close and will be something that you remember forever. Where to find the whales on each hawaiian island hawaii. Both include an onboard marine naturalist narrating the cruise and a sighting guarantee in the unlikely event no whales are spotted, you can go again for free. While the beginning of the season is the same as above, november, the end of the season. If you book a whale watching tour from maui, experience the thrill of spotting a spout about 300 yards off the bow, and then motoring close for a.
Hawaiis humpback whale season technically begins in november when the gargantuan mammals make the long journey from cold north pacific ocean seas to calve in hawaiis famously warm waters. I would only suggest doing this if you happen to be staying there. On the big island, whale watching opportunities abound with a full schedule of tours provided by seasoned, knowledgeable guides. A snorkeler and a whale shark meet offshore north of ellison onizuka kona international airport on the big island. And when whale season rolls around, this already spectacular island becomes magical. 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. 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. Years before we moved to hawaii, my husbands family would come to hawaii in the winter to see whales. Were so happy to read that you enjoyed the trip, the service and information provided by the crew, and most importantly, got a chance to see the humpbacks the turtles and dolphins are a fun bonus too.
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