Ultimate Guide to Whale Watching in Hawaii When, Where & How
- Eric Beuning
- May 28
- 10 min read
The first time I thought about whale watching in Hawaii, my expectations were a little closer to fantasy than reality. Rather than blaming Star Trek 4 The Voyage Home for making me think humpback whales were so easily accessible, I decided to learn more about whale migrations, where and how to see these majestic marine mammals.
Being a little older, wiser, wetter, and armed with the wisdom of other travel writers who got it right, I thought I’d give you the heads-up on Hawaiian whale watching.
Understanding Whale Migration in Hawaii
Every winter whales migrate thousands of miles from Alaska to Hawaii to breed, calve, and nurse their young in the warm, protected waters. It’s been going on for thousands of years. This means whale watching in Hawaii isn’t just a bucket-list experience for tourists. It’s also something that’s deeply ingrained in indigenous Hawaiian culture.
The Cultural Significance of Whales in Hawaii
In indigenous Hawaiian culture, whale watching carries deep spiritual and cultural significance with centuries-old traditions. Humpback whales in Hawaiian are called “Koholā.” They’re seen as embodiments of Kanaloa, the god of the deep ocean, and are revered as ancestral guardians and messengers.
Their annual return to Hawaiian waters is not only a natural wonder but also a symbol of regeneration, connection, and continuity. If you’re trying to watch whales from land you might come upon native Hawaiians mid-ritual, and if you do, be patient and respectful.
Traditional chants (oli) and stories honor the whale's role in the oceanic world, are common, especially early in the winter whale watching season. So, be respectful, as ritual observation of koholā is a modern way for both Hawaiians and visitors to engage with this sacred relationship. When done mindfully, becomes an act of cultural appreciation, not just tourism.
When Is the Best Time to See Whales in Hawaii?
In my experience, the best time for whale watching in Hawaii is from mid-December through mid-April, with peak sightings between January and March. This is when thousands of humpbacks make their annual appearance off the coastlines of Maui, Oʻahu, the Big Island, and Kauaʻi.
While I’m not a marine biologist, I think you see the most action as far as tail slaps and breaches in January. It’s almost like they’re happy to be back in Hawaii and start playing around. I’m also guessing it has something to do with their breeding rituals.
As April approaches, you start to see a steady decrease in whale activity and crowds. So, while your chances of seeing one go down, when you do see one it tends to be more of a private experience.
What Time of Day is Best for Whale Watching In Hawaii?
Early morning is one of the best times to see whales in Hawaii. The sea is usually calmest around dawn, and many types of marine life become more active in the early morning hours. So, even if you don’t see a whale, your chances of seeing dolphins and other sea life is also higher in the early morning hours.
Trust me, it’s worth getting up early. Just don’t plan a Mauna Kea stargazing tour the night before!
What Are the Best Hawaiian Islands for Whale Watching?
While whales can be spotted from all Hawaiian Islands, Maui is considered by most to be the best place for whale watching from land or in a boat. This is largely due to the shallow Auʻau Channel, which is a well-known whale nursery.
The Big Island is also a very good place to see whales. Particularly on the Kona Coast, but if you’re watching from land, they might seem off in the distance.
Kauai and Oahu also provide shoreline views and boat tours. I’ve never tried whale-watching from shore on either of these islands, but I’ve heard that they tend to be less reliable than Maui.. Winter also tends to bring massive waves to the north shores of Kauai and Oahu, which can be a factor if you want to see whales on a boat tour.
How to Plan for Whale Watching in Hawaii
If you want to try whale watching from shore in Hawaii, you can wing it, but a boat tour is the ultimate experience. However, that requires planning. Especially if someone in your group is prone to seasickness or you can’t book a morning tour.
The Type of Whale Watching Vessel Matters
To find the best type of boat for whale watching in Hawaii, you need to think about the type of experience you want, and what kind of conditions you’re comfortable with.
Small vessels like catamarans and zodiac boats give you a more intimate experience. They also tend to load up and deploy quickly if whales happen to make an impromptu off-shore appearance.
However, smaller craft tend to get tossed around in the winter waves. Even on a calm day, you’ll likely get wet. Especially if you can’t book a morning time slot.
Larger vessels and big whale watching tour boats give you a lot more stability. They’re definitely the better option if you can’t get a morning spot, or someone in your group might get seasick.
If staying dry is a priority, I'd recommend a boat tour on a double-decker power catamaran. You can stay on the enclosed lower deck where the view is great, and the splashes of a breaching whale can't soak you.
What to Wear & Pack for a Whale Watching Boat Tour
When packing and dressing for a Hawaiian whale-watching trip on a boat, you should expect to get wet and be exposed to the sun.
Be sure to put sunscreen on and bring sunscreen with you just in case you need to reapply. A hat is also a wise move, especially if you’re bald like me!
Wearing a swimsuit underneath your clothes might also be a wise idea. Especially if you’re going to be on a smaller boat. Even if you’re going to be on a larger boat, a cheap disposable rain poncho might be wise if a whale breaches.
Understanding Different Whale Behaviors
The Pacific humpback whales that frequent Hawaii are famous for their acrobatic moves. During a tour, you might witness:
Breaching is the term used to describe when a whale leaps out of the water. This is one of the most obvious behaviors you’ll spot when whale watching from shore.
Tail and fin slaps are often seen during mating displays. It’s often a sign telling you that there are multiple whales in the general area.
Spy hopping is when whales pop their heads above the surface to look around. This is a somewhat common behavior that you’re more likely to experience when whale watching on a smaller craft like a catamaran.
Hawaii Shore Whale Watching Tips
You don’t need a boat to enjoy whale watching during the winter season, but it helps a lot to be in the right place at the right time. A pair of binoculars will give you a close up look, but you’ll want a modestly priced spotting scope with a smartphone adapter like they use for Yellowstone wildlife photography if you want to get a great whale-watching photo.
Where Are the Best Places in Hawaii to See Whales from Shore?
While Maui is arguably the best Hawaiian island to see whales from shore, the Big Island, Oahu, and Kauai also have their own whale-watching hotspots.
Puʻu Olai (Red Hill), Makena State Park (Maui)
This volcanic cinder cone rises above the coastline, offering a wide, elevated view of the ʻAuʻau Channel. It’s one of the most whale-populated waters in Hawaii during the winter migration season. Just be prepared to be surrounded by other whale-watching tourists.
Kohala Coast (Big Island)
The Kohala Coast is my favorite spot for shore-based whale watching in Hawaii. The waters here tend to be calmer, clear waters and deep offshore drop-offs, the Kohala Coast is a prime location to spot humpback whales breaching close to shore, especially near Puakō and Kawaihae.
Makapuʻu Lighthouse Trail (Oahu)
This is the easiest place to see whales from shore in Oahu. It’s a nice, paved hike with sweeping ocean views from the cliffs of Oahu’s southeastern tip. You’re not going to get a close-up viewing experience, but with a spotting scope or quality binoculars, you’ll have a big field of view to hopefully see humpbacks.
Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge Kauaʻi
I’ve never been here during whale watching season, but I’ve visited it before for breathtaking views. It’s technically a seabird refuge but also provides excellent ocean views for spotting whales gliding through the waters just offshore.
Best Boat Tours for Whale Watching in Hawaii
Most of the major islands in Hawaii have whale-watching boat tours in the summer months. The following are some of my top picks with island and marina information.
This is one of the best whale-watching tours in Maui. It’s a spacious double-deck power catamaran departing from Ma'alaea Harbor, which offers the stability of a large, powered vessel, without being as crowded as a smaller catamaran. I also appreciated that the lower deck is enclosed, which is nice is staying dry is a priority.
It’s a two-hour guided cruise with panoramic views of the Maui coastline and the opportunity to observe humpback whales in their natural habitat. I think one of the other big bonuses here is that along with watching the whales break and splash, they also have onboard hydrophones to let you listen to the humpback’s whale song!
It was while watching whales from shore in Kohala on a Big Island business trip that I realized I wanted to get out on the water with them. This 2.5-hour tour leaves Honokōhau Harbor in Kailua-Kona, which is a bit of a haul if you’re staying in Hilo, but easily doable if you’re on the North or west side of the Big Island.
They have onboard hydrophones, which let me listen to the haunting songs of these majestic creatures. I also felt the crew gave some great insights that cued me into whale behavior, which I appreciated on my first time.
I appreciate that this Honu Lani whale-watching catamaran launches out of Kewalo Basin Harbor, just outside Waikiki. So, if you’re staying in Honolulu, it’s easy to catch a morning tour. Even if you don’t see any whales, the cruise along Oahu’s stunning southern coastline is legitimately a visual feast.
The double-deck catamaran offered fantastic views, and you can stay on the lower deck if you want to stay sheltered and dry. The crew are experts when it comes to whales and whale behavior and their migration patterns.
I don’t know if they always do it, but they said their policy was that if we didn’t spot any whales, we could have joined another cruise for free. It wasn’t an issue as we spotted two different humpbacks breaching.
If you’re staying in Maui, and you want an intense whale watching and sunset experience this tour is a top option. It leaves from Lahaina Harbor on a custom-built inflatable raft. There’s a real thrill to being so close to the water and feeling its energy, but it’s probably not ideal if you have problems with seasickness!
The tour is a full two hours, and their naturalist guide really knows his stuff. I feel like I learned just as much about humpback whales as I did about dolphins, tuna, and other Hawaiian sea life! Then we were treated to a breathtaking sunset right on the water.
Hawaii Whale Watching FAQ
The following frequently asked questions might help you dial in on which whale-watching tour is best for you. If anything, it will help you learn from some of my mistakes!
Can you get seasick on a whale watching tour?
Even though I don’t get seasick, there are times when I feel like I need to stare at the horizon when the waters start getting choppy. I had a traveling companion who’d had motion sickness issues in the past. They took some prescription medications, and it seemed to work well for them.
Should I eat before taking a whale watching boat tour?
Some whale-watching boat tours offer snacks, but even though I don’t get seasick I prefer to eat very lightly an hour or two before setting sail. Something with ginger in it is a nice touch as that helps naturally abate any minor seasickness.
Do whale watching boats have life jackets?
By law, Hawaiian whale-watching tour boats have life jackets and all the safety training necessary to keep all the passengers safe on the water.
What type of whales do you see in Hawaii?
Northern Pacific humpback whales are by far the most common type of whale you see in Hawaii. However, many times when you go out on a whale-watching boat tour, you end up seeing dolphins as well.
Final Thoughts on Hawaii Whale Watching
I think the best time of year for a Hawaii whale-watching tour is those first few weeks of the new year. After all the families who came for Christmas and New Year's Eve go home, the number of tourists is low, yet whale activity is just getting exciting.
Where you stay matters if you want to watch whales from shore or want to catch an early morning cruise. When the sun is still low in the sky the waves and wind are lower, and the whales and other marine life are active. However, this is also the most popular time to see whales, so it’s wise to book a morning whale-watching tour in advance.
In my experience, Maui and the north coast of the Big Island give you the best chance of seeing whales from shore. However, there are whale-watching opportunities on Kauai, and Oahu that are definitely worth adding to your Hawaiian vacation.
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