Are there whales in Maui or Oahu?


Are there whales in Maui or Oahu? While you can see whales off all the Hawaiian islands, Maui is the best one for it, given that the shallow Auau Channel, between Maui, Molokai, and Lanai, provides one of the highest concentrations of humpback whales on the planet during the winter months.


Can you see orcas in Maui?

The reality, however, is that they do exist in Hawaii, but they aren't a part of a resident population that is regularly spotted in the islands. There have been a handful of orca sightings off the Big Island of Hawaii as well as Maui and Lana'i, and a dead orca once washed ashore along the southern coastline of Lana'i.


What side of Maui is best for whale watching?

“One of the best places that I have found whales … is in Lahaina Harbor,” Sullivan said. Not so coincidentally, many of the boat tours depart from Lahaina, the West Maui town between the resorts of Kaanapali Beach and Wailea. “The whales will come all the way up to the boats that are moored,” he said.


What Hawaiian island has the most whales?

Maui is home to the world's densest population of North Pacific humpback whales, who make the six-week journey from Alaska to Hawaii to mate, rest, and give birth.


Is Maui more relaxing than Oahu?

Maui in a Nutshell It is a bit more relaxing and a lot slower, and the people who visit enjoy that pace. It's the second most visited Hawaiian island after Oahu. Maui's highlights include: the Road to Hana.


What month is best for whale watching in Maui?

When Is Maui Whale Watching Season? Whale watching season in Maui is November-May with peak season typically running between mid-January and March.


Which Hawaiian island has best whale watching?

The Maui Nui Basin was designated as the Hawaiian Island Humpback Whale Sanctuary because Maui is the main Hawaiian island destination for Humpback Whales. Maui is the best island in Hawaii for whale watching and begins offering whales tours from December 1st every year until April 15th.


Is Oahu good for whale watching?

These majestic creatures roam the waters around the Hawaiian Islands between December and May of each year, bringing joy and delight to locals and tourists alike. Oahu is one of the best Hawaiian islands for whale watching.


Are there killer whales in Oahu?

Killer whales are one of 18 marine mammals found in the Hawaiian Waters however many of these are rare and never seen. Some of the more common marine mammals found in Hawaii are: Humpback Whales, Monk Seals, Bottle nose dolphins, Spinner Dolphins, Stripped Dolphins and other dolphins and whales.


Are the whales still in Maui 2023?

November marks the traditional start of the 2022-2023 whale season at the sanctuary. Humpback whales are generally seen in Hawai'i from November into May each year, with the peak season running from January through March, according to the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary.


Why do whales prefer Maui?

Here in the confines of Maui County the water is very shallow, which consequently means it's free of predators like fearsome killer whales. The channel between Maui, Moloka'i, and Lana'i is only about 200 feet deep, and the sandy bottom and calm conditions are a tropical “kiddie pool” for whales.


Is Oahu or Maui better for whale watching?

Maui is the best Hawaiian island for whale watching. While you can see whales off all the Hawaiian islands, Maui is the best one for it, given that the shallow Auau Channel, between Maui, Molokai, and Lanai, provides one of the highest concentrations of humpback whales on the planet during the winter months.