Can you see orcas in Hawaii?


Can you see orcas in Hawaii? 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.


Is whale watching better in Honolulu or Maui?

The majority of humpbacks will stay around Maui's calmer, shallower water, which is ideal for moms and their calves, according to Conner Humann, a certified humpback whale naturalist and a crew member in the charter, making it the best island for whale watching.


What is the best month to see whales in Hawaii?

The best time for whale watching in Hawaii is between December and March. Though you can begin to see whales off the coast in the beginning of October (or even September) and as late as May, between December and March is when the population of humpback whales in Hawaii is the largest.


What time of year do you see orcas in San Juan Islands?

Peak season is considered the summer months of mid-June through early September. During this time, we see whales (orcas, humpbacks, greys and/or minkes) on over 90% of our tours. There are whales here year round, but much less predictably outside of those summer months.


Can you swim in Orcas Island?

The Cascade Lake Day Use Area includes a playground, swimming beach, and seasonal kayak rentals from Orcas Adventures. It's also where you'll find… The Sugar Shack! The Sugar Shack serves up delicious cones of Lopez Creamery ice cream, plus other simple fare, like hot dogs.


Can you see orcas from the shore?

Shore-based Whale Watching: Spend an afternoon at Lime Kiln Point State Park, a 36 acre day use park on the west side of San Juan Island considered one of the best places in the world to view orca whales from shore.


How many days do you need in Orcas Island?

A weekend (two to three nights) is a perfect amount of time to spend on Orcas, plus that means you'll be able to catch the Saturday Farmers Market in Eastsound, which is fantastic.


Are there snakes on Orcas Island?

There have been isolated reports of Rubber Boas (Charina bottae) on San Juan Island and Sharp-Tailed Snakes (Contia tenuis) on San Juan and Orcas Islands, but only garter snakes (Thamnophis spp) are relatively abundant and widespread on the larger islands.


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.