What is the best month for whale watching in Hawaii?
What is the best month for whale watching 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.
Is whale watching better in Oahu or the Big Island?
On the Big Island, the Kohala coast and north Kona are the best places to watch whales. Hilo and green sand beach are good alternatives. On Oahu, you want to go to the north shore. On Maui, the west coast is a true hotspot for whales (see also our guide to Maui whale watching tours).
What time are whales most active in Hawaii?
The best time to view whales is between dawn and dusk when they are most active. Whale-watching tours typically last 3-4 hours, but you may want to check with your tour operator about the specific times that their vessel will be sailing.
How close can you get to whales in Hawaii?
Federal law states that no one may approach a humpback whale within 100 yards in Hawaiian waters. This means that all ocean users (boaters, swimmers, surfers, etc. ) must stay at least 100 yards from any humpback whale at all times.
Is whale watching better in Maui or Kona?
Maui is considered the best Hawaiian island for whale watching due to the shallow Auau Channel that runs alongside it. This shallow channel brings the whales closer to the surface and increases your chances of spotting them breaching or hunting for krill or small fish.
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 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.
Which side of Oahu is best for whale watching?
During the peak months of February and March, it's sometimes possible to see humpback whales from shore in Oahu. Some of the best locations for whale spotting are on lookouts along the south-eastern side of the island.
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.
Is it better to whale watch in the morning or afternoon in Hawaii?
The best time of day for whale watching is any time of the day! Whales are active and resting 24 hours a day. They have intervals of activity and rest because they do not feed while they are in Hawaii, their behavior is related to mating and giving birth which happens at random during the day and night.
Can you see whales from Waikiki beach?
Although the protected oceanic areas known as the Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary are mainly found between the islands of Maui, Molokai and Lanai, the island of Oahu is also a popular destination for humpback whales, and they can be found off the shores of Waikiki, the North Shore, and both the east (windward) ...
What months are whales best in Hawaii?
Although the best time of year to see whales is December through April, the peak of the season is happening right now, January through March! By the month of January, we are seeing more whale action than December, and by February we have what we call “whale soup”. Everywhere you look, you see humpback whales!
When and where is the best to see the whales in Hawaii?
Whale watching season runs from November through April in Hawaii, typically peaking between January and March. It's easy to spot whales for free right from shore from Maui, Oahu and Kauai. It's important to do your research and pick a sustainable tour company that respects the animals and laws.
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.
Which Hawaiian island has the best whale watching?
While Maui is the best location for humpback whale spotting, the other islands also see many whales in season. There are fabulous whale-watching tours on Kauai, the island of Oahu, and off the shores of the Big Island.