The best places to swim with whale sharks lonely planet. Years before we moved to hawaii, my husbands family would come to hawaii in the winter to see whales. Makapuu lighthouse and hanauma bay offer several seaside overlooks that provide a distant vantage. Whale watching cruise along scenic oahu west coast. But, after getting creative we found a number of things to keep us busy without ever buying a. Its our version of an african safari except that youre out in the water the whales travel here yearly on an exodus from alaska in order to have their babies.
The very best months are february and march when whale sightings are almost guaranteed. And for those lucky enough to experience this once in a lifetime influx of such extraordinary creatures these sea stars offer performances worthy of oscars, it is truly a. Get in touch with your wild side on our oahu whale watch tours. Humpback whales arent the only creatures you might spot on an oahubased whalewatching tour. Whale watching cruise along scenic oahu west coast witness the beauty and majesty of the amazing humpback whales as they make their annual migration through hawaiian waters. With a small group of people, watch the gentle giants swim, feed, breach and play around your boat. Reef fishing and snorkel adventure for one or two adults or children from tradewind charters up to 44% off.
Since i was in hawaii during whale season which runs from december to april, i thought a whale watching cruise would be fun. The hawaiian islands large whale entanglement response network is a. Can you recommend any whale watching tours for oahu that are nice but yet affordable. If you book a whale watching tour from maui, experience the thrill of spotting a spout about. There are at about 10,000 to 15,000 humpback whales in the world, and over 1,000 of them visit the tropical waters of hawaii every year at the end of november. Hawaii is a favorite wintering spot for na kohola humpback whales and has one of the largest seasonal populations of north pacific humpbacks in the world. On this oahu whalewatching cruise, youll get to see some of these whales travel through the waters while you also enjoy scenic views of oahus beautiful beaches and skyline. Oahu whale watching tours are a particular delight for visitors coming to hawaii to escape the winter chill and the humpback whales seen on these. The most wonderful time of the year is whale watching season in hawaii. There is a mandatory 14day selfquarantine for all visitors and residents of the state of. Each year, the great humpback whales migrate some 4,500 miles, from summer feeding grounds in alaska, to mate in the warm waters of hawaii.
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. Were fodors choice for whale watching on oahu, and deemed by cbs josh horwitz author of war of the whales as one of the top five american whale watching tours get in touch with your wild side on our oahu whale watch tours. Waikiki whale watch cruises honolulu all you need to. Go whalewatching off the coast of oahu on this excursion from waikiki or ko olina. Hawaii nautical is one of hawaiis largest oceanactivity providers, with a fleet of vessels islandwide serving many harbors across oahu and the big island. For oahu, we think the military history and scenery are two of. Shoreline spotting is best from january to march when humpback activity is at its peak. Whales can be seen quite easily from most shorelines around the hawaiian islands. If you dont see whales on any of our whale watchspecific trips, come back again 1 more time for free on trip of equal or lesser value. Whale watching island divers hawaii oahus friendliest. Hawaii the best tips for whale watching in hawaii whaletrips. In addition to a host of seabirds such as petrels, tropicbirds, and albatross, pilot whales, hawaiian spinner dolphins, and even the rare killer whale have been. A humpback whale breaches off the coast of oahu in hawaii. During this time literally thousands of pacific humpback whales make their journey from the cold waters off alaska to hawaiis warm waters to mate, breed and raise their young.
Combine with your post 3 ways to have a luxurious hawaii vacation on the cheap and. Twohour whalewatching cruise for one adult or one child at e sea diver up to 40% off. Round trip transportation from waikiki and a freshly made local lunch are included, choose from menu at spinners cafe. The best whale watching in hawaii often happens on oahus shores. Go whale watching in hawaii on our seasonal west oahu whale watch tour whale sighting is guaranteed. I will be in oahu in a week and would like to know about whale watchig and what are the best cruise to take for it or can we just watch from some of the watchig centers from the land.
Majestic waikiki whale watch afternoon cruise see hawaii. Whale watching cruises are some of the most popular and fun things to do in hawaiis whale season, which runs from december through april. Viewing whales up close on an oahu vacation is a real treat, especially if you get to see humpback whales breaching, in which they leap out of the water and return with an explosive splash. Courtesy of a research hydrophone, you can listen to live whale song through the vessel stereo system. Whale watching tours on oahu oahu forum tripadvisor. Witness the beauty and majesty of the amazing humpback whales as they make their annual migration through hawaiian waters. Sanctuary ocean count hawaiian islands humpback whale. For your personal whale tale, book a tour on a whale watching cruise. You can also spot whales from oahu s many beaches and from southeastern oahu spots like the scenic makapuu lighthouse, hanauma bay, and along the seaside overlooks near leahi diamond head. Waikiki whale watching tour cruise excursion in oahu. Every december through april, thousands of humpback whales migrate to the warm waters of hawaii. Whale watching cruises are some of the most popular things to do in hawaii s whale season, which runs from december through april. Types of whales in hawaii almost a dozen whale species. During this time literally thousands of pacific humpback whales make their journey from the cold waters off alaska to hawaii s warm waters to mate, breed and raise their young.
You can also spot whales from oahus many beaches and from southeastern oahu spots like the scenic makapuu lighthouse, hanauma bay, and along the seaside overlooks near leahi diamond head. Whale watching oahu is an amazing, aweinspiring activity you must do if here in hawaii during the months of late november through mid april. We saw plenty of turtles and the whole family had a great time. For a leisure midday whale experience, choose the stars popular premier whale watch cruise. Oahu whale watching tours whale watching cruises are some of the most popular and fun things to do in hawaii s whale season, which runs from december through april. The site is a bare and steep in some places area that runs along the cliff faces of portlock and may be slippery when wet. Take a trip to the beach or a scenic lookout and watch for the blows, pec slaps, flukeup dives, and breaches of hawaiis humpbacks. We respect the ocean and the ecosystem, and follow strict guidelines so that all marine mammals and wildlife are protected. Whale watching tours and cruises depart from various ports along oahus southern and western harbors. For diving in more remote locales, take a trip on a liveaboard boat. If one is seeking to enjoy an encounter with the species, there are myriad options available. Were fodors choice for whale watching on oahu, and deemed by cbs josh horwitz author of war of the whales as one of the top five american whale watching tours. Jan 18, 2017 where to watch humpback whales from shore across hawaii heres how, where and what to bring if youre hoping to spot these massive mammals.
Hiking enthusiasts can usually spot whales from the islands southeastern coast. Hawaiis department of land and natural resources, noaa fisheries pacific islands. Whale watching in oahu is an activity many visitors look forward to, and for good reason. Humpback whales in the company of whales in the wake of giants. If no whales are sighted during your cruise guests can go out again for free.
Star of honolulu dinner and whale watch cruises oahu, hawaii. Humpback whales have returned and free whale watching in hawaii is really possible. Enjoy some of the best whale watching in oahu and learn about humpback whales from our naturalist crew. They only would come to hawaii when they knew they could see whales, usually around february. Oct 03, 2019 humpback whales have returned and free whale watching in hawaii is really possible. Its great that its just off shore and the whole cruise was set up to be casual and laid back with a great honesty bar system. 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. Follow a rather steep public access trail that runs between the homes. Views are excellent for whale watching, though the area tends to be windy. Waikiki and kewalo basin charters are not in the sanctuary. The waianae coast is the best place in oahu to spot whales. On kauai most tours start at port allen, on oahu at honolulu both rather focusing on dolphins than whales.
In addition to a host of seabirds such as petrels, tropicbirds, and albatross, pilot whales, hawaiian spinner dolphins, and even the rare killer whale have been spotted. While we arent exactly budget travelers, we do like to save money where we can so we can enjoy or splurge in other places. We believe in delivering service, safety, and the spirit of aloha. Whale watching boat tours and diy guide big island.
Whale watching tours and cruises depart from various ports along oahu s southern and western harbors. Daytime guided sightseeing boat trip from hawaii glass bottom boat adventures up to 40% off. Finding inexpensive things to do on oahu was a bit of a challenge for us at first. Jul 29, 2015 10 best free activities and attractions on oahu. When we recommend for the top things you should do and see on each island, we focus on the aspects that are unique to that island. On the island of hawaii, whales are often seen along the shores of the. Visiting oahu and having a great time does not have to cost a bundle. Each winter december through may, thousands of kohola humpback whales travel to hawaii from colder waters to breed, calve and nurse their young.
Go whale watching off the coast of oahu on this excursion from waikiki or ko olina. Hawaiian islands humpback whale marine life top 10. On this oahu whale watching cruise, youll get to see some of these whales travel through the waters while you also enjoy scenic views of oahu s beautiful beaches and skyline. Every winter, over 5,000 humpback whales travel from alaska to hawaii. In fact, whale watching is one of oahus main attractions, drawing onlookers from across the world. Hawaiis whale watching season runs from december through may. Barely any whale watching tours start from the other.
The waters surrounding maui are the stage for some of the best whale watching in the world. The whole family will enjoy it with our educational kids. 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. I booked through viator, but the company was atlantis adventures. Tons of whale watching tours and cruises depart from ports along oahus southern and western harbors. Life, unplugged sail in the company of whales, hawaii whale watching season yes. Honolulu whale watching deals in honolulu, hi groupon. But, after getting creative we found a number of things to keep us busy without ever buying a paid tour or package. Previously we have been to maui and went on a whale watching tour through the pacific whale foundation which was wonderful and very affordable. That while their season in hawaii isnt normally set to get underway for about a month. Whalewatching cruise for one, two, or four from pink sails waikiki up to 72% off. Home news where to whale watch in hawaii where to whale watch in hawaii. Download a one page information sheet on disentanglement response efforts. You may also spot kohola from the southern shores of oahu, especially at makapuu.
Whale watching cruise for one, two, or four from pink sails waikiki up to 72% off. They dont come as close to shore here on oahu as they do on maui. We do not need any dinnerdrinks, just a tour is all. During these winter months thousands of pacific humpback whales migrate from their summer feedings grounds in the waters off alaska to the warm hawaiian waters to mate and nurse their. Go here from your mobile device and click your account to create a user login. Theres still time to plan a hawaii vacation and pay these magnificent creatures a visit hop a flight to honolulu, and theyre everywhere to be seen, right offshore. Majestic waikiki whale watch afternoon cruise see hawaiis. Each year, thousands of humpback whales migrate to hawaii between december and april for mating and childrearing purposes. Its our version of an african safari except that youre out in the water. Oahu whale watching tours are a particular delight for visitors coming to hawaii to escape the winter chill and the humpback whales seen on these whale watches can often be seen from the shoreline of waikiki in addition to the whale watching honolulu tours. Whale watching is a seasonal and very popular activity during the winter time in hawaii. There are so many whales in the waters off maui during whale watch season that the whale watching tour operators guarantee whale sightings. Whale watching on oahu graceful and gentle giants of the ocean, arching, breaching, and frolicking, hawaii s humpback whales take center stage during whale season.
This whale watching trip was the highlight of our week long vacation on oahu. Waikiki whale watch cruises honolulu all you need to know. One of the most popular and fun things to do during this time is to go on a whale watching cruise. During whale season literally thousands of pacific humpback whales migrate from the cold alaskan waters to hawaiis warm waters to mate, breed and raise their young. My friends and i had a fabulous time, the staff were fantastic, the food was great and the entertainment was very well done, the entertainment and staff are very talented. Many of these whale watches are offered at discount pricing. This discreet bay, tucked neatly at the western end of the gulf of tadjoura, is one of the most dependable places in the world to swim with whale sharks. My day started with an early morning bus pickup in waikiki, which transported me and a busload of other tourists to pier 6 at the aloha tower marketplace. 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. More than twenty species of marine mammals call the hawaiian waters home, and they include a range of. The network carries out disentanglement trainings each year on kauai, oahu. Hawaiian islands humpback whale get involved sanctuary. During the months from december to may, pods of humpback whales migrate through hawaiis warm waters, and this tour guarantees whale sightings.
I will recommend this whale watching trip as a most do for anyone going to hawaii. Island divers hawaii whale watching charter is the only charter on oahu which conducts their tours inside the hawaiian islands humpback whale national marine sanctuary. During this time literally thousands of pacific humpback whales make their journey from the cold waters off alaska to hawaiis warm waters to mate, breed and. Maui south shore premier kayak and snorkel tour from makena beach. Regulations prohibit boats from approaching within 100 yards of a whale and you should never swim with or touch whales or any other marine mammals. Set sail along the western coast of oahu on a beautiful catamaran and search for hawaiis. Wintertime is whale watching season in hawaii, as thousands of north pacific humpback whales wind up in the warm south pacific waters, having traveled 3,500 miles from alaska. Hawaii is a popular destination for whale watching because, during mating season, humpback whales are more active resulting in elevated surface activity. Closer to the modern honolulu, whales can be seen off the cliffs surf break near diamond head. The whales are drawn to the areas shallow waters, especially the auau channel between maui, molokai and lanai, making maui.
Its not uncommon for several of the giants to be cruising so close to shore that its possible to snorkel out to see them. Discover the sights, sounds, tastes, art, culture, history, nature and adventure of. Oahu whale watching tours the whale watching season is usually under way by the 15th of december and usually lasts through april. Brilliant trip crew were great saw dolphins, great ipro footage by the crew. Boat tours and whale watching cruises, for instance, have become increasingly popular, with both commercial and private tour companies offering all. The island of maui is the best hawaiian island to watch these majestic mammals. The whales are drawn to the areas shallow waters, especially the auau channel between maui, molokai.
Both tours are truly dedicated to the oahu whale watching experience, and expert naturalists share insightful information and educational commentary on the humpback whales behavior and biology. Whale season in hawaii lasts from november to may, with the peak of the season between january and march. Hawaii whale watching, oahu whale watch near ko olina, waikiki. Youll find plenty of free or very inexpensive activities and sights on oahu. Try handson hawaiian culture activities such as lei making, ukulele and hula lessons. Lets face it, hawaii isnt the cheapest place to travel, as a matter of fact it can be freaking expensive. For the big island you will have best chance of seeing whales in the north kona, and north and south kohala districts. If you are very passionate about whale watching, but arent interested in a boat tour, you could consider spending the day in waipio valley, hiking to pololu valley, or having a sunset picnic in holoholokai beach park. One of the giants was reportedly seen breaching multiple times.
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