Although the first sightings of the year are often in october or even as early as september, different whales arrive. Whales are often normally seen, and your guide will make their best effort to find these marine mammals so you can have the best tour possible. Humpback whales visit hawaiian waters each year from november to may with the peak of the season being from january to march. Theres nothing quite like viewing whales in their natural habitat, and if you get to see a humpback whale breach, or leap almost entirely out of the water, it is something that you will surely never forget. Although the first sightings of the year are often in october or even as early as september, different whales arrive at different times. Each year, a number of organizations and locals organize annual humpback whale festivals to welcome megaptera novaeangliae to the aloha state. The whale watching season in kauai runs from november through march. While the beginning of the season is the same as above, november, the end of the season. February is considered the peak time to see these beautiful creatures.
For a more intimate and highly educational experience, captain tom bottrell, a professional marine ecologist, offers excellent kona whale watching tours of no more than six people. For more information about maui whale watching tours offered by maui sights and treasures, read more here. Island divers hawaii whale watching charter is the only charter on oahu which conducts their tours inside the hawaiian islands humpback whale national marine. After spending their summer feeding in the coastal waters of alaska, the humpbacks migrate to hawaii to mate and give birth during the winter and spring months november to may, making february and march the peak time for whale. Read this before planning your whale watching tour in alaska. November, december and january are frequently listed as the start of the season with april and may usually designated as the end of the season. Snorkel tours and dolphin watches are offered in the mornings and the afternoons and in addition they offer sunset sails, dinner cruises, scuba and snuba options, whale watching in season and private charters. What is the best hawaiian island for whale watching. As impressive as these feats are, one of the most striking behaviors is how the whales sing. Humpback whales travel thousands of miles from alaska to hawaii to mate and.
Hawaii nautical offers a large variety of boat tours throughout the island of oahu and on the big island of hawaii. When is the best time to see humpback whales in hawaii. A pair of humpback whales spouting near a hawaii whale whatching tour boat. The first whales start arriving to the big island in late november, and more arrive as the season continues, until their numbers peak in the months of january, february, and march. Oahu whale watching tours hawaii tours hawaii activities. The makapuu lighthouse trail is known as having a good potential for whale sightings. Early in the season, the first sightings are usually of males who have made the swim from alaska, awaiting the females who usually show up between thanksgiving and christmas.
If you have planned a hawaii vacation during this time, you should have no problem spotting whales. Maui whale watching is one of the most popular activities to do in hawaii. Sightings are best in january and february when babies are born, and moms with their. Whale watching in hawaii is the perfect way to enjoy the incredible. If youre in hawaii during the winter months when its whale season in oahu, theres another incentive for you to go on this trail. And during whale season, hundreds of volunteers fan out across the state to count and observe whale behavior. Sep 05, 2018 so is there a peak season for whales in maui. So unless youre already going in the next few weeks, now is a good time to plan for next season. While capturing a glimpse of the gentle giants on their annual migration to hawaii waters is no guarantee during a hawaii vacation, there are many ways to increase your chances. The whale census takes place the last week of february, which seems to be the peak of the whale visitation. So, if you really, really want to see lots of humpback whales on your hawaii vacation, go during the peek of the season between january, february and march.
Research indicates that at as many as 10,000 humpback whales may be in hawaii this upcoming season. Humpback whale watching season starts early in hawaii live. Go on our full day charters and the humpback season extends from nov. How to enjoy peak humpback whale watching season in hawaii. Hawaiian islands humpback whale explore whale watching. Every winter, over 5,000 humpback whales travel from alaska to hawaii. However, peak hawaii whale watching season occurs during february and march. They only would come to hawaii when they knew they could see whales, usually around february. Kailuakona, hawaii an annual humpback whale count in hawaii will take place despite the federal government shutdown. The new proposal comes as hawaii s annual whale season is winding to a close. Humpback whales begin arriving in hawaii in november and head back to alaska in late may. This is the reason why many maui visitors want to know the best months to do whale watching.
Courtesy of a research hydrophone, you can listen to live whale song through the vessel stereo system. More than 10,000 north pacific humpback whales migrate from southeastern alaska to the warm waters of hawaii each year to mate, give birth and nurture their calves. Apr 8, 2015 hawaii s humpback whales may soon find more space and more protected species sharing their safe winter playground. Officially the season runs from middecember through to the end march the following year.
Last february, volunteers at the sharks cove lookout point on oahu spotted whales between 8. Jan 07, 2009 head for the coastlines of all hawaiian islands right now. In hawaiian waters, the baby calves will learn the motor. After spending their summer feeding in the coastal waters of alaska, the humpbacks migrate to hawaii to mate and give birth during the winter and spring months november to may, making february and march the peak time for whale sightings. Please check with the holo holo desk 48 hours prior to the date for confirmation that your tour has the minimum reservations needed to proceed. Whale watching in hawaii hawaii whale watching tours. January is drawing to a close as peak whale season approaches. December 15january 15 is still somewhat of a shoulder season, with the peak activity taking place from january until the end of march. Get involved sanctuary ocean count hawaiian islands. You will see them easily from land no need to go out on a whale watching boat. The pacific whale foundation recommends traveling at a speed no greater than 12.
If you are visiting kona during whale season, the chance of seeing whales is pretty good. Whale watching in hawaii is something that many visitors hope to do, and for good reason. Everything you need to know about whale watching on maui. Whale watching is one of the most popular things to do in maui.
Ive seen whales durign the season from every possible spot along the west and south maui coast. An adult humpback whale typically surfaces approximately every 10 to 15 minutes to witness the humpback whales breaching out of the water is spectacular. Whale watching season whales have platelike bristles known as baleen in their mouths instead of teeth, and they feed on krill and schools of small fish such as herring. Volunteers completed the final day of the sanctuarys 20 th annual ocean count this past weekend.
Noaa chooses three days in peak whale season januarymarch and volunteers are kept so busy that their results are reported every 15 minutes. But humpback whales visit the hawaiian islands every year from november to may, so its possible that you can see whales outside of that january to march peak whale season too. Makapuu lighthouse trail best views for whale watching. During the whale watching season in hawaii, whale sightings are nearly a sure thing. In hawaii, its peak time for humpback whalewatching. The last two weeks of january may usher in some of the least expensive. Its humpback whale season in hawaii hawaii magazine. Mahalo for reading our mauis peak whale watching season blog post. Hawaii s humpback whale season is in full swing by november, and winds down with the majority of whales departing in april and may. The most wonderful time of the year is whale watching season in hawaii. Maui whale watching guide humpback whales in hawaii.
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. Hawaiian islands humpback whale news and events december. There are so many whales in hawaii during peak whale season that locals refer to the ocean as whale soup. If you are here during peak season from december 15th to april 15th, do yourself a favor and go on a maui whale watching tour. The humpback whale is known for making an annual migration of nearly 6,000 miles, one of the longest of any mammal. The peak normally occurs between january and march, but. The last whales could stick around until april before they make their trek back to alaska. It is estimated that more than 10,000 of these whales migrate to the hawaiian islands each year during the winter, in search of a warmer climate.
There are binoculars along the trail so you can test your luck. From charter boats to passenger rafts, a stroll past the kiosks lining lahaina harbor reveals a variety of options during the peak of whale watching season, between january and early april. The usual peak in humpback abundance occurs from january through march. Whale watch tours the very best way to experience whale watching on molokai is to get out on a boat tour. We wish you beautiful days full of aloha and cant we wait to meet you during your next trip to hawaii. A humpback whale was spotted in western hawaii on thursday, aug. Start by downloading our free vacation planning guide filled with helpful ideas and information. But these sightings are usually pretty far away it is not a particularly impressive sight to watch a whale jump out of the water three miles away. Scientists estimate that twothirds of the entire north pacific humpback whale population return to hawaii to breed, calve and nurse their young. During the peak season middecember to midapril it is very common to be able to see whales from the shore. So there is not one bunch of whales here for 5 months but there are whales coming and going during the whale season.
West hawaii today reported friday that volunteers from the national marine. The peak season for whale watching on maui is january, february, and march, though whale season in maui officially runs from december 15may 15. Humpback whale season on the hawaiian islands is between november and early may, but some months are better than others. Mar 12, 2014 whale season in hawaii it takes lots of patience and time for me to share these wonderful graceful creatures with you. The whales journey more than 3,000 miles from the gulf of alaska to hawaii, and stay from. Agree about february being peak season, but disagree about the boat. They race more than 3,000 miles from the gulf of alaska to hawaii, then stay for a lengthy vacation, frolicking just off our shores and delighting spectators from december through may. Daily during whale season middecember through midapril at 8am, 10am,12. Without a doubt, one of the most amazing marine wildlife adventures youll ever have the opportunity to partake in is a chance to witness the majesty of the north pacific humpback whales in their natural environment year, after year, these magical mammals grace hawaiian. According to noaa, the peak season for whale watching in oahu is january to march. Noaa officials say during this past weekend, over 550 volunteers documented more than 170 whale. Anyone who takes a dip underwater at any of mauis south beaches during the peak whale season january and february will hear get an earful of the groans, moans, clicks and whistles of the male humpbacks vying for the favor of an available lady whale. The annual maui whale festival, organized by the pacific whale foundation, is held during mauis peak humpback whale season.
Last week, the national oceanic and atmospheric administration noaa announced a proposed rule outlining their plans to expand the size and scope of the hawaiian islands humpback whale national marine san. With hawaiis peak whale watching season coming to a close. Jan 18, 2017 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. The peak normally occurs between january and march, but whales may be encountered in limited numbers beyond those months. If you are serious about seeing humpback whales in their hawaiian mating and calving grounds, the last couple weeks in february and the whole month of march are the best times to be here. Marine mammal specialists estimate that up to 10,000 of these magnificent giants vacation in hawaiis warm waters during the winter months. Sep 26, 2017 putting it all together how to maximize whale watching in hawaii. The whales are protected from dec 15th thru may 15th as a whale season. Boat tours and whale watching cruises have become increasingly popular. Mauis peak whale watching season maui hawaii tours. It is a long way from britain about 17 hours flying time but hawaii is worth the journey, says jessica barrett, as she visits maui for a wondrous week of whale watching. Whale watching boat tours and diy guide big island. So if you have not made your travel arrangements yet, shoot for these months. Get in touch with your wild side on our oahu whale watch tours.
Our whale watching tours depart kaunakakai harbor daily during whale watching season dec 15 apr 1. Hawaiis humpback whales to be counted despite fed shutdown. Play in new window download on todays podcast, well be talking about whale watching season in hawaii. In your research, you may have seen different timeframes defining humpback whale season in hawaii. Hawaii whale watching, oahu whale watch near ko olina, waikiki. The excursion requires a minimum of 30 guests but has the capacity for up to 40. The where and when of the best time to see whales in alaska. The whales visit hawaii between late november and early may.
Years before we moved to hawaii, my husbands family would come to hawaii in the winter to see whales. If you are only after whale watching, you should come and visit maui during the winter season. Towards the end of the winter season, during hawaii s first months of spring, it is quite common to see the quickly growing humpback whale calves frolic and play on the surface of the ocean. The sanctuary offers information to the public on safe and legal whale watching.
How long does whale season last and when is the peak. One of the boats with outboard engines produced sounds between 2 and 4 khz that were about 810 db greater than the level of background humpback whale sounds at the peak of the whale season. Honolulu hawaiinewsnow gaze out across the ocean from any hawaii shoreline between the months of november and may, and you may see an. Hawaii s biggest winter vacationers are back in the islands. Although most hawaii guidebooks state that whale watching season runs from november to april, the peak time for whales in kona is from midjanuary through early. Stay at a hotel along the areas of high humpback density. As many as 10,000 whales winter in island waters, a good number of them visible from our state. Here in the hawaiian islands, however, the white clumps of water that signify winter are found in splashes and spouts, when between 10,000 and 15,000 humpback whales arrive in hawaii for the holidays. Enjoy kona whale watching on your next trip kona coast. West hawaii today reported friday that volunteers from the national marine sanctuary foundation will coordinate this season s ocean count, a community citizen science project that occurs during the peak of whale season. There are a variety of ways in which you can catch a glimpse of hawaii s humpback whales. 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. There are a variety of ways in which you can catch a glimpse of hawaiis humpback whales. Many of the events are marked by stories, song, prayer, dance and poetry.
Guests are encouraged to bring a swimsuit, a quickdry change of clothes, sunglasses, a sun hat or visor, sunscreen and a. Some say kohala is hawaiian for the humpback whale, and there is evidence to show that this beautiful beast has been visiting the waters near hawaii since ancient times. Since the calving season starts in midjanuary, the peak is recognized from this point through march when populations are at their highest. Maui, kauai and the big island are the most popular islands for hawaii whale watching, so plan to visit one of these islands on your vacation. Explore more things to do in hawaii go to experiences page. Scientists estimate that twothirds of the entire north pacific humpback whale population make the annual trek to hawaii. Whales visit hawaii between november and may, but peak season is between january and march. Hawaiis humpback whale season technically begins in november when the gargantuan mammals make the long journey from cold north pacific ocean seas to calve in hawaiis famously warm waters. From charter boats to passenger rafts, a stroll past the kiosks lining lahaina harbor reveals a variety of options during the peak of whale watching season, between january and. I was just wondering if i were going to try and find a cruise to alaska it would have to be during whale season. Download the app to stay uptodate on the latest sightings. Up to 10,000 whales visit the hawaiian islands each year. Humpback whales migrate in throngs from their cold alaskan feeding grounds in the summer to our warm hawaiian waters in the winter.
During the peak of whale season in hawaii, humpback whales can easily be found fin slapping, jumping. If viewing whales by boat, opt for an early morning or late afternoon tour to avoid the midday heat and to sail when seas are calmest. But the real answer is a bit more nuanced, essentially it is possible to see a humpback any time during the year, but the summer months it. Humpback whales have a strong cultural value in hawaii. It is just about impossible for us to go out on the boat during this time and not see their abovewater displays and hear their songs. Acoustic interaction of humpback whales and whalewatching. From juneau to kodiak, these whale watching areas are popular among tourist and residents alike. The whales head to hawaii in search of warm waters to mate and raise their calves. Whales migrate to hawaii in pods of roughly 1,000 between late december and early april, making maui and the kohala coast of the big island two of the best places on earth to spot the giants.
Officially, whale season in hawaii runs from december 15may 15, although the first. For more information on this special combo, see our lanai dolphin page. Whale watching on molokai humpback whale watching on molokai is some of the best you will find anywhere from december to april every year an estimated 10,000 12,000 whales migrate to hawaii to breed and give birth to their young. The kohala coast is frequently known as the best area of hawaii for whale watching. Humpback whale season in hawaii generally runs from november through may, although whales may be encountered in limited numbers during other months.
Where to watch humpback whales from shore across hawaii. Whale watching what months best time to go kihei forum. Monitor dolphin and whale sightings in real time with our live whale tracker app, available on. Best places to see whales in alaska and where to see whales in alaska is answered in full. Counting whales in hawaii might be the best volunteer. Mar 28, 2014 the season runs from december to april. At birth, whale calves can weigh up to 3,000 pounds and are between 10 and 15 feet in length. Alaskan whales winter makin whoopee in hawaii pretty smart and summer havin babies and eating tons of fresh seafood in alaska. Best time to see whales in alaska alaska whale watching. Lahaina harbor is home to a wide range of whale watching tours.
Whale season in hawaii lasts from november to may, with the peak of the season between january and. It is generally believed that february is the absolute peek of the season. Held one day a month over the three months of peak whale watching season. The north pacific humpback whales travel from alaska over 3000 miles to the warm waters of hawaii every year. Winter high season in january through march after new years, peak season continues through the first week or two of january. Humpbacks make the more than 4,000mile journey from alaska to hawaii typically between december and april. Whale season officially runs from the month of november to may. Island divers brought whale listening to the tour industry in the 201112 season. Although the whales can be seen from shore, to truly appreciate these amazing creatures, youll want to be close to them. When is the best time to see humpback whales in hawaii and. Even within the whale season dates, there is a lot of fluctuation in the sightings youll see and the density and activity of the whales. The first humpback whale sighting this year in hawaii was on september 29th near the small island of niihau.
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