Here is a selection of big island whale watching tours or other cruises on which you are likely to see whales. The hawaiian islands humpback whale national marine sanctuary found the mammals suffered various injuries in the collisions, the honolulu. Hawaii whale watching guide for the big island big. This narrated tour brings you to some of the best viewing grounds via 24person catamaran. Most people, however, who travel to hawaii island during this time are not affected by hurricanes or even bad weather. An adult humpback whale typically surfaces approximately every 10 to 15 minutes to witness the humpback whales breaching out of the water is spectacular.
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. Captain dan mcsweeney, a whale researcher, and conservationist provides one of the best whale watching experiences in kona on. The spinner dolphins off the kona coast of hawaii have the highest human exposure rates than anywhere in the world and federal officials work toward finalizing a rule outlawing the practice. Between november and april is peak whale watching season around the big island. A snorkeler and a whale shark meet offshore north of ellison onizuka kona international airport on the big island.
According to hawaii wildlife funds website, beginning in mid to late november, mother whales nursing their calves arrive first in mid to late november followed by juveniles and newly weaned yearlings. Whale watching on the big island of hawaii big island. Welcome to hawaiis big island and the winter home of the humpback whale. Click on the chart number to download a portable document format pdf of the chart. The benefit of the zodiac is that you are closer to the water, and therefore, closer to the whales. Hawaii whale watching tours are generally only available during humpback season between november and april. These gentle giants come to the warm hawaiian waters every year to breed and give birth to new calves. Humpback whale season on the hawaiian islands is between november and early may, but some months are better than others. Your vacation travel planning and activities guide for whale watching on the big island of hawaii. There are fabulous whale watching tours on kauai, the island of oahu, and off the shores of big island. The count is held the last saturday of january, february, and march during peak whale season of each year from 8. Zodiac raft whale watching adventure is one of our favorites.
Your expert driver and guide will share with you the legends and cultural significance of the famous sites and point out numerous scenic wonders along the way. I had originally scheduled our swimming with wild dolphins trip for yesterday, but considering that we could. Hawaiis humpback whale season begins big island now. This is a part of our 9day big island itinerary update may 22, 2019.
Whale watching is a great big island activity december to april is an exciting time for the big island of hawaii because it marks whale watching season. Every winter, pods of graceful humpback whales migrate from alaska to the warmer waters of the hawaiian islands. Put your whale watching experience in the hands of a researcher who has studied whales his whole life. Big island, hawaii july 1, 2019 jupiter research foundation and whale trust are pleased to announce the publication of the results of the first leg of their autonomous wave glider humpacs humpback pacific survey acoustic survey in journal of the acoustic society of america express letters. A large number of humpback whales make their way from alaska to hawaii during this period, migrating to warmer waters and more abundant feeding areas. Hurricane season on hawaii island runs from the beginning of june to the end of november, typically producing more storms in the months of july and august when the water is warmest. On any boating adventure, there will be the opportunity to watch numerous whales displaying a variety of behaviors, such as the tail slap or pec slap the whale will raise its tail fluke or fin and slap it on the surface of the water, which. If you see an injured or entangled marine mammal, keep a safe and legal distance and call noaas. A big tour for a big island circumnavigate the island of hawaii on a satisfying 260mile tour from kona to hilo.
This activity only operates from december through midapril during whale season. During a 100day nearly 7,000 km 3,800 nm round trip survey on a line between hawaii and. Hawaii big island whale watching tours hawaii discount. In hawaii, its peak time for humpback whalewatching. Kids 612 ride for 12 price and kids under 6 always ride for free. A large number of humpback whales make their way from alaska to hawaii. Whale watching tours on the big island of hawaii 2020. Whale watching on the big island 2020 big island of hawaii. Even so, you still should be prepared for a hurricane if youre planning to visit from june to. During the whale watching season in hawaii, whale sightings are nearly a sure thing. He personally conducts the only whale watching company on hawaiii island that actively supports and protects.
Every year between the months of december and may, visitors to hawai. Both counts will take place three times during peak whale season. Humpback whale season in hawaii generally runs from. The once dwindling humpback whale population now numbers more than 21,000. Every winter, generally december through april, the majestic north pacific humpback whales make an epic journey to visit the warm hawaiian waters to breed, calve, and nurse their young. Humpback whales travel thousands of miles from alaska to hawaii to mate and breed.
Another way to see whales is on a cruise of the hawaiian islands. Its whale watching season on the big island every winter, pods of graceful humpback whales migrate from alaska to the warmer waters of the hawaiian islands chain. December to april is an exciting time for the big island of hawaii because it marks whale watching season. Get up close with humpback whales near the big island of hawaii on this guided, whale watching excursion. Plenty of other big whales pass by the islands, too, including sei, fin and sperm. Whale watching cruises are some of the most popular things to do in hawaiis whale season, which runs from december through april. Wave glider mission from hawaii to mexico detects humpback.
Three skinny cocktail recipes youll want to keep handy for hot summer days. Waikoloa whale watching 8am whale watch hawaii ocean sports offers wake up with the whales a 90 minute morning whale watch on a sailing catamaran, casting off. Operating off the kona side of the big island in the deepwater channel between hawaii and maui, torpedo tours has booked an impressive list of whale sightings on its dives. In your research, you may have seen different timeframes defining humpback whale season in hawaii. Pacific whale foundations great whale count data and volunteer signup. Many visitors also head to the puukohola heiau national historic site to keep an eye out for whales. The first humpback whale of the new season was seen on october 1, 2019 off the coast of kauai. A single humpback whale was seen near the big island s kailuakona area on thursday, aug. Whale watching on the big island your big island experience. Our frisky friends have arrived after a grueling 3,000 mile journey from their summer homes in the pacific northwest, ranging anywhere from california to the bering sea. Whale watching tours on all the islands are popular for good reason. For the ultimate whale watching experience, visit any of the hawaiian islands and book a cruise in january, february, or march.
Enjoy kona whale watching on your next trip kona coast vacations. Whale watching boat tours and diy guide big island. Captain dan mcsweeney, a whale researcher, and conservationist provides one of the. 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 young. Its whalewatching season on the big island holualoa inn. The definite guide to hawaii island whale watching tours.
Its the peak of whale watching season in hawaii right now. 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 march. Whale watching doesnt require any skills or training just watch for the spouting and big splashes and youll see them. Ten to 15,000 humpback whales make their annual pilgrimage to hawai. These tours allow you to get to see humpback whales from upclose.
Youre able to hear the whales singing through the provided hydrophones. Here are the best islands to spot humpacks and gray whales. This is when thousands of pacific humpback whales make the journey from the waters off alaska to hawaiis warm waters to breed and give birth to their young. Please, if you are lucky enough to visit in winter, you simply cannot miss seeing these magnificent creatures. Humpback whales make their annual journey to hawaii between the months of november and april whale season, and the big island is our favorite of the.
It has to do with the depth, 600 feet is the magical number, but one big difference between the two locations is population of boats. First humpback of season sighted off kauai big island now. Welcome to dan mcsweeneys whale watch learning adventures. First hawaii humpback whale sighting for 20192020 season. Seeing one of these 40ton, 40foot long giants breach the water is an unforgettable sight.
Whale watching season has started earlier than expected in hawaii. What is the best hawaiian island for whale watching. There are several companies that offer big island whale watching tours. Hawaii big island 7 days travel route around the island whales, volcanoes and waterfalls duration. The whales begin appearing in december, and by february, the season is in full swing. Hawaiis big island is home to migrating pods of humpback whales, which often breach as they build up energy for their northward migration. The sanctuary ocean count project offers the community a chance to monitor humpback whales from the shores of o. They make the 3000mile trek in six to eight weeks, moving at an average speed of four miles per hour. Big island if youre visiting the big island, your best chance at seeing a whale or two is in the areas just north of kona, up the kohala coast, and near hilo bay.
The humpback whale concentrations are at their highest during the beginning of each year. Day 5 swimming with wild dolphins and a whale shark in. Body glove is a household name for whale watching tours on the big island. During hawaiis whale season, the ocean is full of activity from humpback whales migrating from the pacific northwest to breed and nurse their young. Every year from december to may, visitors flock to the island of hawai. The humpback whales leave the icy waters of alaska and migrate 6000 miles to hawaii every year to give birth and care for their calves. Towards the tail end of the season, humpback whale sightings are slim. Weve seen whales while on board both the ncl pride of america cruise as well as on american safari photo below. Contributed photo by bo pardau special to west hawaii today.
For the most upclose viewing, theres nothing like a tour. The big island whale season begins on dec 16th and runs till the end of mach. This site needs to store information on your computer in the form of cookies to work. Unlike other locations in hawaii, the big island is not only the seasonal home for the famous humpback whales but is also home year round to a selection of sperm whales, pilot whales, pygmy killer whales, the melon headed whales and the rare beaked whales. Officially, whalewatching season begins in november and ends in may. See a humpback, or you can ride again for free on our whale watch cruises till you door choose to upgrade to a snorkel adventure cruise or whales and cocktails at sunset cruise or sail for just the difference in fares. Free whale watching in hawaii 2020 season underway. The number one spot to go whale watching is in kaanapali, maui and the number two spot is kohala coast, big island. Big island whale watching tours tom barefoots tours. When is the best time to see humpback whales in hawaii and. From december to may, you may catch a glimpse of a majestic kohola humpback whale off the island of hawaiis shorelines. Hawaii info guides big island whale watching results for visitors to the hawaiian islands. Whale cruises whale watching big island, waikoloa, kona. One of the hardest parts of planning your trip can be deciding when is the best time to go to hawaii.
Hawaii has been designated as the hawaiian islands humpback whale national marine sanctuary in an effort to protect the whales and their habitat. Humpback whale watching season starts early in hawaii. Hawaii whale watching guide for the big island big island guide. Kauai offers a range of whale viewing opportunities, including poipu beach on the south shore, kilauea lighthouse on the north shore and kapaa overlook on the island s coconut coast.
Enjoy kona whale watching on your next trip kona coast. On the island of hawaii, whales are often seen along the shores of the kohala coast, as well as hilo bay on the east side of the island. This is also prime whale season in hawaii the humpback whales migrate to the warm waters of hawaii during the winter months. 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. The musthave island clothing for your next getaway. Get involved sanctuary ocean count hawaiian islands. Go here from your mobile device and click your account to create a user login. Although humpback whales can be seen from all of the hawaiian islands, the shallow auau channel between maui, molokai and lanai is one of the best whale.
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