Various boat companies offer snorkeling tours year round and you can contact them for pricing and options. Jan 04, 2016 hawaiis humpback whale population has not made its yearly return to the islands yet. If you are visiting during one of the months of low to medium humpback whale activity or from one of the islands that have less activity, taking a boat tour can help increase your chances of seeing whales. In hawaii, whale watching is an avid activity, and like with most outdoors activities, there are rules. Whale watching cruises are some of the most popular things to do in hawaiis whale season, which runs from december through april. The whale is believed to be a kinolau animal form of the hawaiian ocean god kanaloa find out where to spot whales from shore and from the ocean across. December 15th is the official start of the humpback whale season in hawaii, but guests on our private whale watching tour could spot whales as early as november, and since the feeling of watching a humpback from a kayak is one of the islands best adventures, we figured it was time to discuss some basics about humpback whales in maui. There are a few whales around maui from midnovember to midapril. I would only suggest doing this if you happen to be staying there. Whale season arguably the best time to visit hawaii given the level of activity in the water, whale watching season in hawaii is arguably one of the most popular times to visit, and if you venture out on the water in winter on a whale watching tour or a kayak, be sure to have your camera ready and a healthy sense of. Whale study may show possible link between hawaii and mexico. Dear all, we will be in hawaii in apri next year with the 1st week of april on kauai, 2nd week on big island and 3rd week on maui.
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. Oct 26, 2017 humpback whales in hawaii 2017 edition. Most whale watching tours run from middecember through march to mid april. The gurgles, whistles and squeaks of humpback whales singing off hawaiis island shores can now be heard live, courtesy of underwater microphones placed near puako, hawaii by the jupiter research. The whales are drawn to the areas shallow waters, especially the auau channel between maui, molokai and lanai, making maui an ideal jumpingoff spot for. For the first time since 1966 when whaling was deemed illegal in the north pacific, humpbacks will no longer be considered an endangered species trying to come back from the brink of extinction. Its a very cool experience to see these magnificent animals in action and cruising along our warm hawaiian waters. Jan 02, 2016 humpback whales slow to arrive in hawaii.
Humpbacks are in hawaiian waters during the winter months to birth their calves and to mate. The humpback whale is known for making an annual migration of nearly 6,000 miles, one of the longest of any mammal. Of these 22 whale and dolphin species, four the blue whale, the fin whale, the humpback whale, and the sperm whale,are endangered, while the rest are all federally protected. But there are only a lot of whales around maui from mid january to early march. On the island of maui, the peak months for whale watching are january, february and march. Instead of a random assortment of clips we wanted to tell a story about why humpbacks come to hawaii. April is close to end of whale watching season, correct, does tour guarantee seeing the whale or perhaps is weather dependent. Whale watching in hawaii is the perfect way to enjoy the incredible humpback whales as they make their yearly journey to the hawaiian.
They race more than 3,000 miles from the gulf of alaska to hawaii, then stay for a lengthy vacation, frolicking just off. Experienced leaders of hawaii whale watching tours know. Humpback whale watching december to april see humpback whales in hawaii. Go here from your mobile device and click your account to create a user login.
Hawaiian islands humpback whale national marine sanctuary. Whalewatching in maui in the beginning of april usa today. The beaches upon which whales bodies often washed up were held especially sacred and were guarded by alii chiefs and kahuna priests, says sam ohu gon, senior scientist and cultural advisor for the nature conservancy of hawaii. 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. Types of whales in hawaii almost a dozen whale species.
I know that the best time to go whale watching in maui hawaii is the winter months decemberapril but im going to maui on my honeymoon in september the 4th12th and was wondering if there was any possibility i would see any whales lol silly question but i figured im going to be there id love to see a whale if anyone had any spots or suggestions that may work in september. First humpback whales of season spotted in hawaii cbs news. There are a few whales around maui from midnovember to mid april. Hawaiis humpback whale population has not made its yearly return to the islands yet.
Now, there is a possibility of seeing pilot whales in kailuakona on the big island hawaii island. Each winter december through may, thousands of kohola humpback whales travel to hawaii from colder waters to breed, calve and nurse their young. Sep 26, 2017 whale watching boat tours can offer a closer view of humpbacks. Each december, whale watching begins for hawaii, but tourists are seeing very few whales out in the water when they venture out for their whale watching expeditions. Maui whale watching guide humpback whales in hawaii. The cultural significance of whales in hawaii hawaii.
Whale season arguably the best time to visit hawaii given the level of activity in the water, whale watching season in hawaii is arguably one of the most popular times to visit, and if you venture out on the water in winter on a whale watching tour or a kayak, be sure to have your camera ready and a healthy sense of adventure, since a time. These gentle giants come to the warm hawaiian waters. Even so, excellent opportunities abound to view whales in this cusp period of. However, there is no rule that keeps whales from approaching people. Dear all, we will be in hawaii in apri next year with the 1st week of april on kauai, 2nd week on big island and 3rd week on maui we would love to see whales especially humpback whales. Whale watching in april hawaii message board tripadvisor. Observers may not approach by vessel or by swimming within 100 yards of a whale known as the 100yard minimum rule. The trail, leading to a picturesque lighthouse, offers great views and in the. Jul 23, 2019 whale study may show possible link between hawaii and mexico new robotic device used for humpback research, tracking local news.
Whale study may show possible link between hawaii and mexico new robotic device used for humpback research, tracking local news. Honolulu humpback whales were spotted in the waters off hawaii for the first time this season, leading officials to warn ships and recreational boaters to. With a donation or an adoption of a whale you can help to make the world a place where whales and dolphins are free and safe. 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. Mar 20, 2017 watching humpback whales breaching off the coast of kohala on the big island of hawaii. The humpback whale season in maui lasts from november to may of every year. This limited schedule gives us the greatest chance to have every charter interact with humpback whales. They have a migratory path between the islands and alaska. Other common sea life sightings on a whale watching are flying fish, green sea turtles, spinner dolphins, bottle nose dolphins, many varieties of sea birds, and rarely a hawaiian monk seal. If you want to be sure to see the most whales in the ocean, it is best to plan your trip for the peak whale times of midjanuary to the beginning of march. Humpback whales in maui whales visit december to april.
Hawaiis waters are serve as habitat to 23 species of marine mammals, of which 22 are cetaceans whales or dolphins and one is a pinniped the hawaiian monk seal. The gurgles, whistles and squeaks of humpback whales singing off hawaii s island shores can now be heard live, courtesy of underwater microphones placed near puako, hawaii by the jupiter research. These gentle giants come to the warm hawaiian waters every year to breed and give birth to new calves. 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.
Apr 21, 2011 i know that the best time to go whale watching in maui hawaii is the winter months december april but im going to maui on my honeymoon in september the 4th12th and was wondering if there was any possibility i would see any whales lol silly question but i figured im going to be there id love to see a whale if anyone had any spots or suggestions that may work in september. If you are visiting during one of the months of low to medium humpback whale activity or from one of the islands that have less activity, taking a boat. A whale watch on pride of maui begins at maalaea harbor and includes a barbecue lunch, mai tais, beer and two and a half hours at sea. Whale watching in first week of april 2018 maui forum. Hawaii whale watching tours whale watching cruises are some of the most popular things to do in hawaiis whale season, which runs from december through april. 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. Whale watching in hawaii is a relaxing activity and if youve got free time during the peak season, you can easily get a reservation for a whale tour or take a walk where whales are commonly spotted. Humpback whales come to hawaii between november and april whale season, and the big island is our favorite of the hawaiian islands to go see the whales. When is the best time to see humpback whales in hawaii and. 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. While there are many reasons to celebrate this recovery, on the heels of. A handbook for ocean users is designed to highlight. Things to do on maui in spring all about maui travel blog.
Do you have any advise for us, on which island we should go for a whale watching cruise thank you all for your help. Hi, can you tell me if there will be any use in taking a whale tour on april th of 2012. We see them around the beginning of december until the end of april. Oct 08, 2015 honolulu humpback whales were spotted in the waters off hawaii for the first time this season, leading officials to warn ships and recreational boaters to steer clear of the endangered visitors. Jun 28, 2010 now, there is a possibility of seeing pilot whales in kailuakona on the big island hawaii island. 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. You can listen to the whales under water, spot them from. The waters surrounding maui are the stage for some of the best whale watching in the world. Scientists estimate that twothirds of the entire north pacific humpback whale population return to hawaii to breed, calve and nurse their young.
Hawaii whale watching, oahu whale watch near ko olina, waikiki. The whaleplanner september a whale watching infographic. Whale and dolphin tracker pacific whale foundation. Whale watching boat tours can offer a closer view of humpbacks. The winter crowds are gone, the spring weather is lovely, and prices are generally lower than during the busy winter and summer seasons. Whale watching adventure hawaii 2020 big island of hawaii. In april, humpback whales begin their migration north to feast on rich krill in alaska. Where they call hawaii their winter home december to april of each year. Things to do on maui in spring march aprilmay may day may 1 is lei day in hawaii, just one of many reasons to visit maui in spring. Well be in maui from april 4th to the th and im afraid this will be a little late in the season to see whales. Whale watching on kauai from december to may, you are likely to catch a glimpse of a majestic kohola, or humpback whale, off kauais shorelines. Humpback whale calls heard in midocean basin maui now.
The whale watching season in kauai runs from november through march. There was a mother whale and calf that came up close to our boat it was awesome. 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. Watching humpback whales breaching off the coast of kohala on the big island of hawaii. So if you have not made your travel arrangements yet, shoot for these months. I read somewhere that the whale watching season is from october to april. Flip nicklinminden pictures the sanctuary ocean count provides hawaii residents and visitors with the opportunity to actively participate in evaluating the status of humpback whales. Lahaina harbor is home to a wide range of whale watching tours.
Winter in hawaii is an exciting time of year, when over 10,000 humpback whales migrate from alaska to mate in the tropical waters. On the island of maui, the peak months for whalewatching are january, february and march. Officially, whale season in hawaii runs from december 15may 15, although the first whale of the season. Maui whale watch tours hawaii humpback whale watching. In 12 years of studies by cascadia research, a total of 32 sperm whales were sighted in hawaii 31 of which were off of the big island. The whaleplanner april a whale watching infographic whaletrips.
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. Explore more things to do in hawaii go to experiences page. One of the most popular and fun things to do on the big island in the winter months december through april is whale watching. From december to may, you are likely to catch a glimpse of a majestic kohola, or humpback whale, off kauais shorelines. Humpback whale watching tours look for humpback whales along the kona coast. Their migration crosses 3,100 miles of ocean each season. Whale study may show possible link between hawaii and. During this whale watching tour off the waikoloa coast, well scour the waters in search of these playful, majestic, 40 ton creatures, keeping an eye out for signature moves like spy hops, pec slaps, and and breaches. So unless youre already going in the next few weeks, now is a good time to plan for next season. Island divers runs charters from december to april 15th. Most whale watching tours run from middecember through march to midapril. There is a mandatory 14day selfquarantine for all visitors and residents of the state of hawaii.
However, peak hawaii whale watching season occurs during february and march. Hawaiian islands humpback whale explore whale watching. Humpback whale season on the hawaiian islands is between november and early may. Next year 2017 may go down as one of the most critical years for humpback whale research in hawaii in the last fifty years. Both are indicators of a shift in seasons, and just as a snowflake falling from the sky signals winter for much of the mainland, the first sighting of humpback whales hearkens winter for us in hawaii during the winter months of decemberapril, the leeward waters of maui county house the worlds. We would love to see whales especially humpback whales. Dec 15, 2015 a whale watch on pride of maui begins at maalaea harbor and includes a barbecue lunch, mai tais, beer and two and a half hours at sea.
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