The winter months in Hawaii are associated with the prime time for whale watching. We have assembled a list of all the most frequently asked questions regarding viewing these beautiful mammals that migrate to Hawaii every year. You may want to coordinate your next trip to Hawaii around seeing our beloved humpback whales!

What kind of whales are seen in Hawaii?

The most common whale that visitors will see in Hawaiian waters is the humpback whale. The size of the Hawaii population which migrates every year between the West Coast of the United States and Canada down to Hawaii is estimated at around 10,000.

Many visitors don’t realize that there are additional whale species that can be seen in Hawaiian waters, but their sightings are much more rare. Some of these species include false killer whalers, melon headed whales, short finned pilot whales, sperm whales, dwarf sperm whales, pygmy killer whales, and beaked whales.

There have also been instances of whale sharks being spotted in Hawaiian waters which is a true treat. You never know what you might come across on a whale watch or boat excursion in Hawaiian waters, which is part of the adventure!

What month is best for whale watching in Hawaii?

Whale watching season in Hawaii is usually described as falling between the dates of December 15 and April 15, but it is possible to see humpback whales in Hawaiian waters in the weeks preceding or following these dates, as you will always have the early arrivers and those that like sticking around longer than others. We even had a super rare sighting off the coast of Kona just this July.

The best months for seeing the most humpback whale activity in Hawaii are January and February, as this assures that the whales that are the late arrivals and early departures will most likely all still be in the warm Hawaiian waters. If you travel to Hawaii during these months, you will certainly see humpback whales while vacationing.

Why do humpback whales migrate to Hawaii each year?

Different humpback whale populations live throughout the world’s oceans. The Hawaiian population will spend the summer months in the North Pacific in plentiful feeding grounds. During the colder winter months they will make the 3000-mile trip down to the warmer and shallower Hawaiian waters where they can give birth and raise calves in the protection of the Hawaiian Islands.

If you are lucky, you will get to see some of the newborn calves swimming alongside their mother when whale watching in Hawaii.

What Hawaiian Island is best for whale watching?

It doesn’t matter if you are vacationing on Maui, Kauai, Oahu, the Big Island, or any of the other smaller Hawaiian Islands, your chances of seeing humpback whale activity along the coasts are extremely high during whale season. That being said, the western and southern shores of Maui are described as the best region for whale watching. The waters in this area are much more shallow (between 300 and 500 feet) compared to other areas. That coastline of Maui is also sheltered by the neighboring islands of Lana’i and Kaho’olawe, which creates a kind of bathtub environment for mother whales and their newborn calves. The early Hawaiians new this region of Hawaii was the most ideal for whale populations which is why they named the channel of water between Maui and Lana’i the ‘Au’au channel, which translates to “Bathtub”.

How much does a whale watch cost?

The average price of a whale watch in Hawaii is between $50 - $80 depending on how long the excursion is. There are different kinds of tours you can book, including options that combine a snorkel outing or dinner cruise along with time dedicated to whale watching.

One insider tip… If you book any ocean excursion during whale season, you will most likely experience some great whale sightings along the way. So, you may want to book a fun snorkel trip with the family, knowing you will probably see a few whale spouts, tail slaps, or breaches along the way as your boat heads to the snorkel spot.

Do I need to book a whale watch or can I see them from land?

Depending on where you are vacationing, you should be able to see some whale spouts and movements from the coastline. If you are snorkeling with your ears under the water, you may even get to hear the whale songs. So, yes, you would be able to “whale watch” right from the beach.

But, if you want an up-close-and-personal experience, we recommend a whale watch or boat excursion. Often times there is a naturalist onboard that can advise exactly what it is you are looking at and provide extra commentary on the behaviors you are witnessing.