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Whale Watching in Hawaiʻi

Whale Watching in Hawaiʻi

December through April across all six islands — where to go, what to expect, and how to book.

Every winter, North Pacific humpback whales travel more than 3,000 miles from Alaska to the warm waters of Hawaiʻi to breed and give birth. The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary encompasses waters off Maui, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, and Kahoʻolawe — some of the most important humpback habitat on earth. Season runs from December through April, with January and February the peak months. Every island offers a different whale watching experience, from the whale-dense waters off Maui to the free cliff-top spotting on Oʻahu’s southeastern shore.

The Complete GuideWhale Watching by IslandFAQ

The Complete Guide

Everything you need to plan a whale watching trip in Hawaiʻi — season, islands, operators, and what to expect.

Whale Watching in Hawaiʻi

Whale Watching in Hawaiʻi

Whale watching in Hawaiʻi is best from January to March, when thousands of humpbacks migrate to the islands. Find the best tours, shore spots and islands for sightings.

Hawaii.com·Jan 18, 2022
Meet the Majestic Humpback Whale: Hawaiʻi's Ocean Giants

Meet the Majestic Humpback Whale: Hawaiʻi's Ocean Giants

Witness the majestic humpback whales in Hawaii. Delve into their migration patterns and the wonders of their Hawaiian ecosystem.

Sarah Burchard·Jul 27, 2023
How Visitors Can Help Protect Hawaii's Humpback Whales

How Visitors Can Help Protect Hawaii's Humpback Whales

Visitors to Hawaii can play a crucial role in protecting humpback whales and contributing to their conservation efforts. By practicing responsible and sustainable behavior, visitors can ensure that their interactions with these majestic creatures do not disturb their natural behaviors or habitats. Here are some ways you can help protect humpback whales in Hawaii: RELATED:...

Sarah Burchard·Jul 27, 2023
4 Whale Species That Have Been Spotted Year-Round in Hawaii

4 Whale Species That Have Been Spotted Year-Round in Hawaii

All whales in Hawaiian waters aren't humpbacks. At least four species tend to frequent the waters off Maui, Molokai and Lanai year-round.

Sarah Burchard·Dec 28, 2004

Whale Watching by Island

Each island offers a different whale watching experience. Maui has the highest whale density. Oʻahu has the best free shore spotting.

Whale Watching on Maui

Whale Watching on Maui

Spotting humpback whales can be a thrilling and rewarding experience. As these majestic creatures migrate to the warm waters of the islands during the winter months, there are several ways you can increase your chances of seeing them up close.

Danielle Allaire·Apr 4, 2026
Whale Watching on Oʻahu

Whale Watching on Oʻahu

Whale watching on Oʻahu runs from December through April. Find the top tours and best places to spot whales from shore.

Sarah Burchard·Apr 9, 2026
Whale Watching on Kauaʻi

Whale Watching on Kauaʻi

Whale watching on Kauaʻi runs December through April, with tours departing from Port Allen on the South Shore. Find the top tours and best places to spot whales from shore.

Hawaii.com·Nov 15, 2016
Whale Watching on Hawaiʻi Island

Whale Watching on Hawaiʻi Island

Whale watching on the Big Island runs December through April from Kona. There are also year-round deep water pelagic whale tours for pilot whales, sperm whales and more.

Laurie Lyons-Makaimoku·May 6, 2026

Book Whale Watching

2 hour Lahaina Sunrise Whale WatchMauiFree cancellation

2 hour Lahaina Sunrise Whale Watch

Guaranteed whale sightings. Our boat is newly remodeled for passenger comfort. This boat is a photographers dream, and boasts 360-degree views with plenty of elbow room. Passengers aren’t the only ones who love our vessel, whales love a pink boat! Our captains and crew have over 25 years of experience boating and whale watching on Maui. This experience combined with the small group allows for an intimate and engaging experience and you will have all your whale questions answered. Family-owned and operated. Equipped with a hydrophone on board to hear the whales underwater. Owners, captains and crew are Lahaina Fire survivors and are excited to have your support and get back out on the water.

5.0(52)2 hours
From $70Book Now
Kayak Whale Watch & Turtle Town Snorkel - Free Photos IncludedMauiFree cancellation

Kayak Whale Watch & Turtle Town Snorkel - Free Photos Included

This is an intimate, owner-operated expedition led by a guide with over 10+ years of experience on Maui waters. Unlike the large harbor boats with huge crowds, our kayaks allow us to spend time with the whales without the loud motor sound-allowing us to hear the rhythmic breathing of the whales and the mesmerizing whale song that you just can't get on a larger boat. Experiencing these gentle giants at water level is a total game-changer. There is nothing like the experience of being right next to a whale just inches above the waterline. It makes the encounter feel incredibly personal and puts the true scale of these creatures into perspective. This ensures a five-star, intimate journey that you just can't get on larger boats. As we transition to the shoreline to visit a turtle cleaning station you will swim alongside Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles (Honu) and explore the volcanic coral reefs of South Maui. You stay present in the magic; I'll handle the rest.

5.0(52)4 hours
From $150Book Now
Maui Whale Watching -PRIVATE- Air Tour: (2-5 People): SEE WHALES!MauiFree cancellation

Maui Whale Watching -PRIVATE- Air Tour: (2-5 People): SEE WHALES!

Enjoy Maui’s #1 Ranked Outdoor Activity and ONLY *Private* Air Tour! As Seen on HGTV's 'Hawaii Life': Your Most Awesome Maui Day is just a Click Away!  Enjoy Maui's Most Affordable Aerial Activity: Your Spectacular, Once-in-a-Lifetime, Award Winning Maui Whale Watching Private Air Tour!   Enjoy your Private Cabin that Safely, Smoothly and Comfortably Seats up to Five and Offers your group Intimate Space to Create Cherished Memories for a Lifetime!  Choose Maui's Only Private Cabin Airplane Made of Metal & featuring Non-Tinted Panoramic View Windows for Crystal Clear Clarity!  Experience the Emotion of Leaving Earth Below as You Effortlessly Take Off and Fly- Free as a Bird!  Flying over Majestic Humpback Whales is Significant! ONLY AVAILABLE DURING HUMPBACK WHALE SEASON DEC 15- APR 15. We Summon these Graceful Giants to Appear for You BUT: No Guarantees! Based on availability: if your preferred date or time is not available, we will contact you to explore alternatives. Aloha

5.0(63)1 hour
From $420Book Now
Private Kealakekua Bay Captain Cook SnorkelingHawaiʻi IslandFree cancellation

Private Kealakekua Bay Captain Cook Snorkeling

There is no better way to explore Hawaii’s #1 snorkel destination than with an affordable private charter from HAWAII MARINE LIFE CHARTERS. Vessel Designed for Exploration: We operate a 31’ Ocean Craft RHIB—This design offers stability, maneuverability and a faster, smoother ride to Kona’s remote coastal gems. Size Matters: With a max 10-passengers, our private charters are more economical than the competition’s 14 or 18-pack boats. All-Inclusive VIP Amenities:Other operators will nickel and dime their customers, but at HMLC all of the extras are included in your tour price. Personal Concierge Experience: As private charter, our crew focuses solely on you, making this the perfect tour for beginner snorkelers and families with children. Local Expertise: A family-owned business, Captain Brian and his crew leverage 30+ years of local knowledge to share Hawaiian history and "hidden gems" other tour operators may miss. Your journey to Hawaii’s top snorkel destination starts here.

5.0(36)3 hr 30 min
From $1541.11Book Now
Private Snorkel Trip from Oahu on a YachtOʻahuFree cancellation

Private Snorkel Trip from Oahu on a Yacht

Get with Oahu's ultimate charter on a 46-foot world renown yacht in a private tour while enjoying the waters of West Oahu on this 3.5 hour experience. Aboard there’s more than enough space to lounge and relax in this intimate setting.  Sip on drinks from a bottomless bar as you take in the vast views of the island and our Hawaiian ocean, also you can satisfy your midday appetite with a fresh personal lunch prepared aboard.  Use provided professional snorkel equipment to get up close and personal to our many fish, mammals, and crustaceans during your guided snorkel.

5.0(25)3 hours
From $2041.88Book Now
Kona Hawaii Deep Sea Fishing Escapade on the Bite Me 6Hawaiʻi IslandFree cancellation

Kona Hawaii Deep Sea Fishing Escapade on the Bite Me 6

Enjoy the day site seeing and fishing for Kona's popular gamefish on this boat known for providing a fun family adventure. Kid's welcome. Spectators have a roomy bridge to view all the action.

5.0(26)4 hours
From $969.41Book Now
Kohola Whale Watching ExcursionHawaiʻi IslandFree cancellation

Kohola Whale Watching Excursion

Join us to observe the behavior of the Humpback Whales while they visit the Hawaiian Islands. Learn more about them from our kind & qualified staff. If the whales are singing, we will have the opportunity to listen to their hauntingly beautiful songs with our hydrophone! Our vessel only takes 6 people max so you beat the typical tourist trap large vessels for a more intimate experience.

5.0(14)3 hours
From $160Book Now
Exclusive Waikiki Yacht Snorkel with Lunch and BevsOʻahuFree cancellation

Exclusive Waikiki Yacht Snorkel with Lunch and Bevs

Get with Oahu's ultimate charter on a 43-foot world recognized yacht while enjoying the waters of Waikiki on this 2.5 hour experience. Aboard there’s more than enough space to lounge and relax in this intimate setting with a maximum of six guests. Sip on crisp drink as you take in the vast views of the island and our Hawaiian ocean, also you can satisfy your midday appetite with a fresh personal lunch prepared aboard. Use provided professional snorkel equipment to get up close and personal to our many fish, mammals, and crustaceans during your guided snorkel.

5.0(10)2 hr 30 min
From $274.1Book Now
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