The best time for whale watching in Hawaii is January through March. That’s the peak of humpback whale season, which runs from about November through April.

Maui is the best island for whale watching. The shallow water between Maui, Lanai, and Molokai is the most common spot to see humpback whales, and you can often see them from shore.

I’ve even seen whales from my lanai several times while staying at the Hyatt Regency Maui!

If you’re planning a winter trip, read our guide to the best island to visit in Hawaii in December.

Whale watching in Hawaii at a glance

• Season: November through April
• Peak months: January through March
• Best island: Maui
• Whales you’ll see: humpback whales
• Distance rule: boats must stay at least 100 yards from humpbacks
• Best ways to see them: a boat tour, or a shoreline lookout with binoculars

DO I NEED A RENTAL CAR IN Hawaii?

Before we talk more about whale watching in Hawaii, let’s get to one of the most common questions I get as a Hawaii Travel Agent. When you plan a Hawaii vacation, getting a rental car is a must on every island except Oahu. But even on Oahu, I recommend having a vehicle for the best experience!

I recommend Discount Hawaii Car Rental. They have the best rates and free cancellation. You can pick up your car at any of the airports in Hawaii. You won’t pay until you pick up your vehicle; the cancellation is free. 

If you want to find the best flights to Hawaii, I recommend signing up for free alerts with Going (Formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights). 

When is the best time for whale watching in Hawaii?

The best time for whale watching in Hawaii is January through March. Humpback whale season runs from November through April, but January through March is when the most whales are here.

Humpbacks spend the summer feeding in Alaska. In winter, they swim to Hawaii’s warm, shallow water to mate, give birth, and nurse their calves. That’s why you see so many mothers with babies.

Winter is still beach weather in Hawaii, with highs around 80°F (27°C). It’s also a busy and expensive time to visit, especially around the holidays. Before you book, read about the worst time to visit Hawaii and the best time to go to Hawaii.

What kinds of whales can you see in Hawaii?

Humpback whales are the whales you’ll see in Hawaii in winter. They’re the reason whale season exists.

Humpbacks are big and active, so they’re easy to spot. You’ll often see them breaching, slapping their tails, or blowing spray at the surface.

Spinner dolphins live in Hawaii all year, and you’ll often see them on boat tours. Sperm whales and false killer whales stay far offshore, and orcas are rare in Hawaii.

I’ve seen whales in April, but it’s far less common.

What is the Best Month for Whale Watching in Hawaii?

February is usually the best month for whale watching in Hawaii. It’s right in the middle of peak season, when the most humpbacks are here.

Many whale-watching tours run only in winter, roughly December through April. In November and May, you may still see a few whales, but far fewer.

February tours fill up, especially around Presidents’ Day weekend. If whale watching is on your list, book your tour when you book your trip.

Where to Go Whale Watching in Hawaii

You can see humpback whales from every main Hawaiian island. Maui has the most, but Oahu, Kauai, and the Big Island all have good shoreline lookouts and boat tours.

The Best Places for Whale Watching in Maui

Maui is the best island for whale watching in Hawaii. The ‘Au’au Channel between Maui, Lanai, and Molokai is shallow and protected, and it’s where the most humpbacks gather.

You can often see whales from shore on Maui. These are the best spots:

• McGregor Point Lookout, between Maalaea and Lahaina
• Lahaina Pali Trailhead
• Wailea Beach Path
• Kaanapali Beach Walk
• Puu Olai and Makena Beach
• The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary visitor center in Kihei

Bring binoculars. The whales are easy to spot once you know what to look for, but they’re often far out.

Whale watching tours on Maui

A boat tour gets you much closer than watching from shore. Most Maui whale watching tours leave from Maalaea Harbor or Lahaina.

By law, boats have to stay at least 100 yards from humpback whales. The whales don’t follow that rule, though, and sometimes swim right up to the boat.

During whale season, you’ll likely see whales on a Maui snorkel tour too, like a trip to Molokini Crater.

Maui whale watching tours to book.

• Eye-Level Whale Watching on an Eco-Raft from Lahaina
• Quicksilver whale watching cruise from Maalaea Harbor
• Turtle Town snorkel with whale watching in season

The Best Places for Whale Watching in Oahu

Oahu has more whales than most people expect. The best spots are on the southeast shore, which faces the channel between Oahu and Molokai.

These are the best places to watch from shore on Oahu:

• Makapuu Point Lighthouse Trail
• Lanai Lookout
• Halona Blowhole Lookout
• The Diamond Head summit
• Turtle Bay on the North Shore

For a boat tour, the early morning whale watching cruise leaves from Aloha Tower in Honolulu, a short drive from Waikiki.

The Best Places for Whale Watching in Kauai

On Kauai, the best whale watching spots are on the north and south shores.

• Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge on the north shore (reservations required)
• Makahuena Point in Poipu
• Poipu Beach

Kauai whale watching tours leave from Port Allen on the west side and from Poipu. Captain J’s Offshore Adventures leaves from Port Allen, and Z Tourz leaves from Poipu. Both use small boats, so expect a bumpy ride.

The Best Places for Whale Watching on the Big Island

On the Big Island, the Kohala Coast on the west side is the best area for whale watching.

• Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site, above Kawaihae Harbor
• Pololu Valley Lookout
• Lapakahi State Historical Park
• Holoholokai Beach Park

Big Island whale watching tours leave from the Kona side. Hang Loose Boat Tours leaves from Honokohau Harbor, and Body Glove leaves from Kailua Pier.

What is the Best Island for Whale Watching?

Maui is the best island for whale watching in Hawaii. More humpbacks gather around Maui than anywhere else in Hawaii. You can often see them from your hotel or the beach.

Maui is also the best island to see mothers with calves. If whales are the main reason for your trip, plan Maui for January, February, or March.

For more, read our ultimate guide to Maui whale watching.

Oahu vs. the Big Island for Whale Watching?

Both Oahu and the Big Island have good whale watching from shore and by boat. Pick the island that fits the rest of your trip.

On Oahu, head to the southeast shore lookouts. On the Big Island, stay on the Kohala Coast.

Types of whale watching tours in Hawaii

There are four main types of whale watching tours in Hawaii. The right one depends on how close you want to get and how much bouncing around you can handle.

Outrigger canoes

An outrigger canoe tour puts you low on the water, and everyone paddles. Guides take you to spots near shore where whales often pass. This is a great fit for families with older kids who want to do more than sit on a boat.

Kayaking

A kayak tour works like an outrigger tour, but in your own kayak. Kayak tours stay close to shore, so you’ll usually see fewer whales than on a boat.

Raft

Raft tours use small boats with small groups. You sit close to the water, so you get eye-level views when a whale surfaces nearby. The ride can be bumpy, so check the tour’s restrictions if you’re pregnant or have back or neck problems.

Catamaran

A catamaran is the most comfortable choice. These boats are big and stable, with shade and restrooms, and some include drinks or breakfast. They also carry a lot of people. This works well for families with little kids or anyone who gets seasick on small boats.

What is the Best Time of Day for Whale Watching?

There isn’t a best time of day to see whales. Humpbacks are active all day.

Morning tours are usually the better choice. The wind tends to pick up in the afternoon, which makes the water rougher and the whales harder to spot.

How to Spot a Whale in the Ocean

Look for the spout first. When a humpback comes up to breathe, it blows a spray of mist you can see from far away.

After that, keep watching the same area. Humpbacks often surface a few times before they dive, and you may see the tail as they go down.

Breaching is the easiest to see, since the whale throws most of its body out of the water. It’s also hard to predict, so keep your camera ready.

Whale watching in Hawaii FAQ

When is whale season in Hawaii?

Humpback whale season in Hawaii runs from November through May. The peak is January through March.

What is the best month to see whales in Hawaii?

February is usually the best month. It’s in the middle of peak season, when the most humpbacks are in Hawaii.

Which Hawaiian island is best for whale watching?

Maui. The shallow channel between Maui, Lanai, and Molokai has more humpbacks than anywhere else in Hawaii.

Can you see whales from shore in Hawaii?

Yes. On Maui, try McGregor Point or the Wailea Beach Path. On Oahu, try the Makapuu Point Lighthouse Trail.

How close can you get to whales in Hawaii?

Boats have to stay at least 100 yards from humpback whales. It’s illegal to approach any closer.

Can you see whales in Hawaii in the summer?

Not humpbacks. They leave Hawaii by late spring and spend the summer feeding in Alaska.

Planning a whale watching trip to Hawaii

Plan your whale watching trip for January through March, and pick Maui if whales are the main reason you’re going. Book your tour early, since February tours sell out.

If you’d like help planning your Hawaii vacation, contact me!

More Hawaii travel ideas

For more Hawaii travel tips, check out some of my most popular blog posts:

• The 15 best resorts in Maui for families
• Guide to Volcanoes National Park
• 25 things to do on Kauai
• The best restaurants in Waikiki
• What not to do in Hawaii (30 things you should never do in Hawaii)
• How to survive the flight to Hawaii & how to fight jet lag in Hawaii
• The ultimate guide to Haleakala Sunrise in Maui

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