There is one major event that happens every year in Hawaii that marks one of the best times of year throughout the islands. When the weather cools a bit and the daylight hours become just a touch shorter, we are lucky enough to have the gentle giants of the ocean return to our waters from a summer up north. While in Hawaii, Humpback Whales are here to raise their young and prepare for a summer of feeding and mating. The annual trek is a long one, and we love when the whales return to Hawaii.
Overall, Hawaiian winters aren’t too drastically different from the summer months. Sure, the temperatures are a bit cooler, there is more rain, and the big waves hit north facing shores, but the activities and fun remain. The big plus is that we get to add whale watching to the list of things to do, and all around the islands, residents and visitors love to head to out to spot the whales. Whether from the shores with binoculars or on a Whale Watching Adventure, just the site of one of these magnificent ocean dwellers is exhilarating.
Each island offers Whale Watching Tours, heading out to sea, hoping to spot Humpback Whales and their offspring. It is a common occurrence to see a whale breech, slap a fin, or spotting a tail fluke break the surface of the water prior to a deep dive beneath the ocean’s surface.
There are groups that are dedicated to preserving the population of whales in Hawaii, keeping a close watch and an accurate count of the number of whales seen throughout the season, helping to ensure that their population is healthy and that their voyage to return to the islands each year continues.
Many visitors wonder why whales make the long voyage to Hawaii. The answer is very simple: Humpback Whales return to the warm waters to breed, nurse, and raise their young. Whales have returned to Hawaii for thousands years, and they have long been a sacred species, held in high regard by Hawaiians since the days of Ancient Hawaii.
Whales are so important to Hawaii that there are known whale watching points on each island, used to keep an eye on the whales for the duration of their stay. These lookout points include Diamond Head lookout on Oahu and Puukohola Heiau Historic Site on Big Island, which means “hill of the whale” in the Hawaiian language.
Though their time here is limited, we look forward to their arrival each and every year. The first of the whales are typically spotted in mid-November, and their stay lasts through April, with January and February providing the best months for whale watching. Whale watching in Hawaii is the perfect activity for all ages and is something that everyone will enjoy. Most whale watching tours include your choice of departure times and some include a sighting guarantee, meaning if you do not see a whale, you will be welcomed back on a return voyage with the hopes of seeing one on a second trip out to sea.
Due to the high volume of visitors traveling to Hawaii year round, our Hawaii tours and activities sell out quickly. In many cases, tours sell out weeks or months in advance. To ensure your spots on tour, we recommend reserving your tours today. Call our office or book online to take advantage of our low price guarantee today.
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