Whale Watching Tours in Hawaii

Every winter, thousands of whales make their way from the Antarctic waters to the islands of Hawaii to give birth and nurture their young until they are big enough to fend for themselves. This delights the islanders as along with the whales, come enthusiastic whale watchers to enjoy sighting them and further boost the Hawaii tourism industry. The local economy thrives on the tourist trade and organising whale-watching trips to see these wonderful sea creatures nearby is a big boost for them.

Scientifically it is estimated that two-thirds of the humpback whales that inhabit the North Pacific pay a visit to Hawaii annually. Humpback whales can weigh as much as forty tons each and many of them grow as long as forty feet. When born a baby humpback whale may weigh as much as three thousand pounds and be as long as fifteen feet. They really are an awesome and very impressive sight when you do catch a glimpse of them.

When to visit Hawaii to watch Whales

From the middle of November, until towards the end of April there is whale sighting in Hawaii. The whale watching tours taking you out to find and observe these gentle cetaceans not only usually find whales, they also educate you on whale's habits and habitation. A feature of these whale watching trips is that a microphone is lowered into the water so that people on board the boats can listen to whale sounds. Even though male and female humpback whales both project multiple sounds, it is believed that only the male whale actually sends out songs.

It is not only visitors to the area that like to whale watch, the local inhabitants of Hawaii with their love of nature really enjoy looking out for them considering them as most intelligent sea creatures and a joy to watch.

The best places to see whales in Hawaii

Maui waters are considered excellent for whale watching trips as many whales gather, especially near the south and the west shore, particularly between the areas of Kihei, Lahaina, Wailea and Ka'anapali in the auau channel.

Big Island's Kona Coast is an area where the water is very deep near the shoreline and whales are often seen here as well.

Kauai located on the north shore at the Kilauea is another area that offers good sighting of whales.

Boats on whale watching tours are forbidden by conservation regulations to getting more than one hundred yards closer to the whales. However, this is quite near enough to see them clearly and to take some fabulous photographs.