Humpback whales of hawaii and dolphins stock photo. Its also the site of the kilauea point national wildlife refuge, which protects nesting habitat for seabirds. View photos, artists renderings and videos of aulani and beautiful ko olina, hawaii. Humpback whales migrate to the hawaiian islands from fall to spring, with. Click here to see other tours offered by hawaii nautical. What is the best hawaiian island for whale watching. These gentle giants come to the warm hawaiian waters every year to breed and give birth to new calves. Whale watching on kauai from december to may, you are likely to catch a glimpse of a majestic kohola, or humpback whale, off kauais shorelines. Start by downloading our free vacation planning guide filled with helpful ideas and information. Feb 09, 2014 it features amazing shots of a breached whale off the north shore na pali coast of kauai.
Both locals and tourists alike flock to the shores for this awardwinning volunteer program, which has grown from 150 participants on oahu to more than 2,000 people annually across three islands since it began in 1996. Kauai is the oldest of the hawaiian island chain, and has some of the most unique geographical, natural beauty of any island on earth. A volunteer program that counts national oceanic and. Share the beauty of kauais south shore with some of the worlds largest and most peaceful creatures. The kauai whale watching morning tours do not work for cruise ship passengers. Kauai hawaii s fourth largest island is called the garden island. Download this humpback whales of hawaii and dolphins photo now. These cruises are offered on the four main hawaiian islands of oahu, maui, kauai and the big island. Meet at the gated entrance to seacliff plantation along kilauea road by 7. No doubt that maui is the best place for whale watches. Make three different landings on hard to reach beaches. Or, if you prefer a more elegant approach to cruising, reserve your spot for a whale watching cocktail cruise along kauai s coast. Apr, 2009 my photo album of whale watching taken from the shore of poipu in 2008 and early 2009. Climb aboard the 48foot zodiac na pali explorer ii for the experience of a lifetime.
Where to watch humpback whales from shore across hawaii. Start your morning early and head out for a full day on the water to include whale watching, amazing views of the napali coastline, and snorkeling, with food and beverages included for a five or seven hour excursion. The first whale sightings of the year typically take place in late september or october while the peak of whale watching season is february and march. People, and especially children, need to understand that individual acts like recycling and preventing pollution benefits all and everything the surrounding seas, beaches, whales and fishes, and especially they themselves on our oceanic island. Kauai was the only island never conquered by king kamehameha the great. The sea stretches for miles in front of you on this craggy peninsula where theres a good chance youll see a whale or two. A second petroglyph is located at pohue on the island of hawaii and bears the resemblance of a sperm whale.
The definite guide to hawaii island whale watching tours. Cruise along the calm south shore waters of kauai on one of blue dolphin charters spacious 65foot catamarans while enjoying the magnificent sight of humpback whales and other marine life. As a kauai beachfront hotel, experience the exciting outdoor activities around koa kea hotel and resort. Molokai the island of molokai remains true to its island roots. Enjoy a whale watching cruise along kauai s scenic south shore. Each side of the island has terrific beaches, with some of the most spectacular white sand beaches located on the. Where are the best places to see humpback whales in hawaii. Whale season in hawaii lasts from november to may, with the peak of the season between january and. These gentle giants come to the warm hawaiian waters. If you are fortunate enough to be on kauai during the winter months whale watching is a must do activity.
Breaching humpback whale in kauai hawaii stock photo. Federal law requires all ocean users to stay at least 100 yards from the humpback whale, hawaii s state marine mammal. Perched atop a peninsula rising to 200 feet above sea level, the area is favorite whalewatching spot in the islands. The history you should know before you go whale watching. They depart their feeding grounds in the frigid waters off the gulf. This is when most of the calving takes place, so be sure to keep your eye out for juvenile whales that are just learning to play. Aktive vulkane, teilweise uber 4000 meter hoch sowie. During these winter months thousands of pacific humpback whales migrate from their summer feedings grounds in the waters off alaska to the warm hawaiian waters to mate and nurse their. In addition to the whales, i get heat stroke and have lizard hallucinations. During the winter months and the peak of the whale watching season on kauai, all of our tours are whale watching tours and you are bound to see the magnificent humpback whale along any of our na pali coast, south shore or niihau adventures. Sightings are extremely rare with an estimate of only 400 individuals in the entire hawaiian archipelago baird et al.
The garden island of kauai and its breathtaking napali coast is, arguably, home to some of the most majestic coastline in the entire world. Jan 18, 2017 hawaii is a favorite wintering spot for na kohola humpback whales and has one of the largest seasonal populations of north pacific humpbacks in the world. Whale watching cruises are some of the most popular things to do in hawaii s whale season, which runs from december through april. Kauai attractions and places to explore give you a brief summary, photos and directions to places to see on kauai. This popular humpback whale watching tour is featured during the height of hawaiis whale season january march, it is a favorite among wildlife enthusiasts. Download this breaching humpback whale in kauai hawaii photo now. They are truly the highlight of kauai s winter season. What can i expect to see on a kauai whale watching tour. Our kauai whale watching tour is a must do for all wildlife enthusiasts, allow you to cruise the calm south shore waters of kauai on one of our spacious 65. This popular humpback whale watching tour is featured during the height of hawaii s whale season january march. Maui is famous for perhaps the best whale watching in hawaii.
Kauai offers a range of whale viewing opportunities, including poipu beach on the south shore, kilauea lighthouse on the north shore and kapaa overlook on the islands coconut coast. Whales can be seen from the shore, but it would be better to see them on a boat. Kauai sea tours offers tours all around the island, and even has. Due to covid19 outbreak hawaii governor david ige is requesting all travel to hawaii be postponed for 30 days. Plus, you can enjoy watching other native species like seabirds as they dance above your head. Maui quaint towns, farms and beautiful beaches await on the valley isle. Per the star advertiser, captains aboard the holo holo charters adventurer ii observed this early arriver about a mile off kee beach on the north shore of kauai. This whale must have been excited to be back in hawaii because he or she breached three or four times. The first is on the island of lanai on an area known as palaoa hill, or whale hill. Enjoy seeing marine animals such as turtles, spinner dolphins, and even some whale watching. Whale watching novapr archives kauai vacation tours.
The petroglyph depicts a human figure on the back of a whale. If youd like more information about whale watching tours and tips like where to watch whales from land visit the respective island pages. Then hawaii brings some its best holiday destinations for whale watching in kauai and some of their mindboggling activities. Relax on waikiki beach, snorkel off kauais coast, savor the kona coffee, and delight in a whalewatching excursion in maui. Kauai, the oldest island of the hawaiian islands, is a place where worries vanish in the trade winds, warm saltwater laps the golden sands of kauai s beaches and the. On kauai most tours start at port allen, on oahu at honolulu both rather focusing on dolphins than whales. We are proud to offer whale watching tours from maui, kauai, oahu, and. Hawaii whale watching tours are ideal for seeing these spectacular animals in their natural habitat. Year after year, thousands of humpback whales leave their summer feeding grounds in alaska and set course for hawaii.
But pacific whale foundation ecoadventures is not your ordinary cruise company. The network carries out disentanglement trainings each year on kauai, oahu, maui. From the low to high designations, you can see that the highest concentrations are. Every year, more than 4,500 humpback whales make their way from the cool alaskan waters to their warm breeding and birthing grounds in the islands of hawaii. The rugged grandeur of seemingly impossible design, dolphins frolicking in the azure waters, and a sprinkling of sea caves and rainbows make the na pali coast a truly enchanted place. Places to look for whales include poipu beach park and all south shore kauai beaches, as well as north of kapaa on the east side, and from kilauea to the napali coast on the north shore. Saw some whales from quiet far and this time of the year, most whales are on the north shore of kauai. On maui you have lots of choices of shorter two hour tours and youre pretty much seeing whales the entire time during whale season. This tour is a mustdo for all wildlife enthusiasts. Where you go to see humpbacks in hawaii is as important as when you go.
Hawaiis official tourism site travel info for your hawaii. Kayak from poipu to port allen on an adventurous 8mile tour. Tripadvisor whale watch raft discovery kauai, hawaii. Although humpback whales can be seen from all of the hawaiian islands, the. Captain andys has years of whale watching experience having been exploring the na pali since 1980. Good operation, friendly crew and plenty of snacks and drinks on this cocktail whale watch cruise. The count is held the last saturday of january, february, and march during peak whale season of each year from 8.
Are you planning for some adventurous excursion with your family this summer. As such, it only fits that creatures as grand as the humpback whale visit this tropical paradise every year to mate and birth their young. Holo holo charters, kauai whale watching tours are the first to observe a. In 2014, a sick sperm whale was sighted off of kihei, and it was presumed that the whale had ventured to shallower water as it fought to stay alive. Time lapse sequence of breaching humpback whale in kauai. Humpback whales make their annual journey to hawaii between the months of november and. Na pali riders raft tours whale watching highlights from. Our property features an exclusive saltwater pool and hot tub, as well as a convenient location near favorite poipu, kauai activities, surf spots, snorkeling, scuba sites, and more. But, kauai, oahu, and the big island are also a great options for whale watching in hawaii. On the north shore, grab a drink at the st regis bar and sit on their lanai to watch for whales. A whale watching boat trip is a thrilling way to see these massive animals up close while have a backdrop of one of the worlds most beautiful coastlines. Kauai hindu monastery in kauai island in hawaii is the only hindu monastery in the north american continent some of kaua.
Had we known in advance, would have probably opted for the longer tour that. Wed like to show them the napali coast, as well as do some small boat whale dolphin watching and some snorkeling. In kauai, the first sightings of these annual guests typically take place in late september or october while the peak of whale watching season is february and march. If you are lucky enough to be on kauai during these months you will have the added bonus of experiencing the waters off kauai come alive with whale spouts, slapping flukes and full body breaching. Hawaii is their winter home, a place to play, to give birth and to start new generations. Barely any whale watching tours start from the other. The hawaiian islands large whale entanglement response network is a. We like to avoid very large boats with too many passengersparty goers for both. Poipu whale watching november to march blue dolphin charters. Hawaii ist fur whale watching eine besonders geeignete anlaufstelle. During the fall, the northern pacific humpback whales, known as kohola in hawaiian, embark on an impressive journey from alaska to hawaii.
Located adjacent to the famous beach house restaurant, facing popular pks surf break, experience the beauty of the island, including the tropical beaches, lush natural landscape and the breaking waves of the ocean. Kauai whale viewing is available around the entire island. As such, it only fits that creatures as grand as the humpback whale visit this tropical paradise every year. This is when most of the calving takes place, so be sure to keep. Spotting humpback whales are one of the best winter activities in hawaii. Hawaii is known as a top destination for whale watching, especially for an estimated twothirds of the north american population of humpback whales that vacation in hawaii. They travel nonstop for one month, cruising at approximately three to seven miles per hour, powered by their massive tail fins. Enjoy a whale watching cruise along kauais scenic south shore. One of the most beautiful coastlines on earth the na pali coast just beckons to be explored.
These pacific hawaiian humpback whales come to the islands to mate and give birth to their young. What are the best places for whale watching in the hawaii. On kauai, sightings have been extremely frequent this year. Best things to do on kauai kauai things to do go hawaii. It features amazing shots of a breached whale off the north shore na pali coast of kauai. For an exhilarating whale watching adventure, why not cruise via raft. On the island of hawaii, whales are often seen along the shores of the kohala. Most whale watching cruises and tours in kauai depart from na pali and poipu. Kauai, hawaii hawaiinewsnow whale season in hawaii doesnt officially start for another month, but the first humpback sighting has already been reported.
The humpback whales also called the kohola whales who find the hawaiian islands to be their favorite destination. Join kauai sea tours for a fun seasonal two hour adventure and go whale watching along kauai s south shore to find the gentle giants of the sea. Sanctuary ocean count hawaiian islands humpback whale. More whales will begin to trickle in to kick off their annual hawaii vacation.
The site leader will get the volunteers through the gated entrance. Other great islands for whale watching are maui and kauai. Swimming at a leisurely rate of 3 to 6 mph, some will arrive as early as september and most will have completed the 3,500mile journey in time for christmas. Download a one page information sheet on disentanglement response efforts.
Part of kauais unique charm is the fact that the island has remained relatively undeveloped. Listen to the heartwarming songs of the humpback whale on. The people of hawaii would like to share their islands with you. All of the footage was taken in 1 single whale watch trip aboard blue water rafting from kihei boat ramp in south maui, hawaii in february 17th, 2010. The whales journey across vast oceans, navigating by instinct alone. For a whales guaranteed whale watch tour, join hawaii nautical on their 30. Hawaiian islands humpback whale get involved sanctuary. Kauai whale watching tours whale watching kauai capt andys. Oahu the heart of hawaii is home to honolulu and much more.
Orca are known to feed on both fish and marine mammals here in hawaii. Protecting hawaii s whales and other marine species is a worthy, actually necessary, goal. During december thru may, the hawaiian humpback whales visit hawaii from alaska, and they are especially active on kauai. The following map indicates the density of humpback whale sightings in hawaii. First hawaii humpback whale sighting for 20192020 season. The best kauai whale watching tours hawaii travel with kids. Blue dolphin charters poipu whale watching hawaii discount. From december to may, you are likely to catch a glimpse of a majestic kohola, or humpback whale, off kauais shorelines. Aside from the being the wettest place on earth with an average annual rainfall of 440 inches over 36. The sanctuary ocean count project offers the community a chance to monitor humpback whales from the shores of o.
Sep 26, 2017 where are the best places to see humpback whales in hawaii. From december to may, you are likely to catch a glimpse of a majestic kohola, or humpback whale, off kauai s shorelines. Whale watching cruises are some of the most popular things to do in hawaiis whale season, which runs from december through april. Kauai is a favorite destination for hollywood filmmakers. Kauai offers a range of whaleviewing opportunities, including poipu beach on. The cultural significance of whales in hawaii go hawaii. Hawaiian islands humpback whale national marine sanctuary. And while the whales do take an extended reprieve near the islands, they are not there year round, and there may be better areas than others to catch a glimpse at their massive beauty. We normally spend all our time on kauai but split our trip up this year just for the great whale watching on maui. Kauai whale watching tours are a must see in hawaii, this always leaves families with a lifetime of memories and children are always left with a whale of a story for all to hear when they return home. Kilauea lighthouse marks the northernmost tip of kauais northernmost tip. And search more of istocks library of royaltyfree stock images that features animal photos available for quick and easy download.
For valueminded travelers, a cosmos tour of hawaii lets you discover the mustsee sightspearl harbor, waimea canyon, and scenic national parkscombined with time to explore hawaii on your own. Humpback whale spotted off kauai a month ahead of official. When is the best time to go whale watching in hawaii. Known as the garden isle, it will come as no surprise that kauai is a breathtaking island characterized by its wealth of lush, rich lands, including vast tropical rainforests, jawdropping mountains and stunning beaches. Kauai poipu whalewatch sea kayak hawaii adventure center.
Earthcam and great vacation retreats have teamed up to deliver amazing live views of kauai, hawaii. Aloha guys, fortunate to be traveling to kauai next january with another couple who have never been to kauai before. The pwf difference pacific whale foundation is a world leader in marine ecotourism. Not only will you be in the whale s environment, but because humpback whales are curious about their surrounding, they will sometimes approach your boat. Find the best hawaii whale watching cruises at discounted rates by selecting your island above. Types of whales in hawaii almost a dozen whale species. Kauai s attractions are all about natural beauty and beach time. Go here from your mobile device and click your account to create a user login.
Here you will find some of the most popular natural wonders in all hawaii. Plan a hawaii boat tour to truly get the most out of your whale watching adventure. If you are on the pride of america and overnighting in kauai, you can do an afternoon tour or you might also consider a sunset tour of the na pali on the afternoon evening of day one in port. In 12 years of studies by cascadia research, a total of 32 sperm whales were sighted in hawaii 31 of which were off of the big island. Whale watching at poipu, kauai, hawaii kosen ishikawa. Download this time lapse sequence of breaching humpback whale in kauai hawaii photo now. The hawaii nautical tours depart from honokohau harbor in kailuakona.
Kauai is among the most beautiful and remote islands in the world. There are several spots on kauai to watch for whales from land. Lanai luxury and rugged nature blend on this enticing island. One treasured locale is the kilauea lighthouse and wildlife refuge on the north shore. A hawaii whale watching cruise allows you to see humpback whales up close. Hosted by hawaiian islands humpback whale national marine sanctuary, the sanctuary ocean count happens three times a year during peak whale season. Get up close with hawaiian humpback whales on this 3hour whale watch cruise from kauai. Hawaii the best tips for whale watching in hawaii whaletrips. While humpback whales visit the islands every year, the peak season is in january and february. While there is no such law for other sea life including dolphins and the endangered green sea turtle and monk seal, hawaii s state mammal, 150 feet is the recommended viewing distance.