Hawaii is home to a wide variety of marine life, but there is perhaps no creature more awe-inspiring than the whale. From November to May, humpback whales migrate to the warm waters of Hawaii to mate and give birth, providing an incredible opportunity for visitors to witness these majestic creatures up close.
But with so many whale-watching tours available, it can be difficult to know where to start. In this article, we'll explore the best whale-watching tours in Hawaii, from eco-friendly excursions to luxury cruises.
Pacific Whale Foundation - Maui
The Pacific Whale Foundation is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to protecting whales and their ocean environment. Their whale-watching tours depart from Ma'alaea Harbor in Maui and are led by a team of marine naturalists who are passionate about educating guests about these amazing creatures. The foundation offers a variety of tour options, from snorkeling tours to sunset dinner cruises, but their whale-watching tours are their most popular. The tours take place on a high-speed catamaran, which allows guests to get up close and personal with the whales without disturbing them.
Kauai Sea Tours - Kauai
Kauai Sea Tours is a family-owned and operated business that offers a variety of eco-friendly tours in Kauai. Their whale-watching tours depart from Port Allen Harbor and take guests on a scenic journey along the Napali Coast. The tours are led by knowledgeable guides who provide guests with a wealth of information about humpback whales and their behavior. In addition to watching the whales, guests can also enjoy stunning views of the coastline and other marine life, including dolphins and sea turtles.
Atlantis Adventures - Oahu
Atlantis Adventures is a company that specializes in underwater tours, but they also offer a popular whale-watching tour in Oahu. The tour takes place on a state-of-the-art, 140-foot vessel that is equipped with a large observation deck and a hydrophone, which allows guests to hear the whales communicating with each other. The tour also includes a lunch buffet and live entertainment. In addition to the whales, guests may also spot other marine life, such as spinner dolphins and flying fish.
Captain Andy's - Kauai
Captain Andy's is a company that has been offering sailing tours in Kauai since 1980. Their whale-watching tour takes guests on a two-hour journey along the Napali Coast, which is known for its stunning cliffs and secluded beaches. The tour is led by a knowledgeable captain and crew who provide guests with information about humpback whales and their behavior. Guests can also enjoy complimentary refreshments, including beer and wine.
Holo Holo Charters - Kauai
Holo Holo Charters is a company that offers a variety of boat tours in Kauai, including a popular whale-watching tour. The tour takes guests on a three-hour journey along the Napali Coast, where they can watch humpback whales and other marine life in their natural habitat. The tour is led by a team of experienced guides who provide guests with a wealth of information about the whales and their behavior. Guests can also enjoy complimentary snacks and drinks, including beer and wine.
Lahaina Cruise Company - Maui
The Lahaina Cruise Company is a family-owned business that has been offering whale-watching tours in Maui since the 1980s. Their tours depart from Lahaina Harbor and take guests on a two-hour journey in search of humpback whales. The tour is led by a team of knowledgeable naturalists who provide guests with information about the whales and their behavior. Guests can also enjoy panoramic views of the Maui coastline and other marine life, such as dolphins and sea turtles.
Ocean Sports - Hawaii Island
Ocean Sports is a company that offers a variety of ocean adventures on the Big Island of Hawaii, including a popular whale-watching tour. Their tour departs from Anaehoomalu Bay and takes guests on a journey to the Waikoloa Coast, where they can watch humpback whales and other marine life in their natural habitat. The tour is led by experienced guides who provide guests with a wealth of information about the whales and their behavior. Guests can also enjoy panoramic views of the coastline and other marine life, such as dolphins and sea turtles.
Fair Wind Cruises - Hawaii Island
Fair Wind Cruises is a company that has been offering snorkeling and sailing tours on the Big Island of Hawaii since 1971. Their whale-watching tour departs from Keauhou Bay and takes guests on a two-hour journey in search of humpback whales. The tour is led by a team of experienced guides who provide guests with information about the whales and their behavior. Guests can also enjoy stunning views of the Kona coastline and other marine life, such as dolphins and sea turtles.
Maui Adventure Cruises - Maui
Maui Adventure Cruises is a family-owned and operated business that offers a variety of ocean adventures on Maui, including a popular whale-watching tour. Their tour departs from Lahaina Harbor and takes guests on a two-hour journey in search of humpback whales. The tour is led by experienced guides who provide guests with a wealth of information about the whales and their behavior. Guests can also enjoy panoramic views of the Maui coastline and other marine life, such as dolphins and sea turtles.
Maui Ocean Center - Maui
The Maui Ocean Center is a marine park and aquarium that is dedicated to showcasing the unique marine life of Hawaii. In addition to their exhibits, they also offer a popular whale-watching tour that departs from Ma'alaea Harbor. The tour is led by a team of experienced naturalists who provide guests with information about humpback whales and their behavior. The tour takes place on a high-speed catamaran that allows guests to get up close and personal with the whales without disturbing them.
Hawaii offers an incredible opportunity for visitors to witness humpback whales in their natural habitat. With so many whale-watching tours available, it can be difficult to know where to start. From eco-friendly excursions to luxury cruises, there is a tour to suit every budget and preference. When choosing a whale-watching tour, it is important to choose a company that is committed to protecting these amazing creatures and their ocean environment. No matter which tour you choose, witnessing these majestic creatures up close is an experience that you will never forget.
