Although humpback whales can be seen from all of the hawaiian islands, the shallow auau channel between maui, molokai and lanai is one of the best whale watching destinations in the world. Every year from november to may, maui locals welcome back their favorite guests the huge, majestic humpback whales who spend every winter in hawaiis warm and safe waters. Our fast and safe rafting vessels are low to the water and perfect for close whale watching encounters and small groups making every seat a front row seat. One of the most dramatic is the history of puukohola whale hill heiau temple located in kawaihae on the island of hawaii. One of the giants was reportedly seen breaching multiple times. Whale watching season in hawaii is always a special time, and will be a great part of your trip. If whale watching is on your bucket list, look no further than maui, hawaii. If youre headed to maui too, heres one of the best ways to see whales on maui. Although the official whale watching season lasts from november until may, the peak season is from januarymarch, although some whales have already been spotted this year. Pga tour sentry tournament of champions january each year. Every winter, over 5,000 humpback whales travel from alaska to hawaii. While the first maui whale sighting differs every year, its lately been as early as september that humpbacks are spotted in maui. Nov 17, 2014 experience the combined thrill of whale watching and ocean rafting, on a brand new ecotour offered by pacific whale foundation.
At pacific whale foundation, our whale watching season officially kicks off in early november with our welcome home the whales cruise. Whale watching what months best time to go kihei forum. Each occasion is designed to celebrate and inspire environmental stewardship alongside a strong community of maui residents and. Home blog maui species of whales in hawaii december 15 april 15 is a special time of year.
Since 1980, maui whale festival has offered a series of inspiring events held during mauis peak humpback whale season. You may also spot kohola from the southern shores of oahu, especially at makapuu lighthouse and along the seaside overlooks near leahi diamond head. Go here from your mobile device and click your account to create a user login. Without a doubt, one of the most amazing marine wildlife adventures youll ever have the opportunity to partake in is a chance to witness the majesty of the north pacific humpback whales in their natural environment year, after year, these magical mammals grace hawaiian. Insider tips for whale watching season in maui fodors travel guide go. Learn more about hawaiis humpback whale season and the best places to see them. But on occasion, we will have our first whale sighting as early as october or even late september. The most wonderful time of the year is whale watching season in hawaii.
On tuesday, october 10, the pacific whale foundation reported spotting a pair of humpbacks about a mile off the coast of kapalua in west maui each winter, an estimated 12,000 humpback whales migrate to hawaiian waters to mate, give birth and care for their newborn calves. The above density map only reinforces our experiences. They can be seen in thier natural environment in pods of males, females and calves. The whales are drawn to the areas shallow waters, especially the auau channel between maui, molokai and lanai, making maui an ideal jumpingoff spot for your whalewatching voyage. Hi, my fiance and i will be going to hawaii on sept 19 for 2 weeks. Each winter december through may, thousands of kohola humpback whales travel to hawaii from colder waters to breed, calve and nurse their young. Whale watching in maui is commonly considered some of the best in the world. Early season whale watch tours are happening nowsightings are guaranteed.
Years before we moved to hawaii, my husbands family would come to hawaii in the winter to see whales. There are so many things to see and activities to choose from here in this paradise that is maui, hawaii. There are a number of whales that remain in hawaiian waters year round but the massive influx of humpback whales makes spotting a whale during the migration season basically a guarantee. Begin your adventure at the old wailuku inn at ulupono. Maui whale watching is most thrilling aboard the malolo. Sep 05, 2018 seeing as we operate seven boats that offer whale watching tours in maui, this is a question were asked a lot and at all different times of the year officially, whale season in maui runs from december 15thmay 15th, although its still possible to see whales outside of the officialwhale season dates. Certain ocean activities in maui are prohibited during whale season. Thats the official whale watching season here on the island of maui, when over 10,000 humpbacks annually migrate from the summer feeding grounds in alaska. If you are serious about seeing humpback whales in their hawaiian mating and calving grounds, the last couple weeks in february and the whole month of march are the best times to be here. The best time to see whales on maui is november through may when thousands of north pacific humpback whales grace hawaiian waters during their annual winter migration. With a 97% sighting success rate, whale sightings are guaranteed or go again free on another whale watch of equal or lesser value within one year. Each year, tens of thousands of whales travel thousands of miles from their summer feeding grounds to winter breeding grounds. April is close to end of whale watching season, correct, does tour guarantee seeing the whale or perhaps is weather dependent.
Hawaii ist fur whale watching eine besonders geeignete anlaufstelle. But the real answer is a bit more nuanced, essentially it is possible to see a humpback any time during the year, but the summer months it is highly unlikely. In your research, you may have seen different timeframes defining humpback whale season in hawaii. Maui whale watching is one of the most popular activities to do in hawaii. Feb 20, 2010 whale watching in maui, hawaii maui guide. Dec 15, 2015 a whale watch on pride of maui begins at maalaea harbor and includes a barbecue lunch, mai tais, beer and two and a half hours at sea. Our small group rafting vessels host small groups of guests so you get up close and personal with mauis whales, dolphins, turtles, tropical fish and other marine life.
Normally, we start to see whales migrate to the hawaiian waters around late november early december. As temperatures start dropping nearly everywhere else in the u. Officially, whale season in maui runs from december 15thmay 15th, although its still possible to see whales outside of the officialwhale season dates. This season s first humpback whale has been spotted. Whale watching in first week of april 2018 maui forum. On occasion, we will have our first whale sighting as early as october or late september. While hawaii whale watching tours can be booked on all of the main islands, maui is arguably the top place to arrange them. The guys on the boat told us about the whales and the history of whaling in hawaii, there was a bar on the boat to buy drinks. During their time spent in hawaiian waters, baby calves will learn the motor skills that are necessary for survival. The explorer is a hardshelled boat with an inflatable edge like a large zodiac which gives a fast, smooth ride and a front row seat for every passenger.
Weve visited all of the hawaiian islands during humpback whale season. Jan 02, 2016 humpback whales slow to arrive in hawaii. It is illegal when in the water by boat or any other means. We have timeshare so need to put in a request but not sure which island we need to be on for whale watching maui big island some body please help much appreciated. The peak season is from january through march, but you might see them in april or possibly as late as early may. If you are only after whale watching, you should come and visit maui during the winter season. Nov 03, 2014 this seasons first humpback whale has been spotted. As whale season approaches, four seasons resort maui at wailea has. It depends on the change of seasons, water temp and storms up in alaska, but as soon as the water gets too cold the humpback whales make their annual visit to maui. We want your whale watching tour to be unforgettable. Early in the season, the first sightings are usually of males who have made the swim from alaska, awaiting the females who usually show up between thanksgiving and christmas. In hawaii, maui is a top whale watching spot for boatbased viewing.
The best way to experience maui whale watch season is to take a guided boat tour with a professional captain and crew. Hawaiian islands humpback whale national marine sanctuary. Our 2hour ocean rafting whale watch cruises depart 4 times daily. If you prefer to avoid the crowds, we are the goto guys. Hi i am from new zealand can you please tell me when is the best timemonths to visit hawaii for whale watching. Maui whale watch discount tour pacwhale ecoadventures. What you need to know about the maui whale season the old. There are also a handful of locations whose names include kohola or palaoa, each with a story to tell. Since the calving season starts in midjanuary, the peak is recognized from this point through march when populations are at their highest. They have an 11 to 12month gestational period, so baby humpback calves are both conceived and birthed in hawaii. Humpback whale watching season starts early in hawaii live. That is because some of the best whale watching in hawaii can be enjoyed in the warm and shallow waters that can be found off of the islands west coast. Whale watching aboard our flagship pride of maui is even better.
Insider tips for whale watching season in maui fodors. Each year the whales migrate down from alaska, and although you can see them throughout hawaii, the au au channel off the coast of maui has the greatest number. Maui whale watch tours hawaii humpback whale watching. This whale surface behavior, such as breaching and tail slaps, make for exciting whale watching in hawaii. The humpback whales return to hawaii for a few months every year to mate and give birth, so malolo takes you out to see them from december 8 th april 15 th. Sanctuaries and reserves division, office of ocean and coastal resource management, national ocean service, national oceanic and atmospheric administration, department of commerce february 1997. Sep 26, 2017 weve visited all of the hawaiian islands during humpback whale season. Every seat is a front row seat in our whale watching tours.
Free whale watching in hawaii 2020 season underway. See the most comprehensive whale watching visual guide all about humpback. Cruise from lahaina harbor on pacific whale foundations hightech. Maui, molokai and lanai offer the best whale watching opportunities. The earliest humpback whale sightings are usually in november, sometimes october. The last whales could stick around until april before they make their trek back to alaska. Whales are very important in native hawaiian culture. Every winter, pods of pacific humpback whales make the 3,000mile swim from the chilly waters of alaska to bask in maui s summery shallows, fluking, spy hopping, spouting, and having an allaround swell time. Together in these groups, humpback whales frolic around maui s coastal waters. While it might be the busiest season of the year, but it is also the. The humpbacks are drawn to our warm, relatively shallow and protected waters that make an ideal location to mate and give birth to their calves. Every ticket supports active marine research and the whale entanglement response team. Best time to visit maui updated for 2020 hawaii travel guide. For instance, jet ski and parasailing operators are closed december 15 to may 15 in order to protect the whales from potential injury from highspeed watercraft and propellers.
Our favorite whale watch its fast which means you spend more time watching whales and less time looking for them. They are our most treasured annual visitors, and maui whale watching becomes an obsession during this period. Few things compare to seeing these magical mammals in real life. Humpback whales have returned and free whale watching in hawaii is really possible. Humpback whales migrate annually from alaska to maui to calve, mate, and rear their young. Season doesnt officially start until december 15th and runs to around april 15th, but there have already been sightings of new arrivals. Seeing as we operate seven boats that offer whale watching tours in maui, this is a question were asked a lot and at all different times of the year officially, whale season in maui runs from december 15thmay 15th, although its still possible to see whales outside of the official whale season dates. Oct 03, 2019 humpback whales have returned and free whale watching in hawaii is really possible. Sightings are guaranteed, or you get a free ticket for a regular pacific whale foundation whale watch. When you dive with whales in hawaii, remember that the whales are diving with you. Generally speaking, december to may is seen as the best time for whale watching in oahu and the rest of hawaii. 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 best months to see whales is usually between midjanuary and march as this is considered peak whale watching season. The humpback is the star of the annual whale watching season, which usually begins in.
On monday, october 8th 2018, we were shocked to not only see whales on the four winds ii and the maui magic, but to also see a breach. The cultural significance of whales in hawaii go hawaii. What you need to know about the maui whale season the. Hawaiian islands humpback whale explore whale watching. Oct 21, 2010 the pacific whale foundation has recorded its first humpback whale sighting of the 20102011 seasonspotted yesterday morning, two nautical miles off mauis west side, between maalaea and lahaina. Officially the season runs from middecember through to the end march the following year. They are quite large, averaging 16 feet in length and they can weigh up to 4,900 pounds. There was a bit of miscommunication regarding the location of the boat. A humpback whale was spotted in western hawaii on thursday, aug. Mar 20, 2019 i went on the cruise end of april thats the end of the whale season in hawaii, we still managed to see a couple of whales. See humpback whales on maui at an affordable price.
Having been on a sunset cruise last week and seeing 3 breaches and plenty of whales so early, were confident itll be a season to remember. This high speed catamaran leaves from maalaea harbor and can get you to the whales quickly. This is the reason why many maui visitors want to know the best months to do whale watching. To see humpback whales in their hawaiian mating and calving grounds on maui during the maui whale season, late february and march are the best times.
First hawaii humpback whale sighting for 20192020 season. Heres what you need to know to see the breaching beasts on whalewatching tours in maui. False killer whales rare weve seen a couple of false killer whales during the 20172018 whale season on our whale watch tours, but for the most part, these are rarely spotted in maui. Have a whale of a time visit maui for whale season.
These early sightings are rare and usually just include a few early arriving juvenile male whales. Chinese heritage festival, hula o na keiki, made in maui county festival hawaii island. Whale watching in hawaii hawaii whale watching tours. You can use the species and date filters to see changes throughout the year. Maui whale watching guide humpback whales in hawaii.
The beauty of whale watching in maui is you can always expect the unexpected. Every year from november to may, maui welcomes back the huge, majestic humpback whales who spend every winter in hawaiis warm and safe waters. At 25 to 40 tons, pacific humpback whales are the fifth largest whale species in the world. Their migration crosses 3,100 miles of ocean each season.
When choosing a hotel or condo, from our experiences, weve found that the very best humpback whale action is along west and south maui and the kohala coast of hawaiis big island. Hawaii is a popular destination for whale watching because, during mating season, humpback whales are more active resulting in elevated surface activity. There is nothing like seeing a humpback whale up close and will be something that you remember forever. They only would come to hawaii when they knew they could see whales, usually around february. So they can experience the whale watching activity before they head home. While the best hawaiian island for whale watching is said to be maui, theres a chance you can see whales in oahu too if you go during whale season. When choosing a hotel or condo, from our experiences, weve found that the very best humpback whale action is along west and south maui and the kohala coast of hawaii s big island. Everything you need to know about whale watching on maui.
Fall hawaii international film festival, vans world cup of surfing maui. We recommend heading out on whale watching tour to get the best views possible, and to experience the beauty of the ocean. When is whale watching season in maui hawaii every year from november to may, maui welcomes back the huge, majestic humpback whales who spend every winter in hawaiis warm and safe waters. The first humpback whale sighting this year in hawaii was on september 29th near the small island of niihau. While it is not whale watch season, would it be worth trying for a tour if there are tours during this period. Four seasons resort maui offers guests more ways than ever to. While it is possible to see whales throughout the year in hawaii, maui s whale watching season is based on the yearly migration pattern of the humpback whales.
May 03, 2016 humpback whale megaptera novaeangliae breaching, maui, hawaii notice must accompany publication. This is going to be another amazing season with record number of returning humpback whales, we can just feel it. Early whale season on maui whale watching season started. Maui whale watching tips all about maui travel tips.
November, december and january are frequently listed as the start of the season with april and may usually designated as the end of the season. Types of whales in hawaii almost a dozen whale species. That while their season in hawaii isnt normally set to get underway for about a month. Maui county is world famous as the destination for the pacific northwest humpback whales.
Hyatt regency maui resort and spa invites guests to celebrate whale season with a variety of special offerings, including the resorts popular. So, it is safe to assume that last season s breeding, becomes the following season s birthing. Sanctuary ocean count hawaiian islands humpback whale. Whale watching season runs from approximately middecember to late april. December usually marks the start of humpback whale season in hawaii, but experts say the animals have been slow to return this year. The winner of our 10th annual predict the 1st humpback whalesighting contest is cora, who guessed october 1. First whales of the season spotted off maui hawaii magazine. Every winter, the north pacific humpback whales migrate from the frigid waters of alaska to mate, give birth, and bask in the warm seas of the hawaiian islands, enjoying their own sort of tropical vacation. When youre ready to start planning your trip to hawaii, book a stay at the old wailuku inn. Humpback whale watching season starts early in hawaii.
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