The big island is known for its geographic and ecologic diversity. Enjoy a plush frontrow seat on our super nimble jetpowered boat. Whale watching on big island with tips on where to see the most whale action. Whale watching hilo shore excursion hawaiian cruise tours. After a nonstop six to eightweek and 6,000mile migration from alaska. More than 550 volunteers gathered data from the shores of oahu, kauai and hawaii islands during the hawaiian islands humpback whale national marine sanctuary ocean count and, from maui. More than 430 volunteers gathered data from the shores of the big island, oahu and kauai during the third and final event of the 2019 hawaiian islands humpback whale national marine. On the east side, hilo bay is another place popular for whale sightings. Best deals on big island whale watching tours best of. If you see an injured or entangled marine mammal, keep a safe and legal distance and call noaas. Hawaiian islands humpback whale national marine sanctuary. Come aboard winona for whale watching on the big island. Between november and april is peak whale watching season around the big island.
There are quite a few whales near the big island, but the availability of whale watches are less, probably because it is more hit and miss but i dont really know for sure. From the molten magma flowing at hawaii volcanoes national park, to the snowcapped summits of mauna kea and lush rainforests of the hamakua coast, no island captures the power of nature quite like hawaii island. Other species of whales are attracted to hawaiis warm, shallow waters year round, so wherever you travel on the island of hawaii, keep your eyes open for these marine visitors. I have no idea what is seen in cancun or costa rica so cant compare but maui has a higher concentration of whales in the auau channel and more opportunities to see them with an abundance of whale watches available. Big island whale watching tours tom barefoots tours. Site is located at the end of hookena beach road off highway 11 mamalahoa highway.
Hilo is rainy and charming, tropical and laid back. The contents of this web page are public domain and to the extent indicated otherwise in the terms of use, are exempt from terms of use policy restrictions. Friends have also mentioned that they find them at hilo and kawaihae. Hundreds of humback whales counted along hawaiian island. Lobo del mar whale watching tours out if hilo on the big island. Kona and waikoloa are two of the best places to go if you want to book a whale watching tour, though hilo isnt a bad destination either. Whale watching on the big island mauna lani sea adventures. Come catch a glimpse of hawaiis gentle giants and winter visitors, the humpback whale. Whale watching in hawaii is the perfect way to enjoy the incredible humpback whales as they make their yearly journey to the hawaiian islands. Hawaiian islands humpback whale get involved sanctuary.
We recommend the ocean view room category with views of coconut island and the beautiful views of the volcanic mountains in the distance. Top whale watching cruises on the big island of hawaii. Hilo has a few hotels, but is the more local side of the island. The best months to visit for peak hawaii whale watching. The whales do seem to prefer west maui, perhaps because of the shallow, warmer water. See below for how and when to see whales in the wild.
Leaving out of puako, we immediately enter the nursing grounds of mother humpback whales and their babies. Private catamaran charters luxury jetboat snorkeling. The best time for humpback whale watching in hawaii is between november and april, with the peak taking place between january and march. Whale watching boat tours and diy guide big island. The hilo side see far less boaters with only a few commercial operation so enjoy a one on one whale encounter without another boat in sight unlike the kona whale watching partys. Whales love to play in the water by leaping into the air and slapping their tails in the water. The first ever longterm 1 week resighting of a killer whale from hawaiian. You can also spot whales from the island of hawaiis beautiful beaches along the kohala coast. Its also home to hilo international airport and is a. The big island whale watching keeps your memory fresh and makes you want to come back for more.
Every winter, generally december through april, the majestic north pacific humpback whales make an epic journey to visit the warm hawaiian waters to breed, calve, and nurse their young. Located on a quiet peninsula just outside of hilo, the whale house is a standalone residence for one guest, family or group. Whale watching on the big island offers more than just humpback sightings, too. The following whale watching tours on the big island of hawaii do not pick up directly at the cruise ship but may be reached in some cases via a short walk, via a taxi cab or by a rental car that can be arranged by tom barefoots tours that will pick you up at the dock with a shuttle. For the big island you will have best chance of seeing whales in the north kona, and north and south kohala districts. What is the best hawaiian island for whale watching. Hilo tours hawaii volcanoes national park, whale watching. Wahine charters would like to invite you to come out with us and witness one of the largest animals on the planet on the best whale watching charter in hawaii. Some of the best areas for viewing whales on the big island are hilo bay on the east side and the area north of kona and up the kohala coast. Every year, an estimated 10,000 whales trek 3,000 miles from alaska between november to early may to breed in the warm waters of the big island.
Whalewatching is one of the most popular winter activities in hawaii, and for good reason. Big island whale watching can be an oceanshattering experience, literally. Dolphin swim, manta snorkel, or coastal cruise from kona ocean experience up to 5% off. Get up close and observe them in their natural habitat as these magnificent creatures blow, tail slap, breach. Hawaiian edventure university of hawaii at hilo conference center 200 w. There are so many whales in hawaii during peak whale season that locals refer to the ocean as whale soup. Big island whale watching whale watching tours on the. The puukohola heiau national historic site is an excellent site to see whales, with sweeping, elevated views near kawaihae harbor. Kona camping ranch offers resort style camping at very affordable cost. Sanctuary ocean count and great whale count volunteers gathered to observe humpback whales from kauai, oahu, hawaii, and maui. On the island of hawaii, whales are often seen along the shores of the kohala coast, as well as hilo bay on the east side of the island. If you are very passionate about whale watching, but arent interested in a boat tour, you could consider spending the day in waipio valley, hiking to pololu valley, or having a sunset picnic in holoholokai beach park.
Lava ocean tours hilo whale watching hawaii discount. During hawaiis whale season you can go on a whale watching cruise along the big islands hilo, kona or kohala coast. When you want to get away from it all and reconnect with that special someone, there is no place more romantic than the big island of hawaii. While searching for humpback whales is the norm on wintertime whale watching tours on the big island, excursions. Dont miss this fun opportunity to count whales and record their behavior from the. Both include an onboard marine naturalist narrating the cruise and a sighting guarantee in the unlikely event no whales are spotted, you can go again for free. The humpback whales leave the icy waters of alaska and migrate 6000 miles to hawaii every year to give birth and care for their calves. The kohala coast of the big island is a marine mammal sanctuary and provides these animals a warm and safe environment to give birth and tend to their young.
Waikoloa whale watching 8am whale watch hawaii ocean sports offers wake up with the whales a 90 minute morning whale watch on a sailing catamaran, casting off. Hawaiis humpback whale season begins big island now. Hilo whale watching is best from december april humpback whales are become a daily favorite, with sightings on every whale watch tour or you come again free. Twohour whalewatching cruise for one adult or one child at e sea diver up to 46% off. Hawaii whale watching guide for the big island big. Other great islands for whale watching are maui and kauai. After a nonstop 68 week and 6,000mile migration from alaska, approximately 12,000 north pacific humpbacks arrive in the hawaiian islands every year around middecember for a season of mating, birthing, and nurturing their newborn calves.
The kohala coast is frequently known as the best area of hawaii for whale watching. During hawaiis whale season, the ocean is full of activity from humpback whales migrating from the pacific northwest to breed and nurse their young. Some say kohala is hawaiian for the humpback whale, and there is evidence to. Stunning ocean views whale house hawaii houses for.
From baby whales curiously scouting out the boat to witnessing a triple breach, adventure x boat tours has seen it all on our big island whale watching tours. Theres plenty of whale watching tours or even snorkel tours to choose from. The definite guide to hawaii island whale watching tours. Would definitely stay here again and recommend to anyone visiting the big island. On this exciting big island whale watching tour, experience the thrill of traveling aboard a highspeed raft, and then seeing a whale swimming just in front of the boat. You might also spot some of the other whale species that make their home in these waters yearround sperm whales, pilot whales, pygmy killer whales and rare beaked whales as well as dolphin pods and curious sea turtles. Convenient driving to all the big island attractions. At guideofus hawaii, we understand how much time and effort go into planning the perfect big island experience, so we have put together a list of handpicked big island tours and adventures for you to choose from. December to april is an exciting time for the big island of hawaii because it marks whale watching season. Other species of whales are attracted to hawaiis warm, shallow waters year round, so. You can spot them from shore, hear them under water, or see them upclose by boat.
The whales leave hawai i again late april early may. We have also visited puukohola heiau national historic site which sits elevated and offers a great vantage point. Though the boat will obey the federal laws and not approach within 100 feet 30 meters, it isnt uncommon for the whale to decide to swim up under the boat. Whale watching tours on the big island of hawaii 2020. Come along for the ride to catch a glimpse of hawaiis gentle giants and winter visitors, the humpback whale. The below table outlines the key differences between our two whale watching cruises. It is no wonder its one of the most popular times of the year to visit the island of hawai. The south and north kohala districts are best for whale watching on the big island, and there are more than a handful of excellent tours you can signup for. People here are friendly, and time here seems run just a.
Whale watching is a mustdo activity when visiting hawai. The first whales start arriving to the big island in november, and their numbers steadily build up as the season goes on until they peak in the months january, february, and march. See why body glove has the best on big island experienced guide, hear whales sing with hydrophone, spacious boat with bar, and sighting guarantee. The city is not your typical tourist town but very easy to fall in love with. Whale and dolphin watching from shore on big island hawaii. Hi,i am thinking of visiting hawaii for the first time. In fact, puukohola literally means hill of the whale in hawaiian. Every december through april, about 5,000 humpback whales make the journey thousands of miles from the icy waters of alaska to the warm waters of hawaii where they mate and nurture their young. This activity only operates from december through midapril during whale season. Best deals on whale watching tours in the big island. There is a mandatory 14day selfquarantine for all visitors and residents of the state of hawaii.
Weve seen whales from 5 different islands, and the end of january is a great. Friendly support our staff will help you select the. Hawaii big island whale watching tours hawaii discount. The calm protected waters of hilo bay are frequented by hawaii humpback whales and ideal for a family friendly big island whale watching adventure. You wont see as many on the big island, but if youre on the shore you should still be able to see some. Whale watching on the big island of hawaii big island. Our personal best big island whale watching scores have occurred up and down the kohala coast.
Big island whale watching tour best whale watching tour. A good example of that mix can be found in its resident whale population. Despite their enormous size humpback whales are surprisingly acrobatic. In fact, some of the best whale watching on the big island can be had just outside hilo bay. Go here from your mobile device and click your account to create a user login. Here is a selection of big island whale watching tours or other cruises on which you are likely to see whales. Select your big island hotel book now secure shopping safe, secure online booking system with validated privacy protection. Most of big islands east side is unsuitable for whale watching, but occassionally whales can be seen from the highway near naalehu in the south, and off 4 mile beach near hilo in the northeast.
On the geographic flipside of the volcanic kohala coast, the region is blessed with dramatic waterfalls, fertile rainforests and blooming gardens. Every winter, our humpback whales in hawaii make the 3000 mile journey from alaska to hawaii to mate and give birth in our warm tranquil waters. Embark on a 2hour, 30mile sightseeing cruise along the scenic hamakua coastline, seeing the humpback whales during their yearly migration to hawaii. Humpback whale season on the hawaiian islands is between november and early may. Lobo del mar whale watching tours out if hilo on the big island of hawaii. Should you find yourself on the island of hawaii, making an effort to go whale watching is an unforgettable experience, but youll need to do a bit of planning to make it happen. Located on the northeastern side of the island of hawaii, hilo offers breathtaking natural beauty plus all the amenities of a vibrant town. The big island is a must do because of the active volcano there. Whale watching big island hawaii adventure x boat tours. Free gifts, no booking fees, and easy booking with travelshack. Newly renovated guest rooms and suites, hilo hawaiians oceanfront resort offers airconditioned rooms and suites. Get up close with humpback whales near the big island of hawaii on this guided, whale watching excursion. Sanctuary ocean count hawaiian islands humpback whale.
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