πŸ‹ Hawaii Whale Watching

Every winter, 10,000+ humpback whales migrate to Hawaii's warm waters. Witness breaching, tail slaps, and mothers with calves.

Verified Local Operators
Dec-Apr Season
10,000+ Whales Annually

When to See Whales in Hawaii

Humpback whales travel 3,000+ miles from Alaska to Hawaii each winter to breed, give birth, and nurse their calves in warm, protected waters. The migration is one of nature's greatest spectacles.

While whales can be spotted from November through May, January through March offers the highest concentration. At peak season, you might see dozens of whales on a single tour.

Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun-Oct
Humpback whale breaching in Hawaii

Book a Whale Watching Tour

πŸ‹ 2-Hour Waikiki Whale Watching Cruise

From $54

Two hours out of Ala Moana with Go Hawaii Watersports. Season: 15 December – 15 April. Outside those dates the calendar opens on the next season's start, so book ahead rather than for a summer trip.

Duration: 2 hours β€’ Operator: Go Hawaii Watersports β€’ Season: 15 Dec – 15 Apr

Check Availability β†’

Whale Watching by Island

Where and how to see whales on each island

🏝️ Maui β€” Best Overall

  • βœ“ Highest whale concentration in Hawaii
  • βœ“ Au'au Channel between Maui & Lanai is a whale nursery
  • βœ“ See whales from shore at Kaanapali, Wailea, Lahaina
  • βœ“ Most tour options and departure points

🌺 Oahu β€” Most Accessible

  • βœ“ Tours depart Waikiki and Ko Olina
  • βœ“ Combine with snorkeling on same trip
  • βœ“ Makapuu Point excellent for shore viewing
  • βœ“ Most affordable tour prices

πŸŒ‹ Big Island β€” Less Crowded

  • βœ“ Fewer boats = more intimate experience
  • βœ“ Tours from Kona and Kohala Coast
  • βœ“ Combine with manta ray tours (different seasons)
  • βœ“ Deep water close to shore

🌿 Kauai β€” Most Scenic

  • βœ“ Na Pali Coast backdrop for whale photos
  • βœ“ Smaller crowds, peaceful experience
  • βœ“ Kilauea Lighthouse great for shore viewing
  • βœ“ Combine with Na Pali boat tour

Humpback Whale Facts

45 ft Average adult length
40 tons Average adult weight
3,000 mi Migration from Alaska
15 min Breath-hold capacity
80 yrs Lifespan

Ready to See Humpback Whales?

Browse whale watching tours from local operators across all islands.

View All Whale Tours β†’

Available Whale Watching Tours

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Morning NaPali Coast Snorkel Tour- Super Raft Adventure
πŸ“ Eleele

Morning NaPali Coast Snorkel Tour- Super Raft Adventure

Embark on a 4.5 hour adventure along the Na Pali Coast aboard our luxurious 37’ super raft, Kauai Voyager I.

DolphinRaftingSnorkel
2 Hour Whale Watch
πŸ“ Lahaina

2 Hour Whale Watch

Our cancellation policy for those without TripSafe protection is 48 hours prior to departure time. To cancel, refund ...

CatamaranSailingWhale Watch
Whale Watch
πŸ“ Kailua-Kona

Whale Watch

Join us on the Kanoa II for a 2.5-hour Whale Watch Adventure. View and hear Humpback whales as they journey to Hawaii...

DolphinWhale Watch
Whales and You
πŸ“ Honolulu

Whales and You

Join us on a whale-watching adventure along Oahu's Gold Coast, where you can witness humpback whales and other marine...

Boat TourWhale Watch
ULTIMATE #1 BIG ISLAND WHALE WATCH
πŸ“ Waimea

ULTIMATE #1 BIG ISLAND WHALE WATCH

Our vessel, Malaialena, is a high-performance raft similar to a Zodiacβ€”designed for stability, maneuverability, and c...

Boat TourRaftingWhale Watch
From Ma'alaea Harbor: Sunset Dinner Cruise Aboard the Quicksilver
πŸ“ Wailuku

From Ma'alaea Harbor: Sunset Dinner Cruise Aboard the Quicksilver

Customers will receive a full refund or credit with 24 hours notice of cancellation. Customers will also receive a fu...

Boat TourBreweryDolphin
Super-Raft Whale Watch
πŸ“ Kailua-Kona

Super-Raft Whale Watch

Step aboard the Kona Explorer, our 41 ft. Super Raft, for a thrilling whale-watching adventure. Witness the wonders o...

RaftingSnorkelWhale Watch
Private Catamaran Cruise & Snorkeling Keanuenue
πŸ“ Honolulu

Private Catamaran Cruise & Snorkeling Keanuenue

As we make our way out to the offshore reef, keep an eye out for playful dolphins and majestic humpback whales (in se...

Boat TourCatamaranDolphin
Kauai’s Ultimate SOUTH SIDE Whale & Dolphin Zodiac Boat Adventure
πŸ“ Koloa

Kauai’s Ultimate SOUTH SIDE Whale & Dolphin Zodiac Boat Adventure

Our SOUTH SIDE Whale Watching Tours offer more than just a chance to see whales; they are an invitation to immerse yo...

Boat TourDolphinEco Tour
Eco-Raft:  Lanai Snorkel & Dolphin Watch (Semi|Private)
πŸ“ Lahaina

Eco-Raft: Lanai Snorkel & Dolphin Watch (Semi|Private)

New and clean snorkel gear and flotation devices are included. We also provide a large β€œlily” page float that attache...

Boat RentalBoat TourDolphin
Whale Watch and Sunset Cruise
πŸ“ Waimea

Whale Watch and Sunset Cruise

Witness the ocean’s most winter spectacle aboard Namaka, our spacious 46' custom dive boat where luxury meets adventu...

Whale Watch
Semi|Private Turtle Snorkel & Catamaran Cruise
πŸ“ Honolulu

Semi|Private Turtle Snorkel & Catamaran Cruise

Snorkel with sea turtles and tropical fish on this guided ocean adventure in Waikiki. Explore the Turtle Canyon (One ...

Boat TourCatamaranSightseeing Tour
Private Whale Watch Charter
πŸ“ Kekaha

Private Whale Watch Charter

Cancellations and reschedules are allowed without penalty up to 48 hours before departure. Within 48 hours of departu...

Whale Watch
Eco-Raft: Eye-Level Whale Watch Tour
πŸ“ Lahaina

Eco-Raft: Eye-Level Whale Watch Tour

Avoid the crowds and enjoy comfortable seating in a small group with spectacular views of Maui’s humpback whales.

Boat TourEco TourGuided Tour
Pelagic Whale Watch
πŸ“ Kailua-Kona

Pelagic Whale Watch

Kona is the ultimate whale and wildlife destination. Kona’s calm waters, deep coastlines, and variety of marine life ...

Whale Watch
Whale Watching (Dec 15-April 15)
πŸ“ Honolulu

Whale Watching (Dec 15-April 15)

Humpback whales visit Hawaii each year and give birth in our warm tropical waters. Now is your chance to experience m...

Whale Watch
Combination Whale Watch & Snorkel
πŸ“ Waimea

Combination Whale Watch & Snorkel

Our snorkel area is known for the Hawaiian Green Sea turtles at our local turtle cleaning stations. This trip is grea...

Boat TourSnorkelWhale Watch
From Ma'alaea Harbor: AM Turtle Town Snorkel Aboard the Quicksilver
πŸ“ Wailuku

From Ma'alaea Harbor: AM Turtle Town Snorkel Aboard the Quicksilver

This 4.5-hour adventure (9:00 AM – 1:30 PM) takes you to South Maui Turtle Town or Coral Gardens, where you’ll snorke...

Boat TourDolphinFood Tour
Royal Humpback Whale Experience
πŸ“ Hilo

Royal Humpback Whale Experience

Each winter, thousands of North Pacific humpback whales migrate over 6,000 miles from Alaska to the warm, protected w...

Boat TourGuided TourWhale Watch
Whale Watching
πŸ“ Honolulu

Whale Watching

Want to see some whales? Come find them with us. The Adventure Boat can cover more ground in our whale watching adven...

Whale Watch
Custom Private Charter
πŸ“ Waimea

Custom Private Charter

Svetlana is a 2002 28’ Scout that comes equipped with two powerful Yamaha Twin Yamaha F200 outboard engines to make...

Boat TourFishingSnorkel
Eco-Raft: 2n1 Turtle Snorkel & Whale Watch Tour (Semi|Private)
πŸ“ Lahaina

Eco-Raft: 2n1 Turtle Snorkel & Whale Watch Tour (Semi|Private)

New and clean snorkel gear and flotation devices are included. We also provide a large β€œlily” page float that attache...

Boat RentalBoat TourDolphin
Deluxe Morning Kayak & Snorkel Kealakekua Bay
πŸ“ Captain Cook

Deluxe Morning Kayak & Snorkel Kealakekua Bay

The Deluxe Kayak Kealakekua Bay & Snorkel Tours includes: *Wide, stable open-deck tandem kayaks are used & you’ll app...

DolphinGuided TourHistory Tour
Catamaran Snorkel Sail - Sunrise
πŸ“ Kapolei

Catamaran Snorkel Sail - Sunrise

Our company’s focus is on guest safety and guest comfort. When the winter’s big surf is upon us, we will cancel at c...

Boat TourCatamaranDolphin

2026 Awards · editorial spotlights

Nominees we wrote up ourselves. They did not pay for these pages and had no say in them.

Best Whale Watch OperatorPacWhale Eco-AdventuresMa'alaea Harbor and Lahaina Harbor, Maui · Molokini snorkel $219.95

Planning Guides

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