Humpback whales visit Hawaii annually from January through early April.
Each December, humpback whales make a 3,000-mile oceanic trip from the Gulf of Alaska to the islands of Hawaii. As many as 8,000 of these 45-ton mammals travel to breed and birth calves in the warm Hawaiian water. Named "kohola" by the Hawaiians, locals and tourists flock to see the treasured whales during the prime whale-watching season of January through early April. Boat tours from each island get riders within 100 yards of the protected humpback whales. The Auau Channel between Molokai, Maui and Lanai is considered the best whale watching spot on earth.
Maui Tours
In the 1800s, Lahaina Harbor in Maui was the Pacific's most significant whaling port. Today, the port offers the largest variety of two- to four-hour whale watching tours on boats of all sizes and to accommodate every budget. The calm, clear waters of West Maui make it a popular place to watch the whales blow spouts, tail slap or jump up in the water. Expert guides navigate you to the best spots to see the whales whether you book a tour by passenger raft or charter boat. Whale tours also depart from Maalaea Harbor just north of Kihei.
Molokai Tours
Visitors who prefer to avoid the whale watching crowds of Maui, can find small charter boats for six to 18 passengers at reasonable prices at the Kaunakaki Wharf in Molokai. Sport fishing and dive boats offer two and a half to three hour whale-watching tours in the morning hours to visit the whale playgrounds of Mokuhoonki Island and the south shore of Molokai.
Kauai Tours
The boat operators of Kauai offer two-hour afternoon whale watching ventures that sail around the south shore of the island. Some tour operators offer an added hour of snorkeling to their whale excursions. If crowds aren't your style, try a kayak tour, offered by outfitters in the south shore area.
Big Island of Hawaii
In addition to the annual humpback whale visits, the Kona Coast on the Big Island of Hawaii is home to six other whale species that live in the area year-round. Seasonal two-hour tours offered by several ocean tour companies on the island include views of all the whale species. Year-round whale tours are also available from operators familiar with whale behavior and favorite hang outs.
Considerations
Whales regularly sing in the water and are audible for up to 12 miles underwater. Some tour companies provide special hydrophones so travelers hear the whales' songs from the boat deck. If you take a morning tour, you might see dolphins at play in the water as well. Breakfast, lunch or dinner is included in many catamaran and charter boat tours.
Tags: whale watching, south shore, charter boat, early April, Island Hawaii, January through