Humpback Whale-Watching in Oahu: A Must-See Experience!
One of my favourite things about visiting Hawaii was seeing the whales in the winter. Once I moved to Oahu I would go out on a boat tour a few times a year – I can’t get enough of those whales!
If you’re going to be in Oahu between May and December, you CAN’T miss out on a whale-watching tour. The one above is the best – my favourite – and you can often see them from land, too.
Read on for everything you need to know!
Whale Watching Oahu
From May to December, humpback whales make their annual journey from Alaska to Hawaii. Oahu is one of the best places to catch them in action, so best add it to your calendar!
The gentle giants travel thousands of miles to Hawaii’s warm waters to mate and give birth. Seeing them up close is unforgettable.
And because Hawaii is where the young are born, chances are good that you’ll see the little ones swimming alongside their moms.
Why Humpback Whales Come to Hawaii
Humpbacks head to Hawaii’s calm, shallow waters because they’re perfect for raising their calves. The warm ocean is safer for their young, keeping them away from colder waters where predators are more common.
During their time here, humpbacks can put on an incredible show. You could see breaching, tail slapping, and the occasional mother-calf pair swimming side by side.
My first whale-watching cruise – I was mistakenly told that it was a snorkelling boat – was insane. The boat was “mugged” meaning that, even though the captain maintained the proper distance, the whales didn’t.
We had adults swimming under the boat, breaching close by, along with a mother and calf pair. Sightings this good aren’t that common, but when it happens you never forget it!
Where to See Whales on Oahu
If you’d prefer rather keep your feet on land, Oahu has some great shoreline spots for whale watching. The Makapuʻu Lighthouse Trail is a favourite for locals and visitors.
The elevated views give you a look out across the ocean. And if you’re patient, you’ll likely spot spouts or even a breaching whale.
When I took my family up the trail during their visit we saw a mother and calf swimming at the base of the cliff. Another amazing sighting!
Diamond Head Lookout is another fantastic option, especially if you’re in the Waikiki area. For something quieter, try the cliffs near Hanauma Bay or the beaches along the east side of the island.
For an up-close experience, boat tours are the way to go. Many leave from Waikiki, Ko Olina, or Haleʻiwa Harbor on the North Shore.
These tours will often bring you closer to the action and include expert guides who share insights about humpbacks and other marine life.
Keep your eyes open, and you might also see spinner dolphins, sea turtles, or even the occasional Hawaiian monk seal lounging nearby.
Whales are Fascinating!
Humpback whales are fascinating creatures. Adults can grow up to 52 feet long and weigh around 40 tons. Calves are born at about 15 feet long and 2,000 pounds – ocean giants in training.
These whales feed on krill and small fish in cold waters. But they actually stop eating entirely when they’re in Hawaii’s warm waters. They rely on their stored fat reserves during this time.
I wondered if humpbacks stick with one mate for life. Turns out they’re more about finding a new partner each breeding season.
And those wart-like bumps on their faces? They’re called tubercles. Each holds a single hair that helps them sense movement in the water. Whale whiskers, if you will.
Tips for a Great Whale Watch
Early mornings are generally the best time for spotting whales. The ocean is calmer, and the lighting makes it easier to see spouts and splashes.
If you’re heading out on a boat, don’t forget a jacket—the wind can be a bit chilly on the open water. Bring binoculars, a camera with a good zoom lens, sunscreen, and your reusable water bottle. And I always bring a snack!
When you’re on your boat tour, listen for the guides to use hydrophones to pick up whale songs. It’s a haunting sound that adds a whole other dimension to your experience.
Did you know that only the males emit the long, complex whale songs? They can last for up to 20 minutes and travel miles through the ocean.
🐋 Remember: Anytime you’re out on a boat, even if you’re snorkelling or on a dinner cruise, keep an eye on the water. They’re out there!
Respecting the Whales and the Ocean
When watching whales, whether from shore or on a boat, remember to respect their space. Tour operators follow strict guidelines to keep a safe distance.
The Department of Land and Natural Resources requires that watercraft keep a minimum of 100 yards from whales. This is 91.5 metres. However, if the whales decide to approach – sit back and enjoy!
Plan Your Adventure
Whale watching on Oahu may well be your standout experience on Oahu. Seeing these enormous sea creatures in person, in their natural habitat, is an extraordinary experience.
🐋 THIS whale-watching tour is an excellent choice! I picked it because of the great reviews – 4.5 out of 5 – and because of the size of the boat.
The catamaran lets you sit close to the water, and there’s a spot on the rail for everybody – nobody’s stuck in the middle.- you should have a great vantage point around the side of the boat.
Plus, the crew was fantastic – really knowledgeable about whales and the environment, and they made the whole experience a lot of fun.
You know what I think about this tour – here’s another review:
Great experience, well organized an timely. Great helpful staff. In the area of Diamond Head we could see many instances of whales in the ocean. Fun and enjoyable tour!
– JOANNA_R, Apr 2024 (read more reviews)
Whether you’re watching from shore or taking a boat out onto the water, up absolutely should go whale watching! Grab your camera and enjoy the chance to witness these incredible whales for yourself.
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