Humpback Whales Along the Waikiki Coastline
Whale Watching, Hawaii Boat Tours & Waikiki in Honolulu, Oahu
Whale watching is a vacation activity that provides you with a once-in-a-lifetime experience and gives you a unique way to view these magnificent animals. When you go on one of our boats, you can also take in the gorgeous rocky cliffs, lush rainforests, and beaches of the island of Oahu. The combination of seeing whales and the Oahu scenery makes whale watching an item you’ll want to make sure to add to your vacation itinerary.
The Journey of a Humpback Whale to the Waters of Waikiki
Seeing a humpback whale spout or tail break the water’s surface is exciting for anyone who joins us for a whale watching tour. You might even get to see one of these majestic creatures breach or jump almost entirely out of the water. If you do witness this, it is an experience beyond words. Humpback whales are most common in the southern and southeastern waters off of Oahu, beyond the Honolulu and Waikiki shores. Whales can be seen anytime from December to May, but the best viewing tends to be in February and March.
When they aren’t off the coast of Hawaii, humpback whales spend the warmer months of the year off the shores of Alaska. In the frigid, nutrient-rich northern waters, krill and other small fish exist in abundance. These creatures are the main food source of humpback whales, and krill that live in warm water have stunted growth and fewer numbers. Despite the lack of food off Hawaii’s coast, humpback whales undertake the longest migratory journey of any living mammal. These amazing creatures make the journey to warmer waters to give birth to their calves and raise them.
The Alaskan waters may host large numbers of krill, but they are also home to orca whales and other predators that could prey on whale calves. Additionally, young calves do not have enough of the insulating blubber that grown whales possess to keep them warm in the chilly waters. To ensure their calves can grow in a more hospitable environment, humpback whales journey south to mate and give birth. Hawaii is one of the locations they frequent. Once the calves are strong enough, the whales begin their northward migration.
It’s an incredible experience to see these massive and amazing animals in the beautiful warm waters before they take that journey back to Alaska. The southeastern shore of Oahu boasts many places where you can view humpback whales, even from the shore. However, there’s no better place to see a whale than from a boat. Though the whales sometimes venture close to land, they tend to inhabit waters more than a mile offshore. For an up-close look at humpback whales, you want the amazing view that taking a boat tour can give you. Though you do have to remain certain distances away from wildlife for your safety and theirs, it doesn’t change the magical experience of seeing a whale from such a close vantage point.
FAQ About Humpback Whales in Oahu & Whale Watching Tours
These FAQs can help you get a better idea of what to expect on a whale watching tour.
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A: Mating season, which happens from about December to May, makes humpback whales active throughout the day and in the afternoon hours. Whales are also crepuscular, meaning they are active during the twilight hours that occur both before sunrise and sunset. Both times of day offer a beautiful backdrop for a whale sighting.
The ideal whale watching tour departure time for you is going to depend on the ocean conditions and lighting you prefer. Taking a morning tour can offer an unparalleled sunrise view, a good chance of whale sightings, and calmer waves and wind. A tour that departs later in the day can give you strong overhead lighting and warmer conditions, as well as a good chance to spot whales and other sea life. There will just likely be larger waves, more sea spray, and more wind. Sunset tours bring a breathtaking view and calmer waters. It can be a good time to see whale pods as well.
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A: In addition to the beautiful weather that Hawaii sees in winter, it is also a good time to visit for whale sightings. Whales migrate from December to May before they make their way back to Alaska, and whale watching tours generally run from mid-December to mid-April. The months with the highest number of sightings are February and March, though you are likely to see whales any time from December to May.
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A: On land, the best places for seeing whales are the southeastern side of the island, such as the Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail. This offers a wonderful view from the island, but to see a whale up close, you want to take a boat. Boat tours go through Oahu’s southeastern waters, where whales frequent, off the coasts of Waikiki and Honolulu. Large whale pods swim through these brilliant waters, so it’s very likely you will see whales on your beautiful ride along the coastline.
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A: There are several things you can do to make sure your whale watching experience is fun and memorable:
Wearing layers. The wind that blows off the ocean can be much colder than most people expect, and the temperatures on the water can be much cooler than on land. Bring long pants, layers, closed-toed shoes, hats, and even gloves. This will ensure you’re comfortable on the tour, and you can always shed the layers if you get too warm or want to go swimming.
Wearing a waterproof jacket. There will likely be a lot of sea spray, so if you plan to keep dry, wear waterproof clothes. Often, a waterproof jacket is also a good windbreaker, so it can help keep you warm.
Bringing sunglasses and sunscreen. Sunscreen, and particularly reef-safe sunscreen, will make sure you aren’t nursing a bad sunburn days after a wonderful tour. Sunglasses protect against the sun and sea spray. They can also help reduce the amount of glare so that you have a clearer view of the whales.
About the Area: The Island of Oahu
If this is your first time visiting a Hawaiian Island, you may be confused about the difference between Honolulu, Waikiki, and Oahu. Though it may seem like the words are used interchangeably, they are all different places. To help clear up any confusion, here is an explanation of each area.
Waikiki
Known as the resort hotspot, Waikiki is a neighborhood in the city of Honolulu on the island of Oahu. It is famous for Waikiki Beach, which stretches for two miles along the shoreline. Waikiki is an internationally known location, and it is very popular for travelers who want to experience relaxation and fun. Almost all the hotels and resorts of Oahu are located in Waikiki because of this beauty. That beauty is another reason so many tourists spend time in Waikiki.
Honolulu
Honolulu is the capital of the state of Hawaii and a city on the island of Oahu. It is also the most populous city in Hawaii and the location of the Hawaii state government. The city is a hub for a lot of other activity as well, from travel and business to tourist attractions and Naval Station Pearl Harbor. Honolulu covers a lot of island territory. It is situated east of Pearl Harbor and south of the Ko’olau mountain range.
Oahu
Oahu is the name of one of the eight islands that make up the state of Hawaii, and at 600 square miles, it is the third largest island. Other islands in the Hawaii archipelago include Maui, Kauai, and the island of Hawai’i, or the Big Island. Most of the state’s population lives in Oahu, and it’s the most visited island.
Hawaii
The state of Hawaii sits more than 2,000 miles west of California, and it is known for its beautiful beaches, rainforests, stunning rocky cliffs, waterfalls, wildlife, and more. The island’s geography and climate make it ideal for many different outdoor activities, including hiking, snorkeling, biking, sailing, kayaking, and relaxing on the beach.
