Photos courtesy SEA MAUI CHARTERS
Kaanapali Beach, Maui
Live Reservations
Live Reservations
Whale Watching Tour • Seasonal - Encountering the humpback whales on 24-foot Zodiac boats is an amazing experience and especially so at sunset! Enjoy these majestic animals during one of our lovely tropical sunsets. Your naturalist captain will explain the whale’s behaviors and get as close to them as possible (we adhere to Federal MMPA viewing regulations). We also have hydrophones on board to listen to the beautiful whale song.
Zodiac rafts are known worldwide as the perfect vessel to observe marine life. Our fast-moving Zodiacs get into viewing position quickly and provide an exhilarating and fun ride. The small group atmosphere of our expedition allows for a personal and intimate tour. The rafts are only a few feet off the water and everyone has a front-row seat on our 16 passenger Zodiac.
Photo courtesy Captain Zodiac
Honokohau Harbor, Kona, Hawaii Island
Live Reservations
Kauai’s Ultimate Whale & Dolphin Zodiac Boat Adventure - Our friends the humpback whale or gentle giants as we call them make their journey to our Hawaiian waters during the months of December through May, during this time you will witness these gentle giants breaching and hear their song from a distance. Kauai whale watching tours are a must see in Hawaii, this always leaves families with a lifetime of memories and children are always left with a whale of a story for all to hear when they return home. Come join us for a great adventure. **No snorkeling on whale & dolphin adventure.
"Do you speak whale?" We sure do! An under water microphone (hydrophone) is on board so you can hear the whales' songs and vocalizations.
Photo courtesy Kauai Zodiac Tourz
South Coast of Kauai
Whale Watching - Want to see some whales? Come find them with us. We can cover more ground in our whale watching adventures because we can go farther and faster than anyone else to make sure you get a good look at these graceful giants. From the east side to the west side, we can reach the entire southern coast of Oahu on this trip.
Whales are wild animals and they operate on their own schedules. They usually arrive in the islands in December and stay until April, but we won't really know until we see them. For reservation purposes, our whale watching season tentatively starts December 15 and will be updated and adjusted as the whales make their first appearances of the season.
Photos courtesy The Adventure Boat
Ala Wai Harbor, Waikiki, HI
Whale Watch Adventure - Sail with our attentive crew and naturalists as we welcome Pacific Humpback Whales to their winter home. We guarantee you’ll see whales or the next time is on us. Experience these incredible creatures like never before as they play, bask and give birth to a new generation in our peaceful ocean backyard.
Scientists tell us that whales have been swimming our oceans for the past 65 million years. No surprise then that the songs of megaptera novaeangliae, (the Pacific Humpback Whale) sound as old as time itself.
Live Reservations
Live Reservations
Live Reservations
Photo courtesy Kai Kanani
Makena, Maui
Maaalea Whale Watch! - Have you ever seen a real live humpback whale? Well now’s your chance. We offer an awesome fully narrated 2 hour Maui whale watching tour during whale season, December through April. There is no better place than Ma’alaea Bay, often referred to as the “cradle of the humpback,” for its high concentration of these magnificent animals. If you haven’t had the experience for seeing a humpback in the wild its a must do on your vacation. The Quicksilver is a great boat for Maui whale watching because of its double decks and comfortable table and chair seating.
These animals are amazingly active during their short stay in Hawaii. They are here to mate and give birth. The warm, relatively shallow water of Ma’alaea Bay is the ideal place for these activities. The rest of the year they spend their time feeding in Alaska.
Humpback whales display many different types of behaviors. Here we have pictures of the most common. These whales can stay underwater for up to 30 minutes. Upon surfacing they ex hail at an alarming rate. The lungs of a full grown adult whale can be as large as a VW bug. When they exhale you can see their “blow” from miles away. A Breach is also a common and very exciting spectacle. It’s hard to explain how awe inspiring it really is. Experience for yourself, book your Maui whale watching tour today! Sightings guaranteed or go again free.
Live Reservations
Photo courtesy Body Glove Hawaii
Kailua Pier, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii Island
Join us on the Kanoa II for a 2.5-hour Whale Watch Adventure. View and hear Humpback whales as they journey to Hawaii to breed and nurse their young. With narration from a marine naturalist and underwater hydrophones to hear the whales sing, this is an experience you won’t want to miss. Light snacks, soft drinks, and coffee are included.
Live Reservations
Photo courtesy Deep Blue Ecotours
Haleiwa Harbor, North Shore Oahu
Whales Guaranteed: If you don't see whales on any of our "WHALE WATCH" specific trips in season, come back again one more time for free! (Rerides only, no refunds. Reride is on trips of equal or lesser value).
HAWAII NAUTICAL - Every December through March, thousands of Humpback whales migrate to the warm waters of Hawaii. Come along to catch these beautiful mammals at their best on our exciting eco-friendly whale watching excursions. Dolphins are likely to be seen, too.
Live Reservations
Live Reservations
Want to see some whales? Come find them with us. Our knowledgeable crew will give you the best chance of finding these creatures. We’re sure you’ll enjoy the view along the way too.
Photo courtesy Hawaii Ocean Charters
Kewalo Basin Harbor, Honolulu, Oahu
Live Reservations
Photos courtesy North Shore Catamaran Charters
Haleiwa Harbor, North Shore Oahu
NORTH SHORE CATAMARAN - We are most experienced whale watching company with over 35 years of spotting whales and making memories, as well as sunset tours, snorkeling tours (seasonal) and a sun and moon cruise.
Catamaran sailing is one of the most popular activities in Hawaii. Our sailing catamaran provides our visitors with a smooth, comfortable sailing experience. She can also safely pick up some speed and give you the true feeling of sailing without leaning or being splashed by rough water.
Live Reservations
From the comfort of your private luxury yacht, enjoy an amazing experience with Hawaii’s humpback whales. Departing near Waikiki, enjoy a leisurely sail against the majestic backdrop of Diamond Head as you scan the water for majestic whales. Dolphins, sea turtles, and manta rays are often seen while relaxing aboard with your family and friends.
The majestic Humpback whales migrate annually to the Hawaiian Islands between December and April. After a long crossing of the Pacific Ocean, they return to deliver their calves off Hawaii’s warm, sheltered waters. Seeing these endangered species off Oahu is a true gift of nature!
Photo courtesy Honolulu Sailing Co.
Kewalo Basin Harbor, Honolulu, Oahu
Live Reservations
Port Waikiki Cruises - Whale Watch on the 54' Spirit of Aloha from Waikiki. Every December through April, thousands of Humpback whales migrate to the warm waters of Hawaii. Come along see catch these beautiful mammals at their best on our exciting eco-friendly whale watching excursions.
Sailing from the Hilton Pier on Waikiki Beach in front of the Hilton Hawaiian Village at 2005 Kalia Road, Honolulu, HI.
Enjoy our brand new 6 passenger vessel for an unforgettable adventure with the humpback whales. We launch right in the middle of the humpback sanctuary, where we find mother humpback whales with their babies (called cow/calf pairs), competition pods (often where we witness the breaching), and singing whales (yes, we do have a hydrophone on board). Captain Kelsey and team are very knowledgeable about cetaceans and Big Island history, that for a solid 1 hr and 45 minutes you will have such a fabulous and informative time! This trip is great for photographers, as Captain Kelsey is very aware of lighting and driving the boat so one gets the best picture! Boat has a bathroom on board. Hydrophone. Relaxing music as we cruise. Cold drinks and a locally sourced snack is provided.
Live Reservations
Seasonal Availability Dec. 6th to March 31st
* Due to the bouncy nature of our ride, however, we do not allow any persons with back or neck problems or pregnant ladies.
Seasonal Availability
December 7th to March 31st
Photos courtesy Sea Maui Charters
Live Reservations
Courtesy NOAA - Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary
© 2026 Hawaii Harbors Network LLC • Member of the FareHarbor Distribution Network. • All rights reserved. • TERMS OF USE
Seasonal Availability December 15th to March 30th
Seasonal Availability Dec. 6th to March 31th
Seasonal Availability December 7th to March 31st
Seasonal Availability December 27th to March 31st
Seasonal Availability Dec. 7th to April 30th
Seasonal Availability December 16th to April 5th
Seasonal Availability
December 10th to March 30th
Seasonal Availability December 15th to April 30th
Seasonal Availability Dec. 6th to March 31st
Seasonal Availability December 7th to April 30th
Seasonal Availability December 15th to April 15th
Live Reservations
OCEAN SPORTS' beach hut offers catamaran cruises, snorkeling equipment for rent, a glass bottom boat cruise, paddle board, kayaks, and hydro bike rentals. Ocean Sports has been offering ocean adventures on the Kohala Coast of the Big Island since 1981.
Departing from Anaeho'omalu Bay
Photos by Steve Harris
Departing from Kawaihae Harbor
Kawaihae Harbor, Waikoloa, Anaeho'omalu Bay, Big Island
- ADVERTISING -
HAWAII ISLAND
CRUISES & TOURS
LIVE, SECURE RESERVATIONS
Seasonal Availability: December - April
Every winter, thousands of Humpback whales (Kohola) migrate from the cold feeding grounds of Alaska to the warm, sheltered waters surrounding the Hawaiian Islands. This migration, which typically occurs from September through May, makes Hawaii one of the best places in the world to observe these magnificent marine mammals up close. In recognition of their presence and importance, the Humpback whale has been named the official marine mammal of the State of Hawaii.
To fully appreciate the beauty and behavior of these gentle giants, joining a Whale Watch Cruise is highly recommended. From the comfort of a boat, visitors can witness remarkable natural displays — from mothers teaching their calves to breach, to males engaging in competitive displays that demonstrate their strength and agility.
Whale watching offers more than just visual spectacle. Beneath the surface, Humpbacks are known for their complex songs, which can be heard by divers, snorkelers, and boaters alike. These vocalizations, combined with their graceful movements, have inspired deep admiration among residents and visitors throughout the islands.
The main whale watching season runs from December 15 to April 15, though some tours operate only between January and March. Availability can vary by location and weather conditions, so it’s advisable to check current schedules and make reservations early, especially during peak months.
Lahaina Harbor tours are now available on a limited basis and capacity with more added in the near future.
Get the chance to experience the beauty and size of the Hawaiian Humpback whales on the North Shore of Oahu.
Our 2-hour whale watch trips are often an experience of a lifetime, seeing these amazing whales from the comfort of our boat!
Our Captain and crew of biologists will share everything there is to know about these majestic and beloved creatures.
Photos courtesy Sail Maui
Lahaina Harbor and Maalaea Harbor, Maui
Maui is the place to see humpback whales. Each year these magnificent creatures migrate south from Alaska, and although you can see them throughout Hawai'i, the ‘Au ‘au channel off the coast of Maui boasts the greatest number. Our warm, relatively shallow and protected waters make an ideal location for the humpbacks to mate and give birth to their calves. These whales are known for their acrobatics, and are often seen fully breaching out of the ocean.
Set sail aboard ‘Alihilani, our luxurious 64-foot Gold Coast performance catamaran, for a breathtaking Late Afternoon Whale Watch from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM, departing daily from Lahaina Harbor. Experience the golden light of Maui’s afternoons as humpback whales breach, play, and glide through the calm waters of the ʻAuʻau Channel — one of the most active whale habitats in the Hawaiian Islands.
At SEA MAUI we’re more like your extended family or new best friends once you’re on board. You’re here to have a good time, learn about the ocean, Maui, whales (seasonal) and all that good stuff.
During Sea Maui's winter months (Dec 15th-April 15th) Humpback whales migrate down from the cold waters of Alaska to the warm waters of Maui to give birth to their calves and train them in the safe, calm waters off Ka'anapali.
Check in at the Sea Maui Kiosk located between Leilani's and Hula Grill along the beach walk at Whaler's Village Shopping Center.
Join us onboard our spacious catamaran as we search for these magnificent creatures and experience them in their winter playground.
Chat with our naturalists if you are interest in learning about the whales or if prefer just grab a bean bag, a cocktail and enjoy nature's show!