Whale Watching in Hawaii: A Serene Encounter

I’m so lucky to live in Hawaii. I remember once I was at the bench, enjoying the sun and waves when all of a sudden I saw a HUGE whale jump up and crash back down into the water! I was so excited to have seen such an amazing site and started to research these whales and this is what I found: 

Humpback whales grace our Hawaiian waters and can be mainly seen from December to May. These gentle giants swim from the cold, icy waters of Alaska to our tropical waters in Hawaii each year and are a spectacle to be seen! 

Humpback Whales 

Whales Songs 

Humpback whales are acoustic virtuosos and their primary method of communication involves producing whale songs. Imagine hearing these melodic tones echoing through the ocean during mating periods. These songs can last over twenty minutes per session, sometimes go on for more than twenty-four hours! 

But here’s the fascinating part: while male humpbacks are famous for their grandiose songs, females and calves engage in a more subtle form of communication. It’s like they’re sharing secrets in hushed tones. These low-frequency sounds, often described as a “whisper,” are quiet enough to avoid detection by predators. So, next time you’re out whale watching, listen closely—you might catch a glimpse of their underwater symphony. 

Best Cruises to See the Whales

The Big Island (Hawaii):

Body Glove Cruises: Sail along the Kona Coast, snorkel, and witness these majestic creatures

Captain Dan McSweeney’s Whale Watching Adventures: 

 Oahu:

Head to Makapuʻu Lighthouse or the seaside overlooks near Lēʻahi (Diamond Head).

 Maui:

Ultimate Whale Watch:

Kai Kanani and Sail Maui 

 Kauai:

 Poʻipū Beach, Kīlauea Lighthouse, or the Kapaʻa Overlook. 

Remember to keep those binoculars handy—

You Never know when a humpback will pop up and say, “Aloha!”