| Each year, the Humpback Whales migrate around | | | | schedule of tours provided by seasoned, |
| 4,000 miles, from summer feeding grounds in Alaska, | | | | knowledgeable guides. |
| to mate in Hawaii's warm waters. | | | | Humpback whales may also be observed from land if |
| During mating season, Humpback Whales are more | | | | you prefer solid ground to the deck of a boat. On |
| active resulting in elevated surface activity which | | | | Kauai the Kilauea Lighthouse, Kealia Lookout and |
| makes Hawaii a popular destination for whale | | | | various high-points of land in coastal areas are good |
| watching. This exciting surface behavior, such as | | | | places to start. Once you're in the right place, spotting |
| breaching and tail slaps, make for exciting whale | | | | the whales is easy: just look for the majestic plumes |
| watching in Hawaii. | | | | of water ("blows") rising in the air and the playful |
| As a Hawaii local and avid waterman, I have 5 simple | | | | splashes made by these gigantic creatures. |
| tips that will help you get the most out of your Hawaii | | | | 4. Respect their space |
| whale watching adventure. So before planning your | | | | In Hawaii, whale watching is an avid activity, and like |
| next Hawaii vacation, follow these tips and you might | | | | with most outdoors activities, there are rules. |
| just have an unforgettable whale encounter! | | | | Observers may not approach by vessel or by |
| 1. Plan Your Trip During Peak Months | | | | swimming within 100 yards of a whale (known as the |
| Humpback Whales begin arriving in Hawaii in | | | | 100-yard minimum rule). However, there is no rule that |
| November and head back to Alaska in late May. If you | | | | keeps whales from approaching people. Experienced |
| have planned a Hawaii vacation during this time, you | | | | leaders of Hawaii whale watching tours know how to |
| should have no problem spotting whales. However, | | | | gently approach these animals and encourage them to |
| peak Hawaii whale watching season occurs during | | | | come closer. |
| February and March. So if you have not made your | | | | 5. Preserve the Humpback Whale |
| travel arrangements yet, shoot for these months. | | | | The humpback whale almost came to extinction in |
| 2. Visit Islands Known For Whale Watching | | | | 1966 after mass commercial whaling during the early |
| Maui, Kauai and the Big Island are the most popular | | | | 20th century. Today there are approximately 30,000 to |
| islands for Hawaii whale watching, so plan to visit one | | | | 40,000 humpbacks worldwide. Federal laws protect |
| of these islands on your vacation. If you are visiting | | | | them, but there are things we can all do to help |
| Oahu, you can see whales there too, they just won't | | | | preserve this amazing animal for future whale |
| be as abundant. | | | | watching generation. |
| 3. Plan A Boat Tour | | | | * Keep beaches and waters clean and debris-free |
| Hawaii whale watching tours are ideal for seeing these | | | | * Participate only in responsible whale watching |
| spectacular animals in their natural habitat. Not only will | | | | activities |
| you be in the whale's environment, but because | | | | * Support efforts to stop illegal whaling |
| humpback whales are curious about their surrounding, | | | | * Support legislation, research and preservation |
| they will sometimes approach your boat. Plan a Hawaii | | | | programs |
| boat tour to truly get the most out of your whale | | | | * Patronize eco-friendly companies and organizations |
| watching adventure. | | | | You can read books about whales, but with so many |
| Boat tours are available departing from Lahaina Harbor | | | | opportunities to see them up-close and personal, |
| many times throughout the day during whale season. | | | | there's no reason why you shouldn't start thinking now |
| On the Big Island and the island of Kauai, | | | | about your next Hawaii whale watching tour. It's fun, it's |
| whale-watching opportunities abound with a full | | | | easy and it's a great experience for the whole family. |