Top 3 Spots for Whale Watching in Big Island
If you’re planning a trip to the Big Island and looking for an unforgettable adventure, a whale watching tour should be at the top of your list. Big Island whale watching is a popular tourist activity and an awe-inspiring experience that provides a remarkable encounter with these majestic giants. In this article, we’ll explore the best spots to go whale watching, when to go, and how to have an unforgettable and spectacular experience.
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The Whales of Big Island
Big Island is well-known for its amazing whale-watching opportunities, which attract tourists from all over the world. The warm waters surrounding the island are home to a variety of whale species, including the fascinating Humpback Whales, Baleen Whales, and Toothed Whales. These fantastic creatures exhibit breathtaking behaviors like breaching and tail-slapping, providing a captivating spectacle. The chance to learn about the various whale species and their remarkable size, captivating habits, and migratory patterns adds to the fascination of whale watching on the Big Island.
Best Time for Whale Watching in Big Island
Maximize your chances of watching whales by learning about seasonal variations and the best months to catch sight of them. The whale season on the Big Island normally lasts from December to April, with January and February being the peak months. During this time, the waters are teeming with humpback whales migrating from the North Pacific Ocean to the Hawaiian island for breeding and calving. Thus, you might see a mother and calf humpback whale together on the sea.
Whale sightings can still occur from November through May, providing ample opportunity for amazing encounters. Also, it is best to see the whales early in the morning since the number of whale sightings is higher than a few hours later at noon. An early whale watch is also good due to the weather, as mornings are frequently calmer, which means the ocean surface is clearer. So, to make the most of your whale watching cruise experience, schedule your visit during the whale watching season in Hawaii.
Top Spots for Whale Watching in Big Island
When it comes to the best spots to go whale watching, Big Island has several well-known options. The Kohala Coast, Hilo Bay, and Kealakekua Bay are popular whale-watching destinations.
Kohala Coast
The Kohala Coast offers breathtaking ocean vistas, allowing you to watch whales from the shoreline or on a boat trip.
Hilo Bay
With its tranquil waters and proximity to the whales’ feeding grounds, Hilo Bay provides a fantastic opportunity to see these gentle giants up close.
Kealakekua Bay
Kealakekua Bay is an excellent place to get a unique perspective, especially for snorkelers and kayakers who may observe the whales in their native habitat.
Make thoughtful choices by researching reputable whale watching tour agencies and the variety of options available on the Big Island to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience.
Choosing a reputable tour operator that aligns with your preferences, whether it’s a boat tour or a kayak excursion, and their respective benefits are essential to experiencing the best whale watching on Big Island.
Consider cost, duration, and facilities when making your decision. Reputable Big Island whale-watching tour operators prioritize responsible whale-watching practices, including respecting the whales’ space and minimizing disturbance to their natural environment.
Tips for an Unforgettable Whale Watching Experience
Prepare for an incredible experience with these practical tips on how to make the most of your whale watching adventures:
- Be informed of the tour details ahead of time.
- Wear weather-appropriate and comfortable attire and footwear.
- Remember to carry essential items such as binoculars or cameras to capture the amazing moments and snorkeling gears.
- Keep a safe distance from the whales while touring around the Hawaiian waters.
- Follow the guidelines for responsible whale watching to ensure their safety and the preservation of the marine ecosystem.
Other Attractions and Activities in Big Island
While whale watching is most likely the highlight of any Big Island visit, the island also offers a variety of other tours, attractions and activities. You may extend your adventure beyond the whale watching tour and explore the myriad of sites and activities available on the Big Island. Consider taking a helicopter tour to see the island’s breathtaking scenery from above and experience the lava, volcano, or ATV tours on the Big Island with your travel buddies. It would also be great to go snorkeling to see manta rays, spinner dolphins, and sea turtles in their native environments, or swim with dolphins.
Don’t miss the Big Island’s cultural richness, too. In addition to its natural wonders, the Big Island has a rich cultural heritage that allows tourists to immerse themselves in local traditions and customs. Take some time to learn about the vibrant Hawaiian culture and the island’s history. Pu’uhonua o Hnaunau National Historical Park, a historic Hawaiian sanctuary where you can learn about the island’s history and see traditional rituals.
For those looking for more adventures, the island offers thrilling outdoor activities such as trekking to the peak of Mauna Kea, one of the world’s tallest mountains as measured from its base on the ocean floor.
Take in the breathtaking sights from above the clouds and the breathtaking scenery, or unwind at Holoholokai Beach.
You can also visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to see the raw power of the erupting Kilauea volcano.
Don’t forget to try the island’s delectable cuisine in their dining areas, like Honokohau Harbor Restaurant. The Big Island is well-known for its fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and one-of-a-kind fusion cuisine. Traditional Hawaiian delicacies like poke (marinated raw fish), kalua pig (slow-roasted pork), and haupia (coconut pudding) are available. Visit local farmers’ markets to sample the island’s abundant fruits and vegetables.
Consider attending a traditional Hawaiian luau, where you can feast on delectable native cuisine, watch fascinating hula performances, and learn about the island’s mythology and storytelling traditions. Participate in numerous marketplaces with local artisans and craftspeople.
Whether you’re attracted by the majestic whales, the breathtaking scenery, or the rich cultural heritage, the Big Island of Hawaii has something for everyone. It offers a wide range of opportunities to immerse yourself in its beauty and culture, from pristine beaches and breathtaking treks to scrumptious local food options and luxurious accommodations such as Kona Coast Resort, making your visit truly remarkable!
Here are some whale-watching tour agencies where you can book online:
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time for whale watching on the Big Island?
The months of December through April are often the best times for whale watching on the Big Island. Humpback whales migrate from Alaska to the warm waters surrounding Hawaii this time to reproduce and give birth. The peak whale watching season is often in January and February, when the whale population is at its highest.
Where are the best spots for whale watching on the Big Island?
On the Big Island, there are several great places to go whale watching. The Kohala Coast is a popular destination, with various lookout sites and boat trips departing from Waikoloa and Kawaihae. Whale watching is also possible in Hilo Bay and on the Hamakua Coast on the island’s east coast. A boat cruise from Kailua-Kona or Captain Cook can also provide an up-close encounter with the whales.
What types of whales can be seen on the Big Island?
The humpback whale is the most common type of whale you’ll see in Big Island seas. Every year, these amazing creatures travel thousands of miles to the Hawaiian Islands. Humpback whales are famous for their acrobatic displays, which include breaching, tail slapping, and pectoral fin waving. While humpback whales are the most common, you may also see pilot whales, Baleen Whales, and Toothed Whales.
How long do whale-watching tours typically last?
The length of whale-watching tours varies according to the operator and the type of tour. Boat trips last between 2 and 3 hours on average. Some tours may provide shorter excursions, while others may offer longer excursions. It’s a good idea to check with the individual tour company to acquire precise information about the duration of their whale-watching expeditions.
Are there any guidelines or regulations for whale watching on whale-watching Big Island?
Yes, guidelines and laws are in place to protect whales and provide a responsible and respectful whale watching experience. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has set whale-watching standards in Hawaii. These restrictions include keeping at least 100 yards (91 meters) away from the whales, not approaching them head-on, and avoiding rapid changes in speed or direction that could disrupt the whales. It is important to select a reputable whale-watching operator who adheres to these criteria and prioritizes the whales’ well-being.
