Whale Watching in Hawaii This Winter: Best Islands and Tours

Seeing whales in their natural environment is a thrilling experience. Witnessing them in the wild, perhaps observing behaviors like tail slapping, spy hopping, and breaching, with their immense size yet graceful movements, is a profoundly breathtaking and humbling experience. 

Whether you’ve been whale watching or are looking to enjoy it for the first time, Hawaii is one of the best places in the world to do so in winter. Humpback whales arrive in December to enjoy the warm waters for mating and giving birth to their calves. Their numbers peak between January and mid-March, but there are typically some that stick around through early to mid-April. 

Maui is by far the best island for seeing whales in Hawaii this winter. The vast majority of the roughly 10,000 to 12,000 North Pacific humpback whales that migrate to Hawaiian waters spend time in an area called the Maui Nui Basin, between Maui, Lanai, and Molokai. Here, the waters are warm and protected, providing an ideal habitat for breeding and birthing as one of the world’s most important winter breeding grounds for the animals. Not only can they be seen by taking a whale-watching boat tour, but also right from the shore in many places.

The Napili area along Maui’s western coast is where I’ve been staying annually in February for many years to watch the whales right from the balcony of my rental. From mid-January through early March in particular, there’s rarely a moment when at least one can’t be seen, and sometimes there are dozens, including babies that like to practice their tail slapping, and lots of breaching by humpbacks of all ages. If you can find a rental or hotel room along the oceanfront in this area, you might be able to do the same. The condos at Pohailani Maui Resort or Napili Shores Maui by Outrigger can both be good options.

Just north of the busy Kaanapali resort area and south of Napili, Honokowai Beach Park offers an ideal spot to relax on the sand while watching for whales and enjoying a view of the island of Lanai. It’s particularly good for families with children—there’s a pool protected by the barrier reef with calm water on most days where they can splash around, and an adjacent playground with swings.

Makena Beach is my favorite beach on Maui, with a stunning 1.5-mile stretch of soft sands along the southwestern coast, just a short drive from the Wailea resorts. There’s no development here, providing uninterrupted views of humpback whale spouts and the occasional breach in the winter. Plus, when it’s sunny, the water reflects the sky, transformed into a dazzling shade of Easter Egg blue. Plan to arrive early to enjoy the beach and watch for whales at its most tranquil time (it’s worth getting here in time for a colorful sunrise).

Overlooking Maalaea Bay and the Pacific Ocean just north of Kehei, the Papawai Scenic Lookout is ideal for watching humpback whales from the shore. It’s located right off Highway 30, between mile markers 8 and 9, providing an elevated vantage point. The only downside is that there is limited parking, and it can draw big crowds in the winter. Plan to arrive early in the morning, close to sunrise if possible.

For the best chance at an up-close look at humpbacks breaching and playing (and an ideal vantage point for photos), join a whale-watching boat tour. If you’re lucky, you might even watch a competition pod or a heat run. This is an intense interaction with lots of pectoral fin slapping, breaching, and head lunging as the males vie to become the primary escort to the closest female. It’s one of the most fascinating events to watch on the water. 

You’ll have many options, from private and small-group tours on smaller Zodiac boats to big boats that can carry dozens of passengers. Ideally, choose a company with a knowledgeable and experienced eco-conscious staff and a commitment to conservation. If you’re into photography, professional photographer Daniel Sullivan occasionally runs private tours. Just a few of the others I can highly recommend through firsthand experience include Maui Pacific Tours, Ultimate Whale Watching, and Pacific Whale Foundation.

The next best island for whale watching is Hawaii, more often referred to as the Big Island. It’s the largest in the state, covering 4,028 miles while offering a bit of what each of the Hawaiian islands is known for, including whale watching. That said, just a fraction of the whales that visit the waters along Maui’s west coast can be seen here, so it’s not the best pick if watching them is your primary goal. You might plan to visit the many waterfalls and black sand beaches, such as Punaluu, where sea turtles often hang out.

With a good friend living on the Big Island, I’ve frequently visited and have been lucky enough to go out on a private boat to see them by spending more time out on the water, improving the odds.

Driving about 20 minutes north of Kona’s airport, you’ll be along the Kohala Coast surrounded by black and red lava rock fields, luxury resorts, fine dining restaurants, and golf courses. This is also one of the best places to watch for whales, including the Pu’ukohola Heiau National Historic Site with sweeping views from its elevated position. 

Lapahkahi State Historical Park is another good spot, bordering the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. Plan your visit in the early morning or late afternoon hours for the best bet, as those are the times when the whales tend to be more active.

While not as consistent, if you’re staying in the Hilo area on the eastern side of the island, whale sightings can be enjoyed anywhere along Hilo Bay. 

By far, your best chance to see humpback whales while visiting the Big Island is by taking a whale watching boat tour. While I go out with a local, the most highly recommended tours for visitors are enjoyed with Ocean View Kona, Captain Zodiac, and Liquid Hawai‘i Charters.

Like the Big Island, there aren’t as many humpbacks in the waters that surround Oahu, but they can be observed here, typically averaging around 450 to 500 every winter, with the southern coast the best area to spot them from shore. 

Located on the southeasternmost tip of the island, where it forms the Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline, Makapuʻu Point is arguably the best place to watch for whales in all of Oahu. You’ll have to hike 30 to 45 minutes on the Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail to reach the whale information sign, which provides the best vantage point, about two-thirds of the way to the lighthouse. Plan to arrive early to beat the heat, as there is no shade on the trail. You’ll want to wear a sun hat and bring plenty of water along with binoculars for spotting whales in the distance. If you’re lucky, you might see a Hawaiian monk seal or other marine life.

Located on the southeastern coast of Oahu, Diamond Head is an iconic symbol of Hawaii’s cultural heritage, historical significance, and stunning natural beauty. It’s also possible to hike to the summit of the 762-foot-high tuff cone. You’ll have to climb 90+ stairs (traversing about .8 miles) to reach it, but your reward will be one of the state’s most spectacular views that includes Waikiki, the coast, and the endless blue of the Pacific, making it a good vantage point to watch for whales. Viewing scopes are available too. 

Keep in mind that reservations to hike Diamond Head are required for all non-Hawaii residents via the Go Hawaii State Parks website. They can be made within 30 days of the date you plan to visit, ideally as close to 30 days out as possible to avoid disappointment.

As with all the islands, taking a whale watching tour is your best bet for viewing whales at a closer distance. Some of the best tour operators include Deep Blue Eco Tours, Aloha Ocean, and Captain Max Boat Tours.

Humpback whales also pass along the coast of Kauai, although not in as high numbers as Maui or the Big Island. Still, there’s a good chance you’ll spot them if you know where to go, especially during the peak of the season in January and February.

Located on the North Shore, Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge is home to a historic lighthouse that stands on a bluff, providing excellent photo ops as well as being an outstanding vantage point for whale watching. 

At Kauai’s southernmost tip, where the Poipu coast meets the open waters of the Pacific, Makahuena Point offers an unobstructed panoramic ocean view that’s ideal for spotting whales and watching glorious sunsets.

One of Kauai’s best beaches in Kauai for a jaw-dropping view of the Na Pali Coast, Ke’e is located at the start of the famous Kalalau Trail. It not only offers a great lookout point for watching whales, but the scenery is some of the most dramatic in the state. But you’ll want to arrive early to ensure you can find a parking spot. 

Some of the best whale watching boat tour companies on the island include Makana Charters departing from the southwest coast near Waimea, Capt Andy’s, and Holo Holo Charters, both with departures from the southern coast, about 20 minutes west of Poipu.

With some of the most dramatic scenery in Hawaii, taking a flightseeing tour (by helicopter or small plane) in Kauai is not only a great way to enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the landscapes, from 400-foot-high Jurassic Falls to the Na Pali Coast and beyond, but also to watch for whales. On my trip, watching a mother and her calf swim below was a definite highlight!