Kilauea Lighthouse, a beautiful spot to whale watch on Kauai
If you’re planning your Hawaii Honeymoon between the months of December and April, you should know that this is the perfect season to go whale watching! Beginning their journey in Alaska, humpback whales are guided by their instincts to the warmer waters of the Hawaiian Islands—which will remain their home for the winter. During the migration, these humpback whales travel approximately 4,000 miles which is the longest distance of any animal species. In Hawaii, the whales will mate or give birth to their calves. Proving themselves very curious animals, humpback whales are known to put on show during this time.
Whale-watching tours are your best bet for seeing these creatures up close. An experienced boat captain will be able to invite these animals closer, without disrespecting their space. But don’t be surprised if you run into a mother with her calf, who shies away from the attention. The ones that aren’t afraid to approach the boat have been nicknamed ‘friendlies’, and we recommend taking a boat tour to really see these majestic animals up front. A picture just doesn’t do them justice.
However, you can also whale-watch from land. Scope the island for lighthouses or other elevated scenic sights such as Kauai’s Kilauea Lighthouse (to see more great photos from this particular spot, check out our Facebook page). From here, you’ll want to scan the ocean’s surfaces and look for the plumes of water bursting into the air, as the whales come up for air.
Fun whale watching key terms:
Breach: When a whale jumps clear out of the water and lands on its side.
*Interesting Fact: The reason for this activity is still unknown to scientists, although it’s suggested they do this for multiple reasons: for fun, to display aggression, or to dislodge barnacles.
Eye-Spy: The whale pops its head out of the water.
Fluke: A whale’s tail.
The most popular islands for whale-watching are Maui, Kauai and the Big Island. To get you started, check out some of these popular whale-watching options and compare prices.
The Big Island’s Whale Watching Tours
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