Picture the sun rising over the clear Pacific Ocean, the pleasant trade breezes brushing against your skin, and then—out of nowhere—a huge humpback whale jumps out of the water just a few yards from the coast, its strong fluke sending water cascading down as it goes back to the deep. Whale watching on the Big Island is nothing short of magical for both locals and tourists. It’s like getting a front-row seat to one of nature’s most amazing annual migrations. We think that seeing a koholā (Hawaiian humpback whale) play is always fun, and we’re delighted to present the comprehensive guide to seasonal whale watching on Hawaiʻi Island.
Why the Big Island Is a Whale Lover’s Dream
Every winter, humpback whales make a long trip of up to 3,000 miles from the chilly waters of Alaska to the warm, shallow seas around the Hawaiian Islands. Here they come to mate, give birth, care for their young, and do playful things on the surface like breaching, tail slapping, and spy-hopping, which is a sight to see for anyone.
On the Big Island, these gentle giants adore the waters in the west and northwest coasts, especially along the Kohala Coast, where the undersea landscape, calm seas, and closeness to the beach make it very probable that you will see them. Whale viewing happens at other places on the island from time to time, but these are the finest times and places to see whales that will give you the highest chance of having an outstanding experience.
Best Times to See Whales
Whale Season: November to May
Whales start to show up as early as November, but most people see them between December and April, with the most sightings in January, February, and March.
Humpbacks come together in Hawaiian waters to mate and give birth throughout these months. During this time, you have the best chances of seeing them from both land and sea. Families, surfers, snorkelers, and beach lovers all get to see amazing shows, so be ready with your cameras!
Peak Viewing: January to March
Plan your trip between January and March for the best chance to see amazing whale behavior, like full breaches or fin slaps. Most sightings occur early in the morning when the weather is calm, and whales are very active near shore.
Shoulder Season: Late April to May
Most whales start to move back to Alaskan feeding areas by the end of April, but some may stay until May. During this time, boat tours and others who observe the shoreline might occasionally enjoy peaceful sights with fewer people.
The Best Places to See Whales on the Big Island
Kohala Coast (In General)
The Kohala Coast is always one of the greatest places on the island to see whales. Because of the mix of protected bays, underwater ridges, and deep-water channels that draw migrating pods, sightings here can happen two to three times more often than in other parts of the island.
From sandy beaches to magnificent lookouts on coastal cliffs, this area offers breathtaking views of mothers and calves that are sometimes very close to shore.
Best For: Watching the shore, taking boat cruises, and sunrise sightings.
Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site
Puʻukoholā Heiau means “hill of the whale” in Hawaiian. It has a lot of history and is also a great place to see whales. From high above, you can see a wide vista of Kawaihae Bay, where humpbacks often come up. It’s great for families and photographers because it has picnic areas and is easy to reach.
Best For: Views of the shoreline from above.
Lapakahi State Historical Park
Lapakahi State Historical Park is a short trip up the coast. From high terrain here, you may easily look out over the ocean and see spouts or breaching whales far away. Bring a picnic and some binoculars so you may spend a long afternoon by the water.
Best For: Watching whales from the coast in a wide area.
Kapaʻa Beach Park
Kapaʻa Beach Park, just south of Lapakahi, offers a view a little lower but still great. The sandy beach and shaded picnic pavilions make it a great place for families to spend time together, especially during the busy season.
Best For: Watching the shore with your family.
Holoholokai Beach Park
Holoholokai Beach Park is another local favorite, right in the middle of the Mauna Lani Resort area. There are picnic tables, shade, and a lot of space along the oceanfront, making it great for both casual spectators and dedicated whale enthusiasts. Look just off the coast for mother-calf couples and young whales having fun.
Best For: Easy access while staying at a resort.
Honokōhau and Kailua-Kona Waters
The Kohala Coast is the best place to observe whales from the shore, however boat trips often leave from Honokōhau Harbor and Kailua-Kona, where travelers can see whales from the water. Whale viewing and snorkeling or sunset cruises are two great things to do together.
Best For: Ocean tours and close-up experiences.
Boat Tours vs. Shore Viewing: Which Is Best for You?
Shore Viewing
Watching whales from the shore is free, safe for families, and quiet. You may see spouts and breaches from numerous parks and overlooks along the Kohala Coast if you have a decent set of binoculars and are patient. The oceans are usually calm, and the lines of sight are clearer in the morning.
Tip: For the finest view from shore, bring polarized sunglasses and binoculars.
Boat Tours
If you want to go closer to whales that are a little too far from shore, scheduling a boat excursion will take you right into the action. Local tour companies offer small-group tours led by naturalists who discuss whale behavior, migration patterns, and how to protect the ocean.
No matter if you go on a sunrise cruise, a sunset sail, or a special whale-watching tour, the sound of water and flukes hitting the surf will stay with you forever.
Maui-Level Respect for Responsible Whale Watching
It’s exciting to watch whales up close, but you should always remember to respect them. Marine creatures must stay a safe distance away from boats, and swimmers should never get close to or touch whales. If you care about conservation, seeing these amazing animals will help them continue their migration for many years to come.
Final Thoughts
The Big Island has some of the best places to see whales, from the historic headlands of Puʻukoholā to the soft sands of Kapaʻa Beach. There is always a possibility of seeing amazing things when the ocean calls, whether you visit during peak season or in the spring when whales are still around. At Kohala Coast Properties, we’re happy to live where the land meets the sea. Every winter, the water becomes a stage for one of nature’s finest shows.
Thank you for sharing this amazing thing with us. Now go see some whales!