Each winter, Honolulu, Waikiki and Oahu in general are the focus point for whale watching boats, whale watching cruises and the return to Oahu of the majestic humpback whale.

The whale watching season is usually under way by the 15th of December and usually lasts through Easter. The very best months are February and March when sightings are almost guaranteed. Oahu whalewatching is a particular delight for visitors coming to Hawaii to escape the winter chill and these humpback whales can often be seen from the shoreline of Waikiki or Honolulu.

The best way to observe them however is by taking one of the many whale watch tours on one of a variety of whale watch boats off the coast of Oahu. Pick-up and return are generally provided from your Waikiki hotel. Whale watch cruises usually last about 2 hours which is plenty of time to visit these gentle humpback giants of the sea. Almost all cruises will include whale naturalists to explain the fascinating whale behavior such as breaching, sounding and the various mating rituals displayed. As the humpbacks come this time of year to give birth and to mate (they eat virtually no food during the months they spend in Hawaii) you can often see baby humpbacks swimming closely with their mothers.

In any event, if you're here in Hawaii during the winter months (or better yet you should plan to be in Hawaii during the winter months) be sure to take one of our many whale watching cruises to see the spectacular humpback whale.

Contact our Hawaii reservation agents at 1.800.310.0542 for pricing and availability on all our island activities.