The Best Kauai Whale Watching Tours | How to See Humpback from Shore
Kauai whale watching is a wonderful activity during your vacation and Kauai is the only place in the United States where humpback whales breed, give birth, and care for their calves. Whale watching Kauai tours help visitors see these large animals when they come to warm Hawaiian ocean waters to mate and give birth to their calves.
Key Takeaways
- Nature’s Hidden Gems: Kauai’s botanical gardens offer stunning landscapes, rare plant species, a peaceful escape into nature, and a deep connection to Hawaii’s cultural and botanical history.
- Perfect for All Ages: Whether you’re a solo traveler, couple, or family, Kauai’s botanical gardens provide an enriching experience for everyone. Your visits support the protection of Hawaii’s unique flora for future generations.
- A Tour for Every Taste: From guided tours to self-exploration, each garden provides a unique experience, catering to various interests and adventure levels.
Hawaii island Kauai is the best place to watch the humpback whale, known in Hawaiian as ‘Kohola,’ is one of the world’s most massive and peaceful animals. It is famous for its 6,000-mile migration, which is the longest one for any mammal. An estimated 10,000 humpback whales migrate to the Hawaiian Islands each year.
Because whales repeatedly come to the shallow waters, you might see them along Kauai’s sandy shores. Have a whale tour, a boat charter, or a guided tour to get close to these big animals. You may see whales get to the surface; they jump playfully, tail-slapping, or give you happy memories.
Kauai whale watching spots
There are beaches where humpback whales can be viewed, for instance, Poʻipū Beach on the South Shore. They are also visible from scenic spots on the North Shore, such as the Kilauea Lighthouse and the Kalalau Trail. In the east, Kapaʻa Overlook is another beautiful lookout point between Kapaʻa Town and Keālia Beach.
Watch the newborn calves, who are still learning the games! It is unbelievable to see such a big animal skillfully coasting in the water. It becomes even more outstanding when it smoothly jumps over the surface, launching over 40% of its body.
Facts About About Humpback Whale
| Whale | Length in Feet | Weight in Pounds |
| Adult | 40 to 50 | 90,000 |
| Whale calf | 10 to 15 | 2,000 |
What exactly can I see on whale watching Kauai tour?
In the winter is the Kauai whale watching seasons, the primary activity offered on Kauai is whale-watching tours. You can witness humpback whales in Kauai along the NaPali, South Shore coast, or during Niihau excursions.
If you want a short and straightforward whale-watching tour, take a 2-hour Poipu Whale-Watching Cruise. It allows us to see these majestic creatures swimming, jumping, and playing in the warm waters of the Hawaiian Islands.
The Most Joyful Moments During Whale Watching
On whale-watching tours, hydrophones are also available to listen to messages from groups of whales. Humpback whales communicate using clicks, whistles, and pulses.
A “humpback song” repeats these sounds in a variety of ways. Every sound is unique, depending on their journey while feeding and mating with other whales. These are the most memorable moments.
Book your Kauai Whale-Watching Tour and prepare to see and hear the whales. It will provide you and your loved ones with a priceless moment that will last a lifetime.
The Best Whale-Watching Tours in Kauai
Here is a list of some of the well-known Kauai whale-watching tours;
IMILOA: Express Whale Watch Cocktail Tour
Here, you can witness the beauty of whale watching cocktail tour with drinks served on board the ‘IMILOA ship. This tour combines relaxation and adventure as you look for humpback whales in their environment. With guided staff and a comfortable environment, it is a perfect opportunity to experience the majesty of these animals.
Experience the thrilling Na Pali Coast Super Raft Adventure
This thrilling rafting tour along the Na Pali coastline is famous for its cliffs, beaches, and sea caves. This super raft ride will allow you to discover remote coastal areas inaccessible by larger ships. The possibility of seeing dolphins, snorkeling, and breathtaking views presents the adventure of a lifetime for adrenaline-rush lovers.
RAFT ADVENTURE: Whale Watch Discovery
Join this rafting tour to explore Kauai’s coastal waters and humpback whales during their migration period. You’ll be excited to watch these big animals blow and make waves in the sea. The educated guides are there to share more. This tour showcases the natural beauty of Kauai’s marine life through close encounters and unforgettable sights.
Kauai offers private charters along the Napali Coast
You can enjoy a customized adventure in complete privacy with a private tour of the Na Pali Coast on a chartered boat. The private chartered boat offers you the freedom and privacy to pursue your interests, whether you want a romantic cruise, snorkeling, or a simple tour.
The experienced captains and crew help you discover beautiful, secluded beaches and hidden waterfalls, creating lasting memories within the stunning scenery of Kauai’s coastline.
Blue Dolphin Charters
The Whale Watching Kauai Season (November–March) provides opportunities to observe whales. People worldwide come to see the splendor of South Kauai and the world’s most enormous and calmest creatures. These tours also include light food and beverages.
For more information:
For more information about prices and reservations, contact them using the following:
- Address: Port Allen Marina Centre 4353, Waialo Road, 7B Eleele, HI 96705
- Phone: (808) 335 5553
Holo Holo Charters
As you sail along the island’s southern coast, you enjoy a charming sunset as if you were a resident. In addition, you’ll have the chance to enjoy some soothing sounds from the Hawaiian musicians of the 1970s. It offers an evening out with food, music, a warming atmosphere, and friendly service, all under one roof. However, we ask that you dress in your aloha attire or casual Hawaiian clothing. The Aloha Sunset Tours are available from November to January and operate daily.
For more information:
For more information about prices and reservations, contact them using the following:
- Address: Port Allen Physical: 4353 Waialo Road, Suite 5A, Ele’ele, HI 96705
- Phone: (808) 335 0815
The Best Kauai Whale-Watching Boat Tours
Are you looking for a closer view of these majestic creatures? A boat tour is a better way to enjoy the area when everything is in place. Here are a few boat tour operators offering a departure from Kukuiula Harbour in Sunny Poipu.
Kauai Sea Tours
This 2 hour tour includes marine life meetings, snorkeling, a deli lunch, drinks, and a picnic in a beautiful sanctuary. Here, you can experience dolphins, humpback whales, sea turtles, coral reef fish, and other marine animals. You can also experience the natural beauty of Kauai’s southern seas (not the Napali ones). These trips also include food and drink.
For more information:
For more information about prices and reservations, contact them using the following:
- Address: 4353 Waialo Road, Eleele, HI 96705
- Phone: (808) 335 5309
- Toll-Free: +1 (808) 733 7997
Kauai Sea Rider Adventures
From December to May, Kauai Sea Rider facilitates a 2.5-hour zodiac adventure. Everyone can enjoy watching the humpback whales in their winter play zone. All guests should be capable of an adventure because zodiac boats are not leisure cruises. The tours include water jackets, juices, and light snacks.
For more information:
For more information about prices and reservations, contact them using the following:
- Address: 3417 Poipu Road, #105, PO Box 853, Koloa, HI 96756
- Phone: (808) 742 7422
Kauai Sea Rider Adventures
Discover Humpback by joining Captain Andy’s 2-hour up-close look ride in their living environment. The journey’s destination is the west coast of southern Kauai. There is no snorkeling on this tour.
The site preserves native culture and gives experience of ancient Hawaii. It is home to some of the rarest species of plants, like the kokio keokeo, which was once considered an extinct white hibiscus. You can pick a self-guided or guided tour; there are family, private, and specialty tours. Limahuli Botanical Garden address and phone number is:
- Address: 4353 Waialo Road #1a, Eleele, HI 96705
- Contact: (808) 335 6833
Many other depart from Port Allen, about 20 minutes west of Poipu.
Tips for whale-watching tours
What to Remember?
Remember, you should not swim or touch whales or other marine animals. Do not permit boats to approach whales within 100 yards.
Take Only Tour Essentials
The tour operator allows visitors to bring a 10 kg dry bag to carry a towel, photography equipment, mobile phones, sunscreen, and other small items.
Travelers must check their luggage and only take what they need aboard the ship.
