Kauai Whale Watching
One person's whale watching adventure down the Na Pali
Whales, dolphins, turtles, they were all on this boating adventure. Kauai's marine life offers a wonderful array of critters and colors. Be sure to bring plenty of sun block and a swimsuit. You will get a chance to snorkel.
Whales on the Na Pali
Kauai’s marine ecosystems are both beautiful and diverse; a recent experience onboard sailing catamaran was no exception. February and March are the peak months for Hawaiian Humpback whales, so I calleda local boat tour company to see if we could jump on one of their Kauai whale watching tours.
Our departure time was 6:30am from Port Allen (a long haul from Haena). Once on the water, we were thankful to be up early. Chilly Kokee mountain winds made for good coffee and nice ocean conditions. It didn’t take us long to find the whales. Throughout the trip we would view these winter guests breaching, showing their flukes, and moving about in all directions. Playful Hawaiian Spinner and Spotted dolphins were happy to ride the bow wave created by our large catamaran – hundreds of them just a few feet from us.
Boat tours to the Napali Coast are available when conditions permit. On this day large winter surf made the South Shore a better choice. We found a great snorkel area near Koloa Landing, and then made our lunch and relaxation stop off Lawai Kai.
On our trip home the 35-knot trades made for a great downwind sailing run. Everyone was enjoying the ride; some chose the wet and exciting ride up front, others preferred the comfort and warmth of the rear cabin area. The crew ran a tight operation, doing a great job tending to the passengers’ safety and enjoyment. The boat was clean and offered different rides (depending on where one sits). Thanks for the trip gang! When can we go again?
What to Bring
- Swimsuit
- T-shirt
- Sunscreen
- Camera
- Jacket
- Most boat companies provide snorkel gear and food and beverages
Difficulty
Easy – the boat ride does not involve any real physical exertion. Be prepared to get wet, catch some rays, and enjoy the ride through always changing Hawaiian waters.
Beach Safety
- Beach Safety Tips
- Lifeguard's Ocean Safety Video
- Changing Ocean Conditions
- Rip Currents
- Seasonal Surf Trends
Beach Activities
Preservation
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Let's Discuss (21 comments)
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Jun 01, 2008 5:04AM
How Much for a family of 7
Is August a good time of year to see whales?
We can also snorkle on this trip?
Kauai Explorer Staff
Jun 02, 2008 6:53PM
Hi Karla. The whales will not be in Hawaii in August. They have a migratory path between the islands and Alaska. We see them around the beginning of December until the end of April. Various boat companies offer snorkeling tours year round and you can contact them for pricing and options. We do not recommend any one company over another, but encourage the users of this site to support our sponsors, some of which offer these tours.
Aloha. J
Jul 03, 2008 8:14PM
we will be there in feb 2009 around the 20th what size boats do you have ...I have been out in calif whale watching on 35 foot fishing boats but know that your tours have to be much better !!
Kauai Explorer Staff
Jul 07, 2008 7:54PM
Aloha Randy. Kauai Explorer does not offer tours, we are a website resource for info about the island. Some of this website's sponsors do offer whale watching tours, which are seasonal. We encourage Kauai Explorer users to support our sponsors. A list of who sponsors this site is on our homepage. You'll see some boat companies there. Aloha. J
Nov 08, 2008 1:57PM
Hi we are going to be in town from Nov. 29-Dec. 7th. Will there be whales there yet for the tour?
Thanks,
Gabby
Kauai Explorer Staff
Nov 12, 2008 4:53PM
Hi Gabrielle - it would be unusual, but possible, to see whales that early. W
Jan 21, 2009 1:10AM
Are there any job openings in the summer with the horses? If what is the age and other requirements.
Kauai Explorer Staff
Jan 22, 2009 1:04AM
Hi Amanda - job openings are not within the scope of content for this website. W
Jan 28, 2009 6:22PM
I am coming with my daughter march 22 - 29 is this still good whale watching time or are we to late in the month
Mahalo
Jim
Kauai Explorer Staff
Jan 29, 2009 4:24PM
Hi Jim - Late Feb through March is when the whales are most active. Great whale watching. Have fun. W
Feb 09, 2009 4:10AM
We are visiting kauai in december. The 1st thru the 15 will we be able to see whales then???
Kauai Explorer Staff
Feb 13, 2009 4:22AM
Hi Lezlee - in December the Humpbacks are just arriving. You might seem them but they are generally more active in Jan-March. W
Mar 17, 2009 12:16AM
Aloha! We are a family of 5 traveling to Kauai around April 6th for just a few days. Our kids are 6,8,and 10 and the oldest would like to dive however is not certified. We are also interested in zip-lining, whale watching, hiking, etc...What would you recommend as far as activities???
Many Thanks!
Kauai Explorer Staff
Mar 17, 2009 4:57AM
Hi Sarah - we are not coordinating, reviewing or booking activities at this time. Would you utilize this service if we included it on Kauai Explorer at no fee? We've reviewed and posted a bunch of info here but it takes considerable time. Seems like people are looking for authentic, non biased reviews on things to do. Thanks W
Brian Pouillon
Aug 21, 2009 5:33AM
To Whom It May Concern:
I am looking for a full time seasonal position in one the following capacities: Captain, first mate, charter service manager, or marine naturalist.
I have experience in all of the above fields and would look at any offerings that you may have.
I have a USCG 100-ton Captain?s license with 8 years of experience driving everything from private yachts to dive boats and whale watch boats. I have been in the marine industry for 25 years working as shipwright, charter service manager, and marine surveyor.
For the past 5 years, I have been driving whale watch boats and have taken a marine naturalist training program. In the area where I have worked (Washington?s San Juan Islands), I have worked around Killer Whales, Grey Whales, Humpback Whales, Minke Whales, two kinds of porpoise, two kinds of Sea Lions, and several species of marine waterfowl.
I am ready and able to relocate to your area whenever your season starts or you are in need of my services.
I will send my resume and references on request.
Best regards,
Brian Pouillon
360-317-4158
jellyfish@clearwire.net
Kauai Explorer Staff
Aug 22, 2009 6:38PM
Brian you should try some of the tour boat companies on Kauai and Maui.
Nov 18, 2010 11:22AM
We will be there Dec. 3 to Dec. 10. Would a whale watching trip be worth our wild.
Feb 05, 2011 7:17AM
like to know if the whales might be around the south end of kauai like poipu shores . around the end of march & april 4 . and where are some good spot to view the from land. thanks wil
Nov 18, 2011 8:15PM
Hi, Can you tell me if there will be any use in taking a whale tour on April 13th of 2012.
Jan 26, 2013 8:19PM
Greetings!
We will be coming to Kauai the first week of November. What can we expect to see in terms of wildlife during this time of the year. Too early for whales..bummer!
Thanks!!
Mar 10, 2013 10:30AM
Hello! We will be in Kauai April 10-21. What are the odds of us seeing a whale? Also, do you think the odds are better from the southern or northern shores? Thank you!
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