Hawaiian Whale EncountersFrom December to May you can catch Majestic humpback whales off the coasts of the North Shore of Oahu. These gentle giants come to warm Hawaiian waters every year to breed and give birth to new calves. Treat yourself to scenic ocean views of Hawaii as expert guides take you to some of the best spots in the islands to view the whales in their natural habitat.
What makes us different?
Our tours allow smaller groups of 12 or 19 passengers (depending on the tour time) instead of the large crowds that the other companies accommodate. This allows for a more intimate experience on a more agile, faster boat allowing us the flexibility to rush where the whales are. You don't know how many times we've heard guests talking about other tours saying "It would've been better if we were closer to the whales!"
Although we don't provide food, we provide cold drinking water for you and you're free to bring your own food that you want to eat! Instead of that same buffet menu the others have been serving for years and long lines of waiting guests. We've received so many complaints about the long lines, cold food, hard rice, watery OJ, undercooked chicken, and bad service of other companies.
We also offer a late afternoon tour and are the perfect alternative to guests who want to rent a car to get away from the crowds and concrete jungle we call Waikiki; to get away from the uncomfortable, crowded ships in town. Better yet, since we take only 2 hours of your time, you'll have the rest of the day to dine at local eateries, sunbathe, snorkel, shop, participate on other tours, and cruise the rest of the island at their leisure.
Whales of HawaiiTo Hawaiians, the whale is a representation of the Hawaiian god, Kanaloa - the god of animals in the ocean. Humpback whales (na kohola) are found in all oceans, although they generally prefer near shore and near-island habitats for both feeding and breeding. Since adult whales rarely feed in Hawaii, many of the behaviors below are specific to mating.
A large percentage of the North Pacific humpback whales migrate to the main Hawaiian islands during the winter months - November through May - each year. The round-trip distance they travel during this annual migration is approximately 4,000 miles, one of the longest migration distances of any animal species. During their stay in Hawaii, they do not feed, but rely upon stored energy. Near the islands, the whales devote most of their time to mating and giving birth to their calves. While visiting the islands, kohola have become renowned for their various acrobatic displays.
Our experienced crew of Pacific ocean educators will guide you on a voyage as we search for all types of inspiring marine life. The first tour is at 7:30 am through the months from November 15th thru May 1st. Additional tours are available throughout the day. Each tour leaves Haleiwa Harbor and lasts approximately 2 hours. Our fleet includes custom aluminum boats, the 36 foot "KAI OU", and the 42 foot "ABUNAI". Each vessel has covered and cushioned seating for our passengers' comfort.