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Oahu Whale Watching Tours

a Hawaii whale jumping out of the water

Known for their long-distance migration, the North Pacific humpback whales can be found enjoying the warm waters off the coast of Oahu during the fall and winter months. Whale-watching season occurs between November to May, with activity peaking between January and March. If you’re visiting Oahu during these months, Ko Olina Ocean Adventures invites you to seize a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the gentle giants.

a Hawaii whale jumping out of the water

Seize a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see humpback whales while visiting Oahu

How the humpback whales get to Oahu… and how to see them! 

It is believed that most female humpback whales that conceived in Hawaii’s tropical waters will return to the same area when it’s time for them to start a family of their own. This requires that they travel nearly 3,000 to 4,000 miles from Alaska’s chilly waters, where the whales spend the spring and summer feeding. Once they reach Hawaii, the whales mate and give birth to their calves.

There are few things as magical as seeing a calf swim alongside its mother or watching an adult whale, which can be up to 60 feet long, launch itself out of the water completely before diving down into the deep blue.

a large boat in a body of water

Oahu whale watching tours are sure to take your breath away

How to have the best whale watching experience on Oahu

During the winter season, the whales frequent the waters off of Oahu’s western coastline and a whale-watching tour is an exciting way to witness these amazing creatures cruising, spouting, and slapping their tails against the waves. When you book a Ko Olina Sail & Snorkel Adventure tour, the adventure starts when you board the catamaran at the Ko Olina Marina. After departing from the marina, Holole’a Kai will set sail along the stunning shoreline. 

The well-trained eyes of Holole’a Kai’s captain and crew are always on the lookout for viewing encounters with the magnificent humpback whales. Seeing them off of the deck of the Holole’a Kai catamaran is sure to take your breath away! 

The playful Hawaiian spinner dolphins, which live in the coastal waters of the island year-round, are also known to put on a show for guests of our Catamaran Sail and Snorkel Tours. And it wouldn’t be a snorkel tour without a stop to snorkel at a reef filled with tropical reef fish, friendly Hawaiian green sea turtles, and the enchanting marine life that call the reef home. 

Aboard Ko Olina Ocean Adventures’ Sails, whale watching is part of the adventure.   Tours include a fresh lunch and alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks, life vests, snorkel gear, and snorkel instruction. There are also restrooms and a freshwater shower rinse onboard. 

Ko Olina’s tours provide responsible and respectful whale-watching trips. For the safety of our guests and the whales, our catamaran tour always allows plenty of room for these incredible animals to swim, play, and nurse in the waves off the Leeward coast.  

If you’re interested in making memories that will last a lifetime, don’t miss the chance to experience whale-watching off Oahu’s pristine coast. Ko Olina Ocean Adventures’ catamaran tours offer guests a unique opportunity to observe these majestic mammals in their natural habitat, so contact us to learn more. Or book online today to reserve your seat! 

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