Seasonal· Kauai· Hawaii
Kauai Humpback Whale Season
22° 13.9′ N · 159° 24.1′ W
Every winter thousands of North Pacific humpbacks come to Hawaiian waters to mate and calve; off Kauai they are seen from boats and from the Kilauea Point cliffs from late autumn into spring.
Practical
Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary: whales can be seen from shore and at sea November through April; Kilauea Point NWR: humpbacks visible October through April. Federal rule: do not approach humpbacks within 100 yards anywhere in Hawaiian waters out to 200 nm. Hawaiian spinner dolphins: no swimming with, approaching or remaining within 50 yards (2021 NOAA rule). NOAA-recommended speeds in whale season: 15 knots or less in coastal waters, 6 knots or less within 400 yards of a whale; post a lookout. Report injured, entangled or dead marine mammals to the NOAA Marine Wildlife Hotline (888) 256-9840 or the USCG on VHF 16; report a strike or violation to NOAA Enforcement (800) 853-1964. Coordinate: Kilauea Point, a good shore viewing site.
Best for
Whale watching under sail in winter
Season
Nov-Apr (sightings from Oct)