Seasonal· Oahu· Hawaii
Oahu Humpback Whale Season
21° 16.2′ N · 157° 42.0′ W · approximate
Every winter humpback whales come to Hawaiian waters; off Oahu they can be seen from shore at Makapuu and at sea in the channels, and divers on the Koko Head reefs can hear their song.
Practical
Indicative position off Koko Head (approx). Season November through April (NOAA sanctuary); peak January-March (State Parks, Makapuu). Rules: stay at least 100 yards from humpbacks (federal, within 200 nm of Hawaii). NOAA guidance during whale season: 15 knots or less in coastal waters, 6 knots or less within 400 yards of a whale, post a lookout ('Go Slow, Whales Below'). Report injured or entangled whales to the NOAA Marine Wildlife Hotline (888) 256-9840 or the Coast Guard on VHF 16; violations to NOAA Enforcement (800) 853-1964 or DLNR 643-DLNR.
Best for
Whale watching under sail
Season
Nov-Apr; peak Jan-Mar
Nearby
- Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve0.3 NM away
- Hawaii Kai Marina (Kuapa Pond)0.6 NM away
- Spitting Caves and China Walls (Portlock)0.8 NM away
- Hawaii Kai Provisions (Safeway, Keahole St)1 NM away
- Maunalua Bay Anchorage (Hawaii Kai)1 NM away
- Koko Crater Railway Trail1.1 NM away
- Maunalua Bay Launch Ramp1.3 NM away
- Turtle Canyon (Maunalua Bay)1.3 NM away