The Big Island of Hawaii provides a great opportunity for whale watching. Humpback whales are the stars of the Hawaiian whale-watching season. The whales come to warm Hawaiian waters to mate, give birth, and raise their young. You will have the opportunity to see them breaching, spouting, and tail slapping. The peak season for whale watching near Mauna Lani is December to April. The calm waters in the morning provide for the best visibility but a sunset cruise provides views of the whales and the stunning Kohala coast.
Ways to See the Whales
- Shore-Based Whale Watching (Free & Relaxing)
- You can spot whales right from the beach or walking along the coastline. The best locations near Mauna Lani:
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Mauna Lani Beach Club β Calm waters with great visibility.
- AnaehoΚ»omalu Bay (A-Bay) β The long pier offers a great vantage point.
- Hapuna Beach & Puako Bay β Open views of the ocean, ideal for spotting whale breaches.
- What to bring: Binoculars, polarized sunglasses, patience!
- Boat Whale Watching Tours (Best for Up-Close Encounters)
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Hawaii Ocean Sports (10 min drive, Waikoloa Beach Resort) β Large catamaran with open decks.
- Kohala Divers Whale Watching (15 min drive, Kawaihae Harbor) β Small group tours for a personal experience.
- Body Glove Whale Watching (Kailua-Kona, 40 min drive) β Offers luxury experiences with hydrophones to hear whale songs.
- Why choose a boat tour? Get closer to the action, sometimes within 100 yards of a breaching whale.
- Kayak & Paddleboard Whale Watching (Active & Unique)
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Available for rental at Mauna Lani Beach Club and A-Bay. Paddle just offshore for a quiet and immersive whale experience.
Local rental companies offer guided kayak whale-watching excursions.
Staying at an Abita Luxury Rentals home in the Mauna Lani Resort gives you access to some of the best whale-watching experiences on the Big Island. Whether from shore, a boat, or even a kayak, you have plenty of ways to witness these magnificent creatures in action.
π Book your stay with Abita Luxury Rentals today & witness the magic of whale season! Book now with Abita Luxury Rentals.