Spectacular Whale Watching in Hawaii

Whale Watching in Hawaii is a fascinating vacation activity.

Whales are among the most studied marine mammals in the world. Scientists, ecologists, and naturalists have long been fascinated by these huge animals.

The fascination extends to ordinary individuals as well, with whale watching becoming a popular vacation pursuit in many parts of the world, including Hawaii.

How to Choose a Tour
If you're looking for more than a perfunctory glance at the whales that make their home in the warm waters surrounding the Hawaiian Islands, be sure to choose your tour carefully.

Some trips promise a quick look at the whales on their way to somewhere else, but if your desire is to know more about these magnificent creatures, you should choose a tour that concentrates only on whale watching. Plenty of them are available to visitors of all ages.

Don't be afraid to ask questions. Find out how large the boat is and how many people will be sailing with you. Inquire as to what type of boat you'll be using and its stability.

While many prefer a small boat, tiny vessels get very crowded when too many people are aboard and if you can't see, the trip's not worth the investment.

Check to see if the guides are indeed experienced and well-versed in the world of the whale, meaning that he/she will be able to answer your questions during the trip with some degree of expertise.

What to Expect
Hawaiians hold the whale in high esteem - considering it to be a representation of the god Kanaloa, the keeper of fish, animals in the ocean, and greenery on land. That means you can be sure that most whale watching trips here are done with respect for the animal and its habitat.

While whale watching in Hawaii, you'll most likely be looking for humpback whales, the fifth largest of the great whales.

You may, however, also catch a look at the sperm whale, pilot whales, or pygmy killer whales, depending on your location.

Tour companies do everything possible to assure that you'll be able to spot several of the creatures while on your whale watching excursion. However, there are no guarantees. Most successful tour companies are eager to report their percentages so you'll know which ones have the best results.

If you've chosen a tour that boasts expert guides, you'll be treated to much more than just a look at the creatures. Whale watching in Hawaii should include interesting information about the humpback and other species of whales, and should educate you as to their habits and environment.

Many tour operators are dedicated to saving the whales from extinction, so a number of them also operate research centers or donate a portion of your fare to research facilities elsewhere.

When and Where to Go
Just about every island in Hawaii that has some sort of tourist infrastructure in place offers whale watching tours. Whether you're traveling to the Big Island, Kauai, Oahu, or Maui, you should be able to find a tour.

Whale watching in Hawaii begins as early as October, but the peak months are January, February, and March. You'll also enjoy more action/behavior when viewing late in the season, like March or April.