When To Whale Watch While In Kona

When is the perfect time to whale watch while in Kona?
During the winter, humpback whales travel from Alaska to Hawaii to mate, give birth and raise their young ones. To watch and observe these magnificent creatures you can join whale watching tour operators who travel the coastline in search of these incredible marine mammals. Humpback whales are known to breach and slap the water with their fins and tails.
As they dive down, their backs may also be seen arching out of the water, giving you the chance to capture that trademark tail. You can also be on the lookout for other large marine animals around the shore, like Pilot Whales, Bottlenose Dolphins, Spotted Dolphins, and Manta Rays. You can go whale watching on a customizable private boat tour in Kona.
When to whale watch while in Kona
The best time to whale watch while in Kona is December through March. During this period humpback whales migrate from Alaska to Hawaii to breed, give birth and nurse their young ones.
What time of day are best to whale watch while in Kona?
The best time to whale watch while in Kona is early morning and daytime. Humpback whales are most active during the day and early in the afternoon hours during mating season.
Visit Hawaii during the mating or birthing season to increase your chances of seeing a whale. Hawaiians are aware of whale migration patterns because whales travel to Hawaii to mate and give birth. Since there is too much noise from ships in the water at night, whale activity is reduced.
Other species of whales are typically active at night, but they have occasionally been observed to be more active during the day during specific times, seasons, and activities. From December to March when they migrate to Hawaii to breed, give birth and raise their young ones, whales are usually active during the day.
If plankton, the whales’ primary food supply, needs sunshine to grow, whales are more likely to be out and about during the day. When plankton is more accessible during the daytime in the summer, whales are less active at night.
Where to whale watch on the Big Island?
The place to whale watch is along the Kohala Coast. According to some, Kohala is Hawaiian for humpback whale, and there is proof that this magnificent animal has been frequenting the waters of Hawaii since ancient times.