ALOHA!
When is whale watching season in Oahu?
Generally speaking, December to May is seen as the best time for whale watching in Oahu and the rest of Hawaii. While the best Hawaiian island for whale watching is said to be Maui, there’s a chance you can see whales in Oahu too if you go during whale season.
If you’re headed to Maui too, here’s one of the best ways to see whales on Maui.
During the spring and summer, the North Pacific humpback whale population swims in the cool and nutrient-rich waters in northern areas like Alaska to feed on krill and small fish. But most of these whales migrate nearly 3,000 miles to Hawaiian waters each winter… says the state of Hawaii!
Side note!
See about the best shoes for hiking in Hawaii and what to wear snorkeling in Hawaii! And for Hawaii vacation ideas, see the best things to do in Waikiki that will give you Hawaii vibes!
Peak whale watching season on Oahu
According to NOAA, the peak season for whale watching in Oahu is January to March. But humpback whales visit the Hawaiian islands every year from November to May, so it’s possible that you can see whales outside of that January to March peak whale season too.
Where can you go for the best whale watching in Oahu?
According to Hawaii’s tourism department, these are some of the best spots for whale watching in Oahu that you can test your luck on your own:
- Makapuu Lighthouse Trail
- Hanauma Bay
- Seaside overlooks near Diamond Head Crater
These locations are all on the southeast part of Oahu.
If you don’t have an extreme desire to see whales in Hawaii enough to dedicate half a day to whales through an Oahu whale watching tour… and instead have the mindset that “it’d be nice but not mandatory” to see a whale when you’re out doing a non-whale-dedicated activity… consider heading to Makapuu Lighthouse Trail!
Whale tours
If you do want a better chance at whale sightings, these can be some of the best tours for that.
If seeing whales in Oahu is at the top of your Hawaii bucket list, a whale watching tour is your best chance to be able to mark that check.
And here are some more of the best activities on Oahu that you MUST consider!
But if you’re not going to leave Hawaii disappointed if you don’t see whales in Oahu, the Makapuu Point Lighthouse Trail could be a good choice to consider!
Here are a few reasons to head to Makapuu Lighthouse Trail during whale season!
There are binoculars on the trail
If you aren’t bringing your own whale-watching binoculars like these as a part of your Hawaii packing list, there are binoculars on the trail that you can use to better spot any whales that are out there! At last check, these binoculars were free.
It’s a coastal trail
The trail runs right along the coast which means you have a number of spots to choose from to pick a spot for whale watching along the trail.
Best short hikes with scenic views on Oahu
- Diamond Head Hike
- Makapuu Lighthouse Trail
- Manoa Falls Trail
- Koko Head Hike
- Lanikai Pillbox Hike
- Puu Maelieli Trail
- North Shore Pillbox Hike
what to pack for hiking in hawaii >> what to wear hiking – best shoes for hiking
near makapuu lighthouse trail >> things to do on east side of oahu
You can set up nicely for your photography shots
If you’re bringing along your camera for travel photography, there are many spots along the trail that can make for good spots to set up. Take extra caution when doing so though!
It’s free
There is no entry fee and there is no parking fee at this hiking trail. Although, depending on the time you go, there could be a ton of cars and a bit of a challenge with parking. But nothing that should deter you from making trail parking a reason to not go!
You’re there to hike anyway, so what’s a little bit of extra walking, right? 😉
Even if you don’t have whale watching success, you’ll have had a nice Oahu hike!
Because the Makapuu Lighthouse Trail is a coastal trail which means stunning views, it can make for one of the best hiking trails in Oahu. So even if you don’t achieve success with your whale watching, you can still walk away thinking you had a good day!
But again, if you really want to see a whale, you may want to consider those whale watching tours when you’re in Oahu! These are some of the best tours.
HAPPY WHALE WATCHING!
what to pack for hawaii >> what to wear snorkeling – what to wear hiking
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🐠 Here are things you must consider packing!
- Swimsuit or swimming shirt aka rash guard
- rash guard: swim set for women and swim shirt for men
- Water shoes
- Waterproof phone case (so you can capture pictures of fishies underwater!)
- cheapo phone case OR waterproof camera
- I also have this "camera" wrist float to attach to my cheapo waterproof phone case so my phone won't sink to the bottom of the ocean in case I somehow let go of it. (Mine does stay afloat - test this for yourself before completely trusting it!)
- Swimming goggles or snorkeling mask set
- Reef-safe(r) sunscreen
- lightweight travel towel:
- walking sandals:
I also don't go snorkeling without a personal swim float buoy. Not only does it help to keep me visible, but it makes for a perfect way to rest out in deeper water! Oh, and it also serves as a dry bag so I can take stuff into the water with me.
Another way I have taken valuables into the water with me is to wear a travel money belt that I don't mind getting wet with salt water (it's not waterproof but I have several so I just use one of them) and then I put things in a ziplock freezer bag, and put that freezer bag in the money belt.
There are also designated waterproof waist pouches that you can store your valuables and take into the water with you.
see more:
- What to wear hiking
- What to wear snorkeling