If you’re hoping to go whale watching in Kauai, you’ll probably need to join a tour to see them up close. Scroll to find out the best Kauai whale watching tours.
This best Kauai whale watching tours post was written by Hawaii travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links, which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
Kauai is a Hawaiian island that lies northwest of Oahu. The “Garden Isle” is home to Waimea Canyon State Park, volcanic mountain peaks, and beautiful waterfalls.
Travelers who want a different experience than what they’d find on other Hawaiian islands, like Oahu or Maui, will love Kauai’s geography.
The island of Kauai is filled with fun things to do. Whether you want to explore the natural wonders on land or venture into the sea, you can squeeze exciting activities into any trip itinerary.
While Kauai’s water activities aren’t as popular as its attractions on land, this is a great spot to go whale watching in Hawaii.
From December to May, humpback whales appear along Kauai’s shoreline, making it the best time to whale watch in Kauai. A charter boat tour offers a great way to see them.
These whale-watching tours in Kauai will bring you face-to-face with the majestic creatures. You may even learn something about the whales, too!
Here’s everything you need to know about Kauai whale season, including the best time to see whales and the best whale-watching tours Kauai offers.
Want to skip all the planning and just access my detailed Kauai Itinerary, complete with daily schedules, kid-friendly activities, and travel hacks? Click the button below.
Tips for your Kauai Whale Watching Experience
Whales can be seen from the shore, but seeing them on a boat would be better.
Not only will you get a fantastic view, but you’ll also be educated about these beautiful creatures by the naturalists on your Kauai whale tour. They provide educational information about their migration patterns, behaviors, and conservation efforts for these gentle giants.
Booking a whale-watching tour early in the day is your best bet, as that is typically the best time of day to spot whales in Kauai. However, each day is different, mainly depending on the weather.
Next, you would need to focus on getting the right boat. Inflatable rafts are fast and can offer a thrilling ride, but it isn’t safe for young children or people with back problems.
You’ll also need to keep your head on a swivel because the whales won’t just pop up in front of the vessel. They often pop up behind as well. So, captains advise using the boat as a clock to locate them.
If you want to avoid getting seasick and nauseous, you should stay above the deck and keep looking out at the horizon. You can take medication for nausea and avoid looking down. Find the best prices here.
You should also avoid small and enclosed spaces during your whale-watching boat tour.
When you look out at the water to spot whales, just remember to listen. You don’t always see the whales first, but you hear them as the air goes out of their blowholes, creating a loud sound. These blowing spouts can be heard from a distance, alerting you to their presence.
When a humpback whale flukes and you see its tail, it will go underwater. Adult whales can hold their breath for up to 45 minutes.
So, going somewhere else to look for these massive and magnificent creatures would be better than waiting for them to come back up to breathe.
Best Kauai Whale Watching Tours
Here are some of the best whale watching tours in Kauai! These Kauai whale tours will take you to where to spot whales in Kauai, both on the South Shore and North Shore!
HOLO HOLO CHARTERS
Niihau is a forbidden island in Hawaii for a good reason: the island is pristine, and restricting visitors keeps endangered species alive. Its only inhabitants are relatives of the owners and about 130 Native Hawaiians.
During whale watching season in Kauai, you can easily see some of these gentle giants during this tour.
While Holo Holo’s tour is expensive, it offers far more than just whale watching. It offers a chance to see an island that most people haven’t even heard of, and snorkeling lets you see incredible marine life.
If you aren’t interested in snorkeling, Holo Holo offers a sunset whale watching tour that doesn’t include this activity. And who doesn’t like a nice sunset cruise, right?
While the Napali & Niihau Boat Tour doesn’t outright restrict certain people with physical disabilities, Holo Holo Charters reminds passengers to take precautions when choosing their tours. The water conditions can get rocky and unsafe for certain people.
Find out more about Holo Holo Charters.
KAUAI SEA TOURS
Kauai Sea Tours has a few whale-watching options. On the Whale Watching Cocktail Cruise, enjoy an open bar and appetizers on a cruise with a hydrophone. This nifty device lets you hear the whales.
Get a great view of the sea giants from the upper deck on this 2-hour excursion. You’re also likely to see some sea turtles and dolphins. The restroom access on this whale watching on Kauai tour makes this an excellent choice for families since not all tours have that amenity.
You can also take a raft tour to see the whales with a package that includes snorkeling. Despite being in a raft, you’ll still have access to snacks and water and a hydrophone for when you spot the whales.
While Kauai Sea Tours aren’t all dedicated to whale watching, they assure their customers that during Hawaii whale season, there’s a good chance you’ll see some whales on any tour you take.
Many charter companies won’t allow young children on their excursions, but the Whale Cocktail Cruise lets children as young as 3 years old onto the catamaran.
These are some of the best whale watching tours Kauai has to offer!
Get your discounted Kauai Sea Tours tickets here!
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CAPTAIN ANDY’S
Captain Andy’s whale-watching tour company offers different waterfront experiences, some centered around whale-watching.
On the Poipu Sunset Tour, you can relax with appetizers and cocktails as you watch for whales. You’ll be treated to live Hawaiian music, shaded cabins, and restrooms on board.
The 2-hour whale watch Kauai tour brings you toward Maha’ulepu and Kipu Kai, two islands that are worth photographing with or without the whales.
For a more whale-oriented experience, try Captain Andy’s Raft Whale Watch. You’ll spend 2 hours in a custom 24′ raft that lets you get up close and personal to Hawaii’s gentle giants.
The whale watching in Kauai Hawaii tour will bring you through the southwest coast of Kauai, where thousands of whales migrate each winter from Alaska. Wear your swimsuit – you’re bound to get wet!
They even offer some of the best NaPali Coast whale-watching tours! If you are looking for Kauai whale watching tours on the North Shore, these are your best bet.
Rafts are a bouncy and unpredictable way to sightsee. Therefore, Captain Andy’s does not allow pregnant women to book this trip. The ride is physically demanding, and they can’t make special accommodations for people with back and neck issues, surgeries, or young kids.
Before booking a raft tour, consider how well you can handle the unsteady water.
It is the best whale watching tour in Kauai that the whole family will love!
Get your Captain Andy’s tickets.
BLUE DOLPHIN CHARTERS
Blue Dolphin Charters offers a Poipu Whale Watching Tour on a 65′ catamaran to explore Kauai’s South Shore. From November through March, you can book this tour to see the whales, drink unlimited Mai Tais and beer, and look for other wildlife. The guides will provide you with hydrophones, too, so you can enjoy some of the best whale watching on Kauai!
On your way back to the port, enjoy a deli buffet with unlimited drinks. Between snorkeling, scuba diving, and sightseeing from the charter all day, you’ll have plenty of chances to see dolphins and whales.
Blue Dolphin Charters requires that its passengers be able to cross the boarding ramp without assistance. You’ll need to be in good physical health: no injuries, surgeries, or pregnancies to enjoy this excursion.
It is the best whale watching tour Kauai offers during peak months!
SELF-GUIDED WHALE WATCHING TOUR
Another way to see Kauai’s whales in the warm waters is to take a self-guided tour. Whenever you rent a kayak, raft, or boat in Kauai’s waters, you’ll have a chance to see whales in the crystal clear waters in the winter.
For the best whale-watching places Kauai has to offer, check out Poipu Beach, Napali Coast State Wilderness Park, and Lumahai Beach.
Because the best place to whale watch in Kauai changes as the whales migrate, you can see them in multiple locations, which is helpful!
So start at the best place to see whales on Kauai, then try another one if you don’t see any.
KAUAI’S ULTIMATE WHALE & DOLPHIN ZODIAC BOAT ADVENTURE
This Zodiac boat adventure takes you to the best place to see whales in Kauai. Because it is on a raft, only 14 passengers are allowed, so it is a much smaller tour, allowing you to spot whales more easily.
You can head out on this adventure anywhere from December to May. You’ll head out on the ocean with your loved ones to explore the unknown and see these magnificent creatures!
From the blowing spouts to jumping straight out of the water, you will find the best whale watching in Kauai with this boat tour. Plus you’ll get to see some dolphins too!
It is another great whale tour Kauai has to offer!
Get your Zodiac boat adventure tickets.
WINTER WHALE-WATCHING ADVENTURE IN KAUAI
Head out on these super rafts to see some more whales on Kauai. On this raft, you will find a restroom, which makes it great for families.
This whale watching adventure also uses a hydrophone so you can listen to the whales too!
You will see some sights and places during your boat ride, including Poipu, Hanapepe, Kauai Coffee, Kalaheo, Salt Pond, Eleele, and so much more.
Get your winter whale watching adventure tickets.
Kauai Whale Watching FAQs:
Yes! You will find humpback whales and Kohala whales in Kauai! The best time for whale watching in Kauai is usually during winter. So, if you want to see some humpback whales, Kauai is a great place to spot whales during your trip!
Humpback whales, the 5th largest whale species, migrate to Hawaii to breed, give birth, and raise their calves in warm waters. While they are the most common, visitors may also spot Sperm Whales, Pygmy Whales, and occasionally Orcas.
Yes, if you aren’t sure you want to do a full whale-watching tour on Kauai, there are a few places to see whales on the coast.
If you want to do some Kauai whale watching from shore, Poipu Beach on the South Shore is one of the most popular beaches for whale watching. On the North Shore, head to Kilauea Lighthouse.
You might be able to see whales while hiking the iconic Kalalau Trail on the Na Pali Coast. However, pay close attention to any trail closures or flood warnings during the winter.
If you are wondering when whales are in Kauai, they have their annual winter migration roughly between November and March through the North Pacific Ocean.
But, if seeing whales is high on your bucket list, plan your trip for January or February for your best opportunity, as that is peak Kauai whale watching season.
Maui is definitely the island to visit if the main point of your trip is to go whale watching in Hawaii. It’s one of the best in the world, especially for spotting humpback whales.
You’ll find a ton of Maui whale watching tours to choose from. But Kauai, Oahu, and the Big Island are also great Hawaiian islands for the whale season in Hawaii.
Find out more about whale watching on Maui.
Kauai Whale Watching Wrap-Up
You’ll likely get to spot whales no matter which company you choose for your whale-watching tour. Since whale sightings are typical but not guaranteed, it’s best to go on these whale tours Kauai offers to see other sea life, too.
Whether you want to see one humpback whale during your trip or an entire family during the whale-watching season in Kauai, enjoy any of these whale-watching boat tours Kauai offers!