Look for blows, tail flukes, and breaches while our crew shares the story of the humpbacks’ winter visit to Hawaii. Choose a catamaran, super raft, traditional raft, or private boat. Sightings vary.
Whale watching tour options (Dec - Mar)
Whale Watch & Cocktail Cruise
Port Allen · About 2 hours Minimum age: 3 years
Scan the ocean for humpback whales from our power catamaran while enjoying drinks, snacks, and time on the water.
Search Kauai’s South Shore for humpback whales aboard the 40-foot Imiloa Express catamaran. This two-hour cruise from Port Allen includes narrated sightseeing, light snacks, nonalcoholic drinks, beer and Mai Tais for adults 21+ with ID.
The boat has padded forward-facing seats, partial shade, two restrooms and a hydrophone for listening to whale sounds when conditions allow. The route focuses on the South Shore and Kipu Kai, rather than a guaranteed Na Pali visit.
Tours are offered during our December 15–March 15 whale season. Check the calendar for available dates. Routes depend on ocean conditions and wildlife sightings vary.
Super Raft Whale Watch
Port Allen · 2 hours
Forward-facing seats and open ocean views make our larger super raft a comfortable platform for spotting whale activity.
Spend two hours looking for humpback whales from Captain J’s super raft, departing Port Allen Harbor. An open viewing deck and crew commentary help you follow the action, while a hydrophone offers opportunities to hear whale songs.
Light snacks, cold nonalcoholic beverages and a 10-liter dry bag are included. Check in 45 minutes before departure. Guests must board without assistance and should review the operator’s participation restrictions before booking.
Tours are offered during our December 15–March 15 whale season. Check the calendar for available dates. Routes depend on ocean conditions and wildlife sightings vary.
Private Whale Watch
Kikiaola · About 2.5 hours · Private group up to 18 Minimum age: 4 years
Reserve the boat for your group and let our crew plan a whale-watching outing around the day’s conditions.
Reserve the whole boat for a roughly 2.5-hour whale watch from Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor. This outing stays closer to port instead of traveling all the way to Na Pali.
Your private group can include up to 18 passengers, with crew commentary, light snacks, cold beverages and dry bags included. A hydrophone may be used when ocean conditions allow. Guests go barefoot aboard; follow your confirmation for check-in instructions.
Tours are offered during our December 15–March 15 whale season. Check the calendar for available dates. Routes depend on ocean conditions and wildlife sightings vary.
Adventure Raft Whale Watch
Port Allen · About 2 hours
Ride close to the water on our traditional adventure raft, keeping watch for a blow, a raised fluke, or a distant breach.
Ride close to the water on a traditional adventure raft, watching for whale blows, flukes and breaches. Whale-watching trips last approximately two hours and depart from Port Allen.
Rafting can be wet and bumpy. Review boarding and health restrictions and confirm currently available departures in the booking calendar.
Tours are offered during our December 15–March 15 whale season. Check the calendar for available dates. Routes depend on ocean conditions and wildlife sightings vary.
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Port Allen · Kikiaola
Areas shown. Your confirmation gives the exact meeting point.
Before you book
Your booking confirmation provides check-in instructions and trip requirements. Wildlife sightings vary.
Bring your binoculars
Whale watching from shore
We love a quiet shoreline stop during whale season. An open ocean view, good visibility, and a little patience can turn a beach day into a whale-watching moment.
East side
Kapaa’s coastal path
We suggest the ocean-facing stretches of Ke Ala Hele Makalae near Kapaa and Kealia. Pause clear of the shared path, look beyond the breaking waves, and watch for a brief white blow offshore.
We look beyond the nearshore reef for distant blows and splashes. Find a safe, dry spot on land with a clear ocean view, and give yourself time to scan the horizon.
When the refuge is open, its elevated outlook offers a broad view for spotting whales farther offshore. Use designated viewing areas and check access before planning a visit.
Currently closed for repairsThe refuge lists a post-hurricane closure. Checked October 8, 2026.
Our shore-viewing tip: Scan slowly with your eyes first, then use binoculars when you spot activity. Stay behind barriers and away from cliff edges and wave-washed rocks. Whale sightings depend on nature and visibility.
Kohola · Our winter visitors
Meet the humpbacks
On our whale watches, we share the story behind the journey. After feeding in colder North Pacific waters during summer, humpbacks travel to Hawaii to mate, give birth, and nurse their calves.
Our whale watch tours start December 15. The whales follow their own schedule, with some arriving earlier or staying into spring.
