Getting 'Mugged' While Whale Watching Would Be The Most Magical Hawaiian Experience
Forget a white snowy Christmas riding through a winter wonderland — what about a white-cap-filled Christmas cruising in the waters of paradise? Every year in Hawaii, the holiday season is marked not by snowflakes, but by the annual arrival of the humpback whale migration, making it one of the world's best places for whale watching adventure trips. Between 10,000 and 15,000 humpback whales come to the Pacific waters near the Hawaiian islands as part of their annual migration from northern waters. After traveling some 3,000 miles from the distant shores of Alaska, the humpbacks, or koholā, arrive in the warm, shallow Hawaiian waters to mate, give birth, and nurture their young until they again travel up north. Native Hawaiians consider this their annual "homecoming," as these whales are kamaʻāina (native-born) in Hawaiian waters.
The official migration dates are between December 15 and May 15, although the first whales are usually seen sometime in October. The winter holidays are some of the best times to see these impressive, beautiful whales as they breach the teeming waters off the shores of Hawaii. Humpback whales are an endangered species, which means that, as per the Marine Mammal Protection Act, boats must stay at least 100 yards away from the whales. There's still a way for you to get up close and personal with a humpback without breaking the law, though — and that's through whale "mugging," an experience every tourist hopes to have in Hawaii!
What is whale mugging?
No, we're not talking about the type of mugging that happens when someone in a black mask steals your wallet at gunpoint. In Hawaii, everyone hopes for a "whale mugging," when a whale travels voluntarily to your boat for a sustained period. If you're lucky enough, a whale might breach near your boat, spyhop next to it (when they come out of the water enough to see clearly), or circle the vessel during your whale-watching tour. Surprise! You've been mugged! It's illegal to attempt to attract the whales in any way, but whales are curious animals and may come to investigate on their own volition. Whale mugging is still rare, but it's more common than it once was, potentially because the global commercial whaling ban has allowed humpback populations to recover. Scientists also theorize that these naturally intelligent and friendly whales haven't learned to fear boats as much as their predecessors, again due to the ban on commercial whaling.
As mentioned, boats and guides aren't allowed to make mugging happen. To be a respectful tourist in Hawaii, you must ensure that your visit doesn't damage the environment or infrastructure. Do this by thoroughly researching all of your tour guides, making sure they follow the laws and incorporate responsible, sustainable practices. No matter how much you're hoping for that once-in-a-lifetime moment, it's not worth it if you leave harm in your (literal) wake.
When and where to see whales in Hawaii
Whale watching is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Hawaii. If you time it right, you can sometimes see whales right from the shore. Although possible throughout the archipelago, the islands along the 'Auʻau Channel — Maui, Molokai, and Lanai — are especially ideal for shore-spotting. Other spots on the islands where you might see whales from land are southern Oahu, Kauai's Kīlauea Lighthouse on the North Shore, or Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site (which means "temple on the hill of the whale" in Hawaiian) on the Big Island. For the best chance of seeing a whale, however, it's best to get out on the water in a boating, kayaking, or even on a standup paddleboarding (SUP) tour. Most of the dozens of operators have extensive experience and deep knowledge of the area, giving you the best chance to see whales and learn more from the experts.
Although the whale-watching season is technically from December to May, the peak (or, the best time to see whales) is from January to March. This is also considered one of Hawaii's high seasons for tourism (the other is in July and August), so you'll definitely want to book your trip ahead of time for the best deals — and to ensure you get a spot on a boat.
When you're on a whale-watching tour in Hawaii, chances are you'll also spot some other wildlife. In addition to the highlight of humpback whales (hopefully!), you're also likely to see dolphins, pilot whales, seals, and sea turtles. You might even get to see some of these up close, just like whale mugging! If you combine whale watching with a snorkeling tour, prepare to be in awe at the hundreds of brightly colored tropical fish swimming around coral reefs.