Aulani Whale Watching

[LisaT91403]

We will be staying at Aulani from 11/3 - 11/9. Does anyone know if this is whale watching season, or will we be there too early?

Also, I'd love recommendations for a good whale watching trip. The hotel charges too much to book through them! We will have a car, so getting to the tour is not a problem.

Thanks.

 

[bakenatj]

I am interested in getting some info on this too. We will be there 2/2/13 - 2/9/13. Has anyone done the one through Adventures by Disney? Is it worth it or is there a cheaper and just as good one you would recommend? Thanks!

 

[dianeschlicht]

You might see a whale or two at that time of year, but it's doubtful. Whale watch season is mostly in the winter months through about May. We have had most luck with whale watching in the islands in February and March.

 

[LisaT91403]

Upon further research, it does seem that I will be there too soon for whale watching. However, I've found that you can go dolphin (and/or turtle) watching anytime.

Someone suggested Hawaii Nautical, as they are located close to Aulani. They have good Yelp reviews and so forth. I'm going to check them out.

 

[taaren]

Whale season is usually mid-Nov-to mid-April. I've heard a few people say they've already seen one or two here when I'm out and about town, but haven't spent any time at the beach myself in the last week. However, I also get the impression that there are a lot more in the waters between Maui/Kaho'olawe/Moloka'i/Lana'i than there are around Oahu in general. Not sure if that helps or not.

 

[taaren]

I am interested in getting some info on this too. We will be there 2/2/13 - 2/9/13. Has anyone done the one through Adventures by Disney? Is it worth it or is there a cheaper and just as good one you would recommend? Thanks!

Honestly, I just go with the cheapest whale watching tour or snorkeling tour I can find because when it comes right down to it they all have a fairly equal chance of finding whales for you to see. They will vary in amenities like a slide into the ocean from the boat, and some will serve tastier lunches but I've always been okay with plain old burgers and hot dogs from a company like Boss Frog for our whale watching/snorkeling tours. The Pacific Whale Foundation one will be a little more educational, they have underwater microphones which are neat to listen to. Also kind of depends whether you have your own transportation or want that taken care of for you.

 

[momhmmx2]

My "go to" site for ANY trip planning other than WDW is tripadvisor.com

I have used their advice for many trips (including Hawaii) and haven't been steered wrong yet!

 

[disneykin]

Thanks for beginning this thread, LisaT.
I'll be at Aulani 1/8-1/15, and love whale-watching. I hadn't thought about the possibility of doing it on the Hawaii vacation until now (being an Easterner, I have taken trips from Cape Cod).
Can't wait to see what's out there in the middle of the Pacific!

 

[aymekae]

I will be there Nov. 3rd, too!

We aren't planning on going on a whale watching tour (we live in California and we've both done it before). But we are planning on the short walk up to the Makapuu Lighthouse. Trip Advisor mentioned it's a good place to watch whales. We're going to bring binoculars just in case.

 

[1bigblueworld]

we will be there Nov. 24th and we would love to go whale watching- I've been reading the reviews on trip advisor and plan to reach out to a few places for pricing... fun!

 

[MyLove4Disney]

I am interested in getting some info on this too. We will be there 2/2/13 - 2/9/13. Has anyone done the one through Adventures by Disney? Is it worth it or is there a cheaper and just as good one you would recommend? Thanks!

We went almost the same time last year. We didn't have any plans and just went to the tour desk in the morning as asked what they had for us to do that day. They had whale watching and it was not the same prices as what was posted, it was alot less expensive, and we had transportation to the boat and drinks were included. The rate may have been less because they wanted to fill up the boat. It was a great, last min decission and not over priced.

The tour was on Hawaiian Nautical we had a great time with the skipper and his mates... And we saw lots of whales... It was the best part of my entire trip.

 

[bakenatj]

We went almost the same time last year. We didn't have any plans and just went to the tour desk in the morning as asked what they had for us to do that day. They had whale watching and it was not the same prices as what was posted, it was alot less expensive, and we had transportation to the boat and drinks were included. The rate may have been less because they wanted to fill up the boat. It was a great, last min decission and not over priced.

The tour was on Hawaiian Nautical we had a great time with the skipper and his mates... And we saw lots of whales... It was the best part of my entire trip.

Thanks for the advice! We are looking forward to doing whale watching. I am leaning towards using ABD.