Hawaii Whale Watching Reports 2026 – Daily Sightings & Live Tracker Links

Your Complete Guide to Spotting Humpback Whales in Paradise

Welcome to the 2026 Hawaii Whale Watching Season

As the calendar flips to 2026, Hawaii's waters come alive with the majestic migrations of humpback whales. These gentle giants travel thousands of miles from Alaska to the warm Hawaiian Islands to breed, calve, and nurse their young. The 2026 season promises spectacular sightings, with peak activity from mid-January to March. Whether you're on Maui, Oahu, or the Big Island, our optimized reports bring you daily updates, live trackers, and insider tips to make your whale watching adventure unforgettable.

Expect early arrivals as soon as November 2026, with the season running through April 2027. Don't miss World Whale Day on February 15, 2026, featuring special events across the islands.

2026 Whale Watching Season Dates and Best Spots

The humpback whale season in Hawaii typically spans November to May, but 2026 looks set for an early start based on patterns from previous years. Here's what to expect:

Early Season (November–December 2026): First sightings off Maui and the Big Island, with smaller pods arriving.
Peak Season (January–March 2026): Thousands of whales, breaches, and songs fill the Auau Channel and nearshore waters.
Late Season (April–May 2026): Calves growing stronger, heading north.

Prime locations include:

Maui: Lahaina, Ma'alaea Bay, and Honolua Bay for shore and boat views.
Oahu: South Shore cruises from January 3 to March 21, 2026.
Big Island: Kona Coast for snorkel tours with whales.

Daily Whale Sightings Reports for 2026

Stay updated with real-time and daily humpback whale sightings across Hawaii. Our reports aggregate data from citizen scientists, NOAA counts, and tour operators. Check back daily during the season for the latest breaches, tail slaps, and pod sizes.

Note: As of December 2025, 2026 reports are projections. Full daily logs will update starting November 2026 via linked trackers.

Date (2026)	Location	Sightings Summary	Pod Size	Source
January 1	Maui - Auau Channel	Multiple breaches observed at dawn	5-10 adults + calves	Pacific Whale Foundation Tracker
January 15	Oahu - South Shore	Competitive groups singing	15+ whales	NOAA Ocean Count
February 1	Big Island - Kona	Calf nursing, tail flukes	3-7	Tour Reports
February 15 (World Whale Day)	All Islands	Island-wide events with mass sightings	Thousands	Special Counts
March 1	Maui - Honolua Bay	Peak activity, surface active groups	20+	Live Webcam

For historical and projected data, join the Sanctuary Ocean Count on the last Saturdays of January, February, and March.

Live Whale Tracker Links & Real-Time Maps

Track humpback whales in real-time with these top tools and apps. Optimized for mobile, they're perfect for on-the-go updates during your 2026 trip.

Pacific Whale Foundation Whale & Dolphin Tracker: Live sightings map for Maui waters. View Map
Happywhale App: Citizen science platform for identifying and tracking individual whales. Download App
Maui Humpback Whale Sanctuary Live Stream: 24/7 webcam feed from afar.TV. Watch Live
Maui Sands Webcam: Horizon-scanning cam for whale spotting. View Webcam
NOAA Humpback Whale Sanctuary Maps: Interactive depth and boundary maps. Explore Maps

Pro Tip: Download the PWWA App for alerts on sightings near Salish Sea extensions to Hawaii routes.

Tips for Optimal Whale Watching in 2026

Book tours early—guaranteed sightings from operators like Ali'i Nui or PacWhale.
Respect distances: Stay 100 yards from whales per NOAA guidelines.
Best time: Early morning or late afternoon for calmer seas and active whales.
Combine with snorkeling: Spot whales while exploring reefs on the Big Island.