One of the most popular and fun things to do on the Big Island in the winter months (December through April) is whale watching. This is when thousands of Pacific humpback whales make the journey from the waters off Alaska to Hawaii’s warm waters to breed and give birth to their young. During Hawaii’s whale season you can go on a whale watching cruise along the Big Island’s Hilo, Kona or Kohala Coast. There are so many whales in Hawaii during peak whale season that locals refer to the ocean as "whale soup." Marine mammal specialists estimate that up to 10,000 of these magnificent giants vacation in Hawaii’s warm waters during the winter months.
 
Even though it is possible to spot the whales from shore using binoculars, a whale watch cruise gets you closer to these majestic mammals. By law, the boats must stop 100 yards away from a whale, but these incredibly curious animals often swim by closer than that. They may even treat your senses to the scent of whale breath and their amazing whale songs. Many vessels are equipped with a special hydrophone system so that you can listen to the unique underwater songs of the whales. Humpback whales are not the only whales in Hawaii’s waters.  Other whales that make the island waters their home year-round include sperm whales, pilot whales, melon-headed whales and the rare beaked whales. These whales, called cetacean whales, are toothed whales and are generally found a bit further off shore. Hawaii Discount offers the best Big Island whale watching tours at discounted prices. Reserve your tickets today!