Sailing along the beautiful Coast of the North Shore and watching the giant humpback whales is something you do not want to miss while visiting Hawaii. The Ho'o Nanea is the perfect boat for whale watching. It is just the right size to keep you close to the ocean, but big enough to be a safe and stable viewing platform. There are very few whale watching tours in Haleiwa, as a matter of fact, we are the only commercial sailing catamaran on the whole North Shore. You will not find a gaggle of boats competing for whales.

The whales do not get frightened or disturbed by our boat because most of the time we are under sail, and when we do motor, the small outboard engines are very quiet and unobtrusive. Our underwater hydrophone lets you hear the singing, clicking and moaning that goes on between the groups of humpbacks. It is a truly amazing experience!

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Winter breeding Humpback whales in Hawaii

At North Shore Catamaran Charters it is our goal to help you experience the spectacular whale watching Hawaii has to offer, while providing education about the behavior of humpback whales and their natural environment. We keep a respectful distance to the whales. Hawaiian waters are their winter breeding grounds, where they should find a peaceful environment with little harassment by humans. However, oftentimes, the whales are the curious ones and decide to check out the boat. They can come right next to us and hover for a few minutes for some "human watching". On the Ho'o Nanea you will be only feet away from these gentle giants.

Hawaiian Humpback Whales

Hawaiian Humpback Whales, or Na Kohola, as they are called in Hawaii, are a very important part of the Hawaii marine ecosystem and a long standing icon in native Hawaiian culture.

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About Humpback Whales

In order to fully appreciate Hawaii whale watching, it helps to have some basic knowledge about humpback whales. Whales are air-breathing mammals. As they surface they exhale strongly which shows as a powerful "spout". When they dive down, showing us their massive flukes as they glide beneath the water, they leave behind a disturbance in the water called a "foot print". Of course the most spectacular sight is a breaching humpback, where the whale propels its massive body out of the water, rotates sideways in the air and hits the surface in an explosion of water. Fighting males put on a great show to impress the females and to intimidate their opponents. They head butt and charge each other, leap, splash and posture in a wild display of mating behaviors.

Every year, 60% of Alaska’s humpback whales make the 3500-mile journey to the warm waters of Hawaii. Hawaii is a breeding ground for humpback whales. In Hawaii, you will find males competing for females. You will also find plenty of baby humpback whales and their nursing mothers, tending to them and teaching them to breach, tail slap and other behaviors, which makes Hawaii one of the best places in the world to watch humpback whales.

Whale season in Hawaii begins around October/November and ends in May. However, peak season is usually from December to April, so if you are looking for “whale soup,” then you must plan your trip accordingly.

Even at 100 yards away, a whale can be very impressive, and while the boat is not allowed to approach any closer, a whale may still get closer. Some have gone right under our boat.

Listen to whale songs. This is a particularly unique opportunity for visitors to Hawaii. Every year, male humpbacks will sing. This song can be heard in the water for many miles. If you go on our whale watching cruise, we drop a microphone into the water so that you can hear the whale song for yourself. If you enjoy diving or snorkeling in the North Shore, you may be able to hear whale song for yourself in the water.

Don't plan to take anything more than a day pack with you on the boat. There will be a lot of other people aboard, and keeping track of too much stuff could be a hassle.

Please note all sails are weather permitting. Sailing, snorkeling, whale watching and dolphin spotting are all seasonal activities and cannot be guaranteed.

Prices: $80.00 for adults. $60.00 for children 4-11 years.

We have Kama'aina and military discounts.

Beverages are included, and sails have a maximum of 20 pax.