Whale watching?

[msrocket]

Has anyone been sighting whales off the coast? I'm looking for any recommendations for time and place for whale watching, now that we're in the season.
Thanks!

[Ino]

I haven't seen them yet off of East Hawaii but I know they're on their way. Here's some recent sightings-zoom out to include Big Island;http://www.pacificwhale.org/content/whale-and-dolphin-sightings

Not real time but fascinating to watch the whales movement-go to lower right-click on the 3 dash box to follow individual whales;
http://whales.smartmine.com/

Estimated densities;
http://www.lovebigisland.com/wp-content/...ensity.jpg

A lot of research being done here by this group;
http://www.cascadiaresearch.org/Hawaii/NovDec2014.htm

If you get a chance during the whale's peak period, which for East Hawaii is usually from Dec. to Feb, put your head underwater and listen to the whale's singing- it's one of the most incredible things you can do on this island!

[4antares]

Sighting whales is something if a matter of luck and timing. They are around, although it's early in the season. You just have to sit down and watch for them. Some days you won't see anything, some days they are everywhere. On more than one occasion I've watched for extended periods and seen nothing only to turn my head as I was calling it a day and see several playing in a direction I hadn't been looking. I have found it more productive if two people are watching in different directions. Simply scan the water back and forth and watch for the telltale spouts when they surface and exhale. Any "beach" will do as they move continuously and show up all over the coast. Oddly I have found Hilo bay to be one if the more productive sighting locales. It's pretty amazing to be driving down the road and see a whale broach out your windshield.

life is short. enjoy it

[KeaauRich]

I usually have the best luck whale watching on the other side of the island along Rte. 270 between Spencer Beach Park and Kapa'a Beach park. Take Rt. 19 towards Kona, and when you see the ocean, bear right towards Hawi instead of turning left towards Kona.