Each year from as early as mid‑December through mid‑April, roughly 10,000 humpback whales migrate to Hawaiian waters, with about 75% of them concentrated in the channel between Molokai, Lānai, and Maui. January to March are peak times.

Local operators—like Molokai Fish and Dive and Molokai Ocean Tours—run daily boat tours from Kaunakakai Harbor, often guaranteeing whale sightings. Tours use small catamarans like the Ama Lua or Manu Ele’ele, providing intimate, up-close experiences. 🎥 VIDEO

Onshore opportunities are also possible—especially from Molokai’s south and west shores—where whales can sometimes be observed breaching or spouting. (Bring Binoculars. )