Makana Charters Maintains 100-Yard NOAA Distance on All Tours

Posted Friday, September 25, 2026 5:15 am

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Makana Charters Follows NOAA's 100-Yard Rule on Every Kauai Whale Watching Departure

Waimea, United States - September 25, 2026 /Makana Charters/

The Native Hawaiian family-owned operator departs Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor for a season running November through May, with January as the confirmed peak month.

WAIMEA, Hawaii, 23rd September - Makana Charters has opened reservations for the 2026-2027 humpback whale watching season. The season runs November through May, with January as the confirmed peak month for sightings.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary confirms that humpback whales are present in Hawaiian waters from November through April, with January through March representing the strongest stretch of the season.

Makana Charters' on-water observations extend that trip-planning window into May. Each season, more than 10,000 North Pacific humpback whales migrate approximately 3,000 miles from their Alaska feeding grounds to Hawaii's warm, shallow waters to breed, calve, and nurse.

Every Makana Charters captain maintains the NOAA-required 100-yard minimum distance from any humpback whale encountered and does not approach or follow a whale to close that distance. Whale sightings are common during the season but are never guaranteed.

Season Dates and Peak Viewing

NOAA's confirmed season window spans November through April, with January through March as its strongest stretch. Makana Charters' own range for trip planning extends one month further, through May, with January identified as the single confirmed peak month based on the crew's direct experience on the water.

More information about the Kauai whale watching season is available on the company's website.

Reserving a 2026-2027 Season Charter

Makana Charters departs from Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor in Kekaha, the departure point closest to the Na Pali Coast among operators on the island, across a fleet of six catamarans accommodating groups ranging from 12 to 36 guests. Reservations can be confirmed by phone or online, depending on group size.

Travelers planning Kauai whale watching tours can schedule a departure for the 2026-2027 season through the company's booking system.

Makana Charters also offers private Na Pali Coast charters and sunset cruises for guests seeking an exclusive or evening departure. Availability and boat assignment are confirmed at the time of booking.

Kauai visitors can reserve a whale watching tour with Makana Charters.

About Makana Charters

Makana Charters is a Native Hawaiian family-owned boat tour operator based in Waimea, Hawaii, departing from Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor in Kekaha. The company has operated Na Pali Coast tours for 26 years, continuing the legacy of Liko Kauai Cruises, and the family has called Kauai home for more than 100 years.