Whale-Watching in Honolulu and Oahu

November is marked by the arrival of snow in much of America, but in Hawaii it marks the return of the humpback whale. These migrating behemoths move south from their North Pacific homes during the winter months for courtship and calving, and they put on quite a show. Watching males and females alike throwing themselves out of the ocean and into the sunset awes even the saltiest of sailors. Newborn calves riding gently next to their two-ton mothers will stir you to your core. These gentle giants can be seen from the shore as they make a splash, but there is nothing like having your boat rocking beneath you in the wake of a whale's breach.

Hawaii Sailing Adventures and Hawaii Nautical both run whale-watching charters during the winter months. At Hawaii Sailing Adventures, two-hour whale-watching cruise rates with dinner start at $119. At Hawaii Nautical, three-hour whale-watching cruise rates with snacks start at $100.

Wild Side Specialty Tours. Boasting a marine-biologist crew, this west-side tour boat takes you to undisturbed snorkeling areas. Along the way you can view dolphins, turtles, and, in winter, whales. The tours leave early (7 AM) to catch the wildlife still active, so it's important to plan ahead as they're an hour outside Honolulu. Four-hour whale-watching cruise rates with continental breakfast start at $95. Waianae Boat Harbor, Slip A11, Waianae Boat Harbor. 808/306-7273.