We will be in Kauai -staying in Hanalei- at the beginning of Feb.and were wondering what would be the best time to take a whalewatching trip, morning or afternoon? I guess sunset cruises would be too late, as it would be dark? Anybody have any experience or can recommend an Operator? We'd prefer to go from Hanalei, although I know there are only two (?) companies going from there.
Is there a chance we'll get to see Albatros ?
Many thanks!

This may help you:

http://www.activity-hawaii-travel-gu...ng-hawaii.html

fraukie:

For albatross, head out to Kilauea Lighthouse...we're deep in the winter "nesting" season, so there are many, many migratory birds to see there. We've actually got nesting albies here in Princeville -- mostly in people's backyards, but there's one nesting right along the main road into Princeville. The nest is cordoned off, but very visible from the road as you drive by.

For whales. you'll definitely want to take a morning cruise. I think those goliaths of the deep take afternoon naps! We've seen lots of them from shore this year -- mostly on the east side, and clearly visible without aid of binoculars...breaching, splashing...creating lots of ooooohs and ahhhhhhhs from folks like us!

Thank you auntieM! We are so looking forward to our trip, and this makes it even more exciting!!!
We were also hoping to get a little surfing in, but I think Feb is not a good time for almost beginners, is it?
Maybe snorkeling would be ok, though?

AuntieMaria- which road in Princeville can we see the Albatross from? we stayed in Princeville in September..
looking forward to listening to your show, as well!!!

fraukie:

The one I mentioned is on Ka Haku Road -- the road which takes you off the highway, past the gatehouse, and to the Princeville Hotel. The nest is on the left side (alongside the Lakes course of the Maikai Golf Club), across from the new condo projects on Pepelani Loop. Cute!

THANK YOU!

well we are back. As there are no Boat Tours out of Hanalei in Winter, we went with HoloHolo from Port Allen. ( even though the person in the 'tour booking-booth' in Hanalei trie dto ersuade us to go with Captain Andy, we decided against it after reading the review in the Blue Book)
The tour was not fully booked, so there was plenty of room on the boat, and the crew was great. Although the tour was not strictly a Whale Watch tour, but went up to Na Pali, we saw loads of Doplhins and several Whales.
We went to Kilauea Lighthouse twice, and saw whales from the lookout, and several Albatros, and we went almost daily to visit Percy & family ( 'our' Albatros) in Princeville. I do not understand why they chose to nest right by the road, on a golf course- surely the male must have chosen the spot, so he can get a round of golf in, between feeding... but we felt privelidged to be able to see these beautiful birds.

Sadly, that albie is just one of the 4 nesting pair who annually spent the winter in the open space which is now "built over" by those two huge condo projects across the street.

We often wonder what happened to the other 3 "couples"... #39;(

It was always fun to watch the mom or dad come zooming in at feeding time. After watching the antics of two chicks who were attempting flight (they jump up and down, trying to "catch air" -- very funny to watch!), we named them "Orville" and "Wilbur".

that is both funny and sad...!
we were lucky enough to see 'dad' try to take off...after walking to a little hill on the golf course, and subsequently flying very closly over our heads!
I thought there was a lot of building work going on, and I am worried that the next time I am able to visit, traffic will have gotten worse and there'll be lots more condos...

We have a neighbor who, upon moving here from New Jersey just a few years ago, said about Kaua`i, "No matter where you look, it's a picture-postcard view". Hopefully, that will continue regardless of all these new accommodation projects.

IMHO the worst day on Kaua`i (like being here right after a hurricane), is truly better than the best day on the mainland... 8-)