From late January to mid-April is kohola (whale) mating season in Hawaii, when these gentle giants migrate from 3,000 miles away in the Gulf of Alaska. To get up-close and personal with these amazing creatures, reserve your spot on a catamaran cruise through Ocean Sports. Keep a lookout for shifting spots of color in the ocean (a sign that they’re about to break the surface), spouts, tail wags, and—if you’re lucky—breaches (when they leap into the water). They travel in groups called pods, and you may even hear them “sing” to you from beneath the ocean during the cruise. The experience of watching a 45-ton whale appear out of nowhere in still waters, as if by magic, is nothing short of exhilarating. Visit hawaiioceansports.com to book (from $97 and up).

Photo Credit: K. Aleisha Fetters