Best time to come for whales and other wuestions

Hi all. my fiancé and I used to come down and say 7 to 10 days at a time but that was over 10 years ago before he passed away. I want to come back and we'll always hold a special place in my heart for Kauai.

Questions:

when is the best time to come to see whales?

when we came down before we would go deep-sea fishing . The boat captain's name was Terry, that's all I remember about him except that he was phenomenal. does anybody know if you're still end of there and if he is still taking people out?

There is this awesome little restaurant that we went to for breakfast in Kapaa that serves the best eggs Benedict with mango that I've ever had. Across the street from it was a food truck that serve fish tacos to cry for. does anybody know those two places still exist?

Thank you in advance. I'm sure a lot has changed in 10 years so I don't expect the same experience but I want to come back soon, very soon.

Aloha, and thank you for sharing your story. Kauai is a special place, and I hope your return visit brings many wonderful memories.

Regarding your questions:

Best time to see whales: Humpback whales migrate to Hawaiian waters each year, and the peak season for whale watching is from mid-December through mid-April. January through March typically offers the highest likelihood of sightings, with whales often breaching close to shore and being active in the waters off Kauai’s south and west coasts.

Deep-sea fishing with Captain Terry: Unfortunately, without a last name or boat name, it can be tricky to confirm if he is still operating. Many local captains do continue for decades, so it may be worth reaching out to Kauai fishing charters directly or checking local charter listings to see if a “Terry” is still running trips. If not, there are several other experienced captains who offer deep-sea fishing tours in the area, often departing from the west side (Port Allen) or east side (Kapa’a/Kealia).

Restaurants in Kapaa: The town has evolved over the last decade, but some long-standing favorites remain. For breakfast with eggs Benedict and mango, it may have been a place like Java Kai or another small café in Kapaa—these local spots sometimes shift owners or menus, so it’s best to check recent reviews. Across the street, food trucks serving fish tacos are still common along Kapaa’s main roads; popular trucks include Fish Express and others, but offerings may have changed over the years. A local visitor guide or online review site will have the most up-to-date info.

Summary tips for your trip:

  • Plan your Kauai visit for January–March if whale watching is a priority.
  • Contact local charter companies in advance to reserve a fishing trip; mention Captain Terry if possible for leads.
  • Explore Kapaa’s main street for breakfast cafés and food trucks; check recent reviews or local recommendations to find current favorites.

Even though a lot may have changed in 10 years, Kauai still retains its charm, beautiful landscapes, and incredible experiences on land and sea. Wishing you a safe and memorable visit back to the island you love.


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