Water activity

Kailua-Kona: Whale Watching Cruise

4.9 / 5

67 reviews

Activity provider:Hang Loose Boat Tours
Water activity

Kailua-Kona: Whale Watching Cruise

Activity provider:Hang Loose Boat Tours

From US$ 94.10 per person

Whale season starts in December and lasts until mid-April. Whales arrive yearly in the Hawaiian Islands after a 3,000 mile journey. If you are visiting Hawaii during this time, don't miss out and reserve your seat to see these magnificent creatures.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later
Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Covid-19 precautions
Special health and safety measures are in place. Check your activity voucher once you book for full details.
Duration 2.5 hours
Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide
English

Experience

Highlights
  • Hear the humpback whales singing using a hydrophone
  • See mothers and calves swimming together
  • Admire these magnificent creatures up-close
Full description
Hawaii is the only state in the United States where humpback whales mate, calve and nurse their young. Humpbacks may find Hawaii suitable because of the warm waters, the underwater visibility, the variety of ocean depths and the lack of natural predators. Mothers can be seen breaching alongside their calves and males can be seen competing with one another for females in fierce head-to-head battles. Join a 2.5-hour cruise as you follow these magnificent sea creatures and listen to their singing using the underwater hydrophones. Snacks and beverages will be available during your cruise providing a unique and memorable experience for the whole family.
Includes
  • 2.5-hour cruise
  • Snacks (chips, granola bars, rice krispies and fruit snacks)
  • Beverages (water, juice and ginger ale)
  • Hydrophone speaker
  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off
  • Gratuities
Not suitable for
  • Pregnant women
  • People with heart problems
  • People with back problems

Select participants and date

Participants

Date

Meeting point

Honokohau Harbor, located 4.5 miles south of the Kona Airport and 3.5 miles north of Kailua-Kona. After turning into the Honokohau Harbor, make your first right. Follow the road which veers to the left until it ends at a large parking lot. When you get to the large parking lot, drive to your left towards the boat ramps. Check-in next to the public restrooms at the Red Ford f 450.

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Important information

Know before you go

  • Please bring sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, long-sleeve jacket or sweatshirt and motion sickness medicine (most effective taken the night before and the day of the tour at least 1-hour before the scheduled tour)
  • Tours cancelled within 48-hours of departure are non-refundable
  • If whales are not spotted on your tour, you will receive another cruise for free (no refunds)
Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.9 /5

based on 67 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    5/5
  • Transportation
    4.9/5
  • Value for money
    4.7/5

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Star rating:

Very smooth and friendly operation. CaptainSimon and his assistants were very knowledgeable and helpful. They explained so much about all of the aquatic life that we were able to experience (yes, we were lucky enough to see multiple whales - even though late in the season). Very thorough safety briefings, and tips were given before launch. On the way out the Captain and assistants gave us interesting facts about the island, and why certain sea life is drawn to Hawaiian waters. Obviously no guarantees were made, but the Captain worked diligently to spot and track several whale pods, including two mothers and their calves. We kept our distance, but several times the whale came within several meters of our boat. I would highly recommend this tour. Wonderful experience all around. Oh, remember to bring SUNSCREEN!!

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March 20, 2023

Saw several humpback whales, approximately five very active ones, as well as spinner dolphins. The only disappointing aspect of the trip was that the hydra phone was broken. I had been really looking forward to hearing what a humpback really sounds like; they should’ve let us know that before booking.

March 3, 2023

It was fantastic! We could not have had a better experience! Simon, Hayden, and Jonah were all great with the knowledge they shared. While they can’t guarantee that you’ll see a whale, they took us out to the best possible location. Even after we saw several, they continued to be in search and provided a fabulous experience!

March 1, 2023

Product ID: 76840