Whale Watch Excursion from the Big Island

248 Reviews 4.45 out of 5 stars Based on 248 traveler reviews collected by Cool Hawaii and TripAdvisor |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards. Big Island of Hawaii, USA
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from $151.34 per person

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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 13 (3) days in advance.
2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation
Offered in: English

Overview

This two-and-a-half hour whale watch tour with a certified naturalist departs from the Kailua-Kona pier during whale season (December to April). Hear singing males on the PA system through a hydrophone and take photos of whales up-close. Snacks and beverages are included (no-host bar also available). Whale sightings are guaranteed, or you can come again free!

What's Included

  • Beverages (alcoholic drinks available for purchase)
  • All taxes, fees and handling charges
  • Snacks and light refreshments
  • Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
  • Guests must provide their own transportation to the Kailua Kona Pier.
  • Gratuities
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

Kuakini Highway
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA

Show on Google Maps

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Guests board at the Kailua Pier 30 minutes prior to departure. Cruise along the Kona Coast to view whales with an onboard naturalist. Listen for whale songs on the hydrophone. Light snacks and water, tea, coffee, sodas and juices are included and there's a full service cash bar on board. Whale sightings are guaranteed or come again for free!

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Wheelchair accessible via a customize boarding ramp with portable extensions that accommodates manual and electric wheelchairs and scooters. Please include in Special Requests at the time of booking if wheelchair assistance is required
  • Boarding 30 minutes prior to scheduled departure time

Frequently Asked Questions

(9)

Q: Do we get to swim with or touch the dolphins?

A: As an active member of the Dolphin SMART program, we do not have physical contact with the dolphins on Whale Watch Excursion from the Big Island. We watch them in their natural habitat from the boat. Read more Dec 2022

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the activity for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-15509P3

Traveler Photos

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Reviews

4.45
248 reviews

Average 4.45 out of 5 stars based on 248 traveler reviews collected by Cool Hawaii and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
179
4 stars
30
3 stars
20
2 stars
9
1 star
10

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On average, this is booked 13 (3) days in advance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (9)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Hawaii customers.

Filter by:

Q: Do we get to swim with or touch the dolphins?
A:

As an active member of the Dolphin SMART program, we do not have physical contact with the dolphins on Whale Watch Excursion from the Big Island. We watch them in their natural habitat from the boat.

Dec 2022
Q: Will I get seasick on Whale Watch Excursion from the Big Island?
A:

If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.

Feb 2023
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Whale Watch Excursion from the Big Island?
A:
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the activity for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the activity start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the activity start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the activity start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the activity local time (HST).
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • Beverages (alcoholic drinks available for purchase).
  • All taxes, fees and handling charges.
  • Snacks and light refreshments.
  • Free parking 75-5629 Kuakini Hwy., Kailua Kona, HI 96740-about a one block walk away from the pier.
  • Live commentary on board.
  • Professional guide.
The following is NOT included:
  • Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase).
  • Guests must provide their own transportation to the Kailua Kona Pier.
  • Gratuities.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the weather cancellation policy?
A:

This activity requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this activity?
A:

There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This activity requires at least one adult to accompany children..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible activity?
A:

Accessibility information for the Whale Watch Excursion from the Big Island is as follows:

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Whale Watch Excursion from the Big Island will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Hawaii. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024

What's Included

Activity name

  • Beverages (alcoholic drinks available for purchase)
  • All taxes, fees and handling charges
  • Snacks and light refreshments
  • Free parking 75-5629 Kuakini Hwy., Kailua Kona, HI 96740-about a one block walk away from the pier.
  • Live commentary on board
  • Professional guide
  • Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
  • Guests must provide their own transportation to the Kailua Kona Pier.
  • Gratuities

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Wheelchair accessible via a customize boarding ramp with portable extensions that accommodates manual and electric wheelchairs and scooters. Please include in Special Requests at the time of booking if wheelchair assistance is required
  • Boarding 30 minutes prior to scheduled departure time
  • This adventure is on Hawaii Island in Kailua Kona.
  • Liability waiver must be completed by all guests prior to boarding.
  • Hotel pick-up is not available.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 110 travelers

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You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the activity for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the activity start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the activity start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the activity start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the activity local time (HST).
  • This activity requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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