Whale Watching in Kona
Overview
We are a small Hawaiian ʻohana-owned and operated business.
A family of five—Kaleo, Leila, and their three sons Kaeo, Hauʻoli, and Makana—shares their love for the ocean with visitors and locals alike through their family-style charter boat company on the Kona Coast of the Big Island of Hawaii, founded in 2025. We aim to give an authentic experience in a smaller, more personal setting with a maximum of 6 guests per charter, ensuring safety and comfort for all on board.
What's Included
- Snacks
- Carbonated beverages Soda/Pop
- Bottled water
Meeting Location
74-380 Kealakehe Parkway
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
The Humpback Whale (Koholā) arrives in Hawaii in December and usually stays until April. After migrating from Alaska, it gives birth to its young in the warm Hawaiian waters, where the whales nurse, rest, and play for the following five months before returning to Alaska.
Join us as we embark to observe not only humpback whales but a variety of whale species in their natural habitat. Tail slaps, playful head bobs, spy hops, mating heat runs, and full-body breaches are all exciting visuals we look forward to witnessing on our whale-watching excursions.
We will take the time to share our *naʻauao* (knowledge) with you about these special marine animals—their behaviors, migration patterns, and relations with Hawaiian culture. You will also be fascinated to hear the *mele* (song) of the koholā (whale) through a specially designed hydrophone that picks up live audio from the whales communicating below.
We invite you this winter season for a unique and memorable experience on the water enjoying these breathtaking animals with us.
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Specialized infant seats are available
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 6 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (9)
Q: Do we get to swim with or touch the dolphins?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-5617019P3
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 6 traveler reviews collected by Cool Hawaii and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (9)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Hawaii customers.
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As an active member of the Dolphin SMART program, we do not have physical contact with the dolphins on Whale Watching in Kona. We watch them in their natural habitat from the boat.
Dec 2022If 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- 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 a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- Snacks.
- Carbonated beverages. Soda/Pop.
- Bottled water.
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 2025The minimum age to participate is 5. This activity requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If 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 2025Accessibility information for the Whale Watching in Kona is as follows:
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Whale Watching in Kona 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 2024What's Included
- Snacks
- Carbonated beveragesSoda/Pop
- Bottled water
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Specialized infant seats are available
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 6 travelers
