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Waikoloa Whale Watching Cruise in Kailua-Kona, HI

Hawaii Nautical (Honokohau - Kona) • Anaehoomalu Bay • Waikoloa, HI 96738
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A humpback whale breaches the ocean surface, lifting most of its body out of the water with splashes against a blue sky backdrop.
A whale's tail fin rises out of the ocean, water cascading off its edges, with a distant shoreline visible in the background.
A blue motorboat with several people on board is floating on calm, open water under a partly cloudy sky.
A whale partially emerges above the surface of the open ocean under a clear blue sky.
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About Waikoloa Whale Watching Cruise

Overview

Catch the magic of the ocean as you head out for a whale watching adventure in Waikoloa! From December to March, see humpback whales in their natural Hawaiian paradise aboard a fast, open powerboat. Expect thrilling views of whales and playful dolphins—perfect for nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike. A must-do activity!

up to 1.5 hrs 1 or more people

Good To Know

  • Seasonal whale sightings (December through March) offer incredible close-up views of humpback whales and dolphins.
  • The Holona is a fast, nimble open powerboat that can handle plenty of sea spray.
  • Afternoon tours are typically on a larger sailing catamaran, Spirit of Aloha, offering shelter from the spray.
  • Dress in casual clothes that may get wet, especially for trips outside the bay.
  • Whale sightings are not guaranteed but are highly probable during peak season.
  • Tour duration is approximately 90 minutes. Arrive at least 20-40 minutes prior to tour to look for parking.
  • Each tour includes complimentary soda, juice, and water.
  • The boat departs from Anaehoomalu Bay at the Waikoloa Beach Resort.
  • For easy boarding, wear shoes that are easy to remove for the beach-loading process.
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Promotional Images (5)
Customer Photos (1)
Kona Whales photo submitted by Austin Dolan

Description

Join Hawaii Nautical on a 90-minute Big Island whale watching tour along the stunning Kohala coastline. Choose a morning or afternoon excursion to see humpback whales in the wild.

Every December through March, thousands of Humpback whales migrate to the warm waters of Hawaii. Come along and catch these beautiful mammals at their best on our exciting eco-friendly whale watching excursions.

The morning trip sets off aboard the Holona, a fast and nimble powerboat with plenty of sea-spray likely.

Afternoon trips are most often on the Spirit of Aloha sailing catamaran, which is not as fast as Holona but does provide more areas out of the sea-spray.

Tours depart from Waikoloa's Anaeho'omalu Bay on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Schedule
Morning 9:45am -11:15am on open powerboat Holona
Afternoon 1:45pm-3:15pm on sailing catamaran
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Waikoloa Whale Watching Cruise Reviews

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Bevo95
"Great way to spend our last night in Hawaii!"
TripAdvisor user rating 5.0 out of 5
Reviewed July 05, 2025
We took our family on a 2-hour catamaran sunset cruise for our last night in Hawaii...it was wonderful! The crew was great, and the sunset was awesome. Great way to end our trip!
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862aliced
Tallahassee, Florida
"Snorkel/Dolphin Cruise west Ohua"
TripAdvisor user rating 5.0 out of 5
Reviewed June 10, 2025
Our goal was for our two 16 year old granddaughters to experience snorkeling in the waters around Oahu and that goal was exceeded! The driver that picked us up with so knowledgeable about the area and the rest of the staff were great! We felt very safe and absolutely loved the four hours! Highly recommend!
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690paxtonh
"Best boat tour ever!!!"
TripAdvisor user rating 5.0 out of 5
Reviewed May 18, 2025
This tour was the highlight of our trip!! Our Captain Michael and Kyle were super awesome. They were extremely skilled and wonderful hosts, the snorkeling was really fun and we learn a lot from Kyle! It was a delightful experience and I would highly recommend this for anyone seeking some fun.
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bolanjc
Winterport, Maine
"Great Snorkeling experience"
TripAdvisor user rating 5.0 out of 5
Reviewed May 09, 2025
Lovely trip. The crew were experienced and careful, really worked together as a team. The reef was lovely and we had enough time to explore it. We were under sail on the catamaran on the way back, which was especially nice.
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Terramor951
Corona, California
"Dolphins, Whales, Fun Crew❗️❗️❗️"
TripAdvisor user rating 5.0 out of 5
Reviewed May 06, 2025
We did the Snorkel / Dolphin cruise from Waianae and it was GREAT! Turtles and dolphins and a bonus pod of pilot whales. Easy sailing, fair seas, and a fun crew! Very safe in case you're wondering! Snorkeling was easy, and plenty of fish. Even saw a manta ray! And…a very entertaining ride from Ko Olina with our driver, Eddie❗️ All in All, I’d highly recommend this trip…worth every penny❗️
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jacobbF4609KC
"An Amazing, Unforgettable Experience"
TripAdvisor user rating 5.0 out of 5
Reviewed May 06, 2025
My girlfriend and I wanted to go snorkeling while in Hawaii and ended up booking a two hour tour with Hawaii Nautical over to Turtle Canyon. There were a crew of four and ten passengers, including my girlfriend and I. The crew ensured all passengers were informed and walked everyone through the basics of snorkeling. The crew took their time to help people who could not swim well, however, everyone is given a life jacket prior to getting into the water. From where we were at, Turtle Canyon was about 15 - 20 feet under water. The water was very cloudy but my girlfriend and I got to see a turtle and several schools of fish. Overall, this was an amazing opportunity. While we wish the water was not as cloudy, we understand we could not control that and we still had a lot of fun. The crew were amazing, professional, and informative. If you are looking to snorkel, Hawaii Nautical is the best place to do it with.
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ozzybattler
Gold Coast, Queensland
"Friday night fireworks is a must do, great trip."
TripAdvisor user rating 5.0 out of 5
Reviewed March 23, 2025
Fantastic tour. The crew was great, friendly and the service was quick. Plenty of drinks and great music. The food was good but eat early to get it hot. We were set up in a fantastic position to watch the fireworks. Really had a great time.
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Waikoloa Whale Watching Cruise is located at Hawaii Nautical (Honokohau - Kona) • Anaehoomalu Bay • Waikoloa, HI 96738
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Frequently Asked Questions about Waikoloa Whale Watching Cruise

What time does the tour depart?

The whale-watching tour departs at 9:45 AM daily during the whale migration season (December–March).

Is the whale watching tour suitable for children?

Yes, children are welcome! Prices are reduced for children, and infants (0-3 years old) are free.

How long is the Waikoloa Whale Watching Cruise?

The cruise is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes from December to March.

What should I wear on the tour?

Casual clothing that you don’t mind getting wet is recommended, especially for trips outside the bay.

Is there a restroom on the boat?

Yes, the Holona powerboat is equipped with an onboard restroom for your convenience.

Is the tour eco-friendly?

Yes, this tour follows eco-friendly guidelines to protect marine life and the environment.

Where do I meet for the tour?

The meeting point is at Anaehoomalu Bay, Waikoloa Beach Resort. Follow the signs to the check-in area.

What happens if I don’t see any whales?

While whale sightings are highly likely, they are not guaranteed. The tour is designed to maximize your chances of seeing them.

What happens if I don’t see any animals?

If you don't see marine wildlife, come back again 1 more time for free!

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