Are dolphins or other wildlife seen too?

Yes. Spinner dolphins, sea turtles, and even manta rays are often spotted along the Kohala Coast.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Yes. This family-friendly cruise is great for guests of all ages. Life jackets are available for everyone.

Will I get wet on the boat?

The Olohana offers a dry, comfortable ride with shaded seating. You may feel a light ocean mist, but no full splashes — it’s part of the fun.

Free Concierge Service

Text or call 1-877-GREET-WELL

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Kohala Coast Whale Watch Cruise

Name: Kohala Coast Whale Watch Cruise
Brand: Hawaii Nautical Big Island
Price: 114.66 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.9 (666 reviews)

Spot humpback whales from a shaded powerboat along the Kohala Coast

4.9 stars• 666 reviews

Duration

2 Hours

Includes

Whale watch, drinks, narration

Highlights

Explore the Kohala Coast aboard Olohana, a 41-foot powerboat with shaded seating and spacious decks. Whale sightings are guaranteed from December through March, with a free re-ride if no whales are spotted.

Watch for humpback whales as they breach, tail-slap, and nurse their young
Learn about whale behavior and migration from the local crew
Take in views of Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa, and Hualālai
Look out for dolphins, sea turtles, and other marine life

Itinerary

Departure from Kawaihae Harbor: Meet your captain and crew, complete a short safety briefing, and get comfortable aboard Olohana, our 41-ft luxury powerboat.
Whale-Watching Adventure: Cruise along the scenic Kohala Coast in search of humpback whales breaching, tail-slapping, and nursing their young. Your crew will share fascinating facts about whale behavior and migration patterns.
Coastal Sightseeing: Enjoy panoramic views of Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa, and Hualālai — and keep an eye out for dolphins or sea turtles that often join the journey.
Return to Harbor: Relax with light snacks and refreshments as you cruise back toward Kawaihae, wrapping up a perfect Big Island ocean experience.

What's Included

Professional captain and knowledgeable local crew
Educational narration and wildlife spotting
Cold soda, juice, and water
Shaded seating
Dry storage for personal items

Important details

Check in 20 minutes before departure
Complete a waiver within one day of your scheduled activity
Have a parent or guardian submit a waiver for each participant age 17 or under
Bring rub-in reef-safe sunscreen; spray sunscreen is not allowed on board

Cancellation Policy

Cancel 48 hours or more before departure for a full refund. Receive a full refund if the captain cancels the tour due to weather or at their discretion.

Product ID: KZDHNY

FAQs

Humpback whales visit Hawai‘i each year from December through March to breed, give birth, and care for their young in the islands’ warm, protected waters.

Yes — whale sightings are guaranteed. If no whales are spotted during your trip, you’re invited to come again for free.

Absolutely. While our crew helps spot whales for you, binoculars can enhance your experience for close-up viewing.

Review summary

4.9

Excellent

666 reviewsGoogle Maps

Captain Michael and his crew consistently steal the show here. Reviewers rave about the warm, attentive service, with crew members getting in the water during snorkel trips, helping with photos, and going out of their way for solo travelers and birthday celebrations alike. The small group sizes keep things personal and relaxed, and the catamarans are frequently described as spacious, clean, and comfortable. Both the snorkel cruises and sunset sails earn glowing praise, with wildlife sightings like dolphins, sea turtles, and manta rays popping up regularly. One pleasant surprise that catches many guests off guard is the food. Most people expect light snacks and instead get a full teriyaki chicken dinner with mai tais and well drinks included. The only minor hiccup worth knowing is that directions to the harbor can be a little unclear, though the crew has been known to step in and help guests who get turned around. For a Big Island ocean experience, this one hits the sweet spot of personal attention, beautiful scenery, and genuine hospitality.

What people are saying

We had a great time in the sunset cruise in Kona. Staff was friendly and attentive. We saw dolphins along the way. The sunset was amazing.

Jessie Dunston

September 1, 2026

We had a great time in the sunset cruise in Kona. Staff was friendly and attentive. We saw dolphins along the way. The sunset was amazing.

Jessie Dunston

September 1, 2026

Meeting details

Kawaihae Harbor South

Experience provided by Hawaii Nautical Big Island

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Most experiences can be cancelled for a full refund