Free Concierge Service
    Text or call 1-877-GREET-WELL
    Ask AIAI
    Ask AIAI
    1. Local experiences
    2. /Things to do in Kailua-Kona…
    3. /Water Activities
    4. /Whale Watching
    5. /Waikoloa Whale Watching Cruise
    Why travelers choose Greetwell

    Curated by our team

    Every experience is hand selected and approved by Greetwell.

    Personal concierge

    Real humans available to help before, during, and after your booking.

    Intimate & authentic

    Including unique in-home experiences you won't find anywhere else.

    Easy booking & cancellation

    Reserve in minutes with free cancellation on most experiences.

    Greetwell

    Experiences that stay with you long after the trip

    Greetwell curates authentic local experiences and provides personal concierge support in over 500 destinations, helping you explore confidently wherever you go.

    About

    • Our Story
    • For Experience Providers
    • For Hospitality Partners
    • For Developers

    Resources

    • Travel Guides
    • Help Center
    [email protected]1-877-GREET-WELL

    Safe & Secure Payments

    © 2026 Greetwell, Inc. All rights reserved.
    Privacy PolicyTerms
    Product image 1
    Product image 2
    Product image 3
    Product image 4
    Product image 5
    Product image 6
    Product image 7
    Gallery image
    Gallery image 1
    Gallery image 2
    Gallery image 3
    Gallery image 5

    Waikoloa Whale Watching Cruise

    Humpback whale watching with a free re-ride if no whales are seen

    4.9 stars• 883 reviews

    Duration

    1.5 hours

    Includes

    Whale watch, snacks, drinks

    Highlights

    Join a seasonal whale watch on Hawaii's waters. A whale-sighting guarantee gives you one free re-ride if no whales are seen.

    • Watch for humpback whales from December through March
    • Look for dolphins, which are likely to be seen
    • Experience sea spray and wind in optional front-net areas
    • Keep bags, towels, and clothing dry in covered storage
    • Wear clothing you don't mind getting wet on morning powerboat trips

    Itinerary

    • Check-In at Anaeho‘omalu Bay (A-Bay): Meet your captain and crew at the Hawai‘i Nautical check-in sign in the middle of the beach. After a brief safety orientation, board your vessel — Holona for the morning powerboat cruise or the Spirit of Aloha for the afternoon catamaran departure.

    • Whale-Watching Adventure: Cruise the stunning Kohala Coast in search of humpback whales breaching, tail-slapping, and nursing their young. Your crew shares fascinating insights into whale behavior and migration.

    • Relax & Refresh: Morning guests enjoy soft drinks, juice, water, and light snacks while afternoon departures include tropical cocktails, beer, wine, and light snacks as you return to shore surrounded by scenic coastal views.

    Important details

    • Arrive 20 minutes before departure for beach check-in
    • Complete a waiver for each participant within one day of your activity; a parent or guardian must complete one for anyone 17 or under
    • Bring the credit card used for payment and matching photo ID; both names must match the booking contact, and staff will retain a copy
    • Prepare for barefoot beach boarding with a few steps in shallow water from the beach to a tender boat

    Cancellation Policy

    Cancel 48 hours or more before departure for a full refund. Cancellations less than 48 hours before departure are not eligible for a refund. Full refund if the captain cancels due to weather.

    FAQs

    Humpback whales visit Hawaii each year from December through March to breed, give birth, and care for their young.

    Yes. Whale sightings are guaranteed during the season; if no whales are seen, you are invited to come again for free.

    Morning trips operate on the Holona powerboat, while afternoon trips are aboard the Spirit of Aloha catamaran.

    Meeting details

    Anaeho'omalu Bay, 69-1081 Kuualii Place, Waikoloa, HI 96738

    Experience provided by Hawaii Nautical Big Island

    Related locations

    How can we help?

    We are here to assist with special requests, large groups, last minute needs, and any questions you may have.

    Call or text 1-877-GREET-WELL

    Report an issue

    Reference #58V3DH

    Adult

    $134.30

    Ages 13+

    0

    Child

    $86.51

    Ages 4-12

    0

    Infant

    $1

    Ages 0-3

    0

    Why book through Greetwell?

    • No Added Fees

      No booking or service fees, ever

    • Concierge Support Included

      Real humans ready to help with timing, questions, or special requests

    • Free Cancellation Available

      Most experiences can be cancelled for a full refund

    Discover what we've curated for you

    Review summary

    4.9
    Excellent
    883 reviews•Google Maps
    506
    14
    2
    2
    10

    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

    Review 1 of 4
    5/5

    Super professional and good time on the water!

    Photo of Jesus Lopez

    Jesus Lopez

    July 7, 2026

    Review 1 of 1
    5/5

    Super professional and good time on the water!

    Photo of Jesus Lopez

    Jesus Lopez

    July 7, 2026

    Nearby activities

    3-Hour Snorkel Cruise in Waikoloa
    Snorkeling

    3-Hour Snorkel Cruise in Waikoloa

    Sail, snorkel and enjoy lunch aboard a spacious catamaran

    Sail, snorkel and enjoy lunch aboard a spacious catamaran
    4.9 • 883 reviews
    $197/ person
    Waikoloa Sunset Sail
    Sailing

    Waikoloa Sunset Sail

    Sunset views, drinks, and light bites aboard the Spirit of Aloha

    Sunset views, drinks, and light bites aboard the Spirit of Aloha
    4.9 • 883 reviews
    $172/ person
    Kona Coast Dolphin Snorkel Sail
    Snorkeling

    Kona Coast Dolphin Snorkel Sail

    Sail Kona’s coast with snorkeling, lunch, and in-water crew support

    Sail Kona’s coast with snorkeling, lunch, and in-water crew support
    4.9 • 883 reviews
    $489/ person
    Kona Coast Private Yacht Charter
    Yacht Charters

    Kona Coast Private Yacht Charter

    Set your own course for a private Kona Coast sail and snorkel day

    Set your own course for a private Kona Coast sail and snorkel day
    4.9 • 883 reviews
    $2,212
    3-Hour Kona Snorkel Sail
    Snorkeling

    3-Hour Kona Snorkel Sail

    Sail Kona's coast and snorkel with crew support aboard a spacious catamaran

    Sail Kona's coast and snorkel with crew support aboard a spacious catamaran
    4.9 • 883 reviews
    $184/ person
    Kona Coast Sunset Sail
    Sailing

    Kona Coast Sunset Sail

    Sunset views, light bites, and drinks aboard a Kona Coast catamaran

    Sunset views, light bites, and drinks aboard a Kona Coast catamaran
    4.9 • 883 reviews
    $123/ person