Quick Details
Peak whale viewing season: Late December – Mid March
Departure Location: Honokohau Harbor in Kona, Hawaii
Duration: 2 hours
Trip Time: 8:00am; 1:30pm
Prices vary with demand. Plus tax and fees. Learn how to get the best price. Wildlife often appears but isn’t guaranteed.
BIG ISLAND KONA WHALE WATCHING TOURS
If you visit Kona, Hawaii between the months of January and March, then you’re right on time to take part in a wonderful two-hour whale watching cruise. Our large population of humpback whales, (Kohola in Hawaiian), have traveled over 3,000 miles, all the way from Alaska, to enjoy the warm and safe waters of the surrounding Hawaiian islands.
Whale Watching Kona Tour Details
Climb aboard our boat Orca to set out in search of whales. Our boat’s speed allows us to cover more distance, giving us a better chance of finding whales who can range over many miles along the Kona coast. Sometimes the whales are shy, so just be patient, and eventually, we’ll spot a spout or a flipper to help lead the way.
Every winter, the warm waters off the Kona coast come alive with the presence of humpback whales as they migrate from the cold, nutrient-rich seas of Alaska to Hawaii. These majestic creatures journey to Kona to mate, give birth, and nurse their young in the calm, protected waters. If you want to experience the thrill of seeing these gentle giants up close, there’s no better way than by joining us for an unforgettable whale watching Kona tour aboard our boat, Orca.
At Kona Snorkel Trips, we believe that whale watching Kona should be more than just a passive experience—it should be an adventure! That’s why we love our boat, Orca, a retired Navy SEAL boat, which offers our guests one of the fastest and most exciting whale watching experiences on the island. This former military vessel was designed for speed, agility, and durability, making it the perfect choice for those who want to zip down the Kona coast in search of whales. Unlike other whale watching boats, Orca can move faster than others, giving us the advantage of reaching prime whale watching spots quickly and efficiently. This means more time spent watching the whales and less time traveling, so you get the most out of your tour.
Our whale watching Kona tours aboard Orca provide a front-row seat to the incredible behaviors of humpback whales. These massive creatures, which can weigh up to 40 tons, are known for their dramatic displays. On any given tour, you may witness a humpback breaching—where the whale propels itself out of the water in a magnificent leap—or tail-slapping, where it repeatedly slaps the surface of the ocean with its powerful tail fluke, creating massive splashes. These behaviors are not only awe-inspiring to see but are believed to play important roles in whale communication and social interaction. Our guides will share insights into these behaviors and explain the fascinating life cycle of the humpback whales, including their 3,000-mile migration from Alaska to Hawaii.
One of the unique aspects of whale watching Kona aboard Orca is the advantage of speed and flexibility. Humpback whales move around and being able to quickly adjust our location is key to maximizing your chances of seeing these magnificent creatures. Orca allows us to cover more distance in a shorter amount of time, ensuring that you have a higher likelihood of encountering active whale pods. This flexibility sets our tours apart, giving our guests an exhilarating adventure while also ensuring a more intimate and personal experience with the whales.
But whale watching Kona with Kona Snorkel Trips offers more than just humpback whales. Kona’s waters are teeming with diverse marine life, and our tours frequently encounter spinner dolphins, known for their acrobatic spins and playful behavior. It’s not uncommon to see manta rays gliding gracefully through the water or even other species of whales, such as pilot whales or false killer whales, making your tour a full-fledged marine wildlife adventure.
Orca also provides a smooth and comfortable ride, despite its speed. It was originally designed for military operations, so it’s equipped to handle a range of conditions, keeping you safe and comfortable as we cruise the waters of Kona in search of whales. Whether you’re zipping down the coast to find the perfect spot or idling as we observe a pod of humpbacks, the vessel’s stability ensures you’ll have a smooth experience. Plus, the open-air seating on Orca provides unobstructed views, so you won’t miss a moment of the action.
Our whale watching Kona tours are perfect for all types of visitors, whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or a family looking to share an unforgettable experience together. The excitement of being on the water, combined with the breathtaking sight of a breaching whale or a mother humpback with her calf, is something that will stay with you for a lifetime. It’s also an educational experience, as our knowledgeable guides provide context and stories about the marine life we encounter. You’ll learn about the whales’ migration patterns, their role in the marine ecosystem, and the ongoing conservation efforts aimed at protecting these gentle giants.
At Kona Snorkel Trips, we’re not just about providing a thrilling whale watching adventure—we’re also committed to protecting the ocean and its inhabitants. We believe that by educating our guests about the importance of marine conservation, we can contribute to the preservation of Hawaii’s beautiful marine ecosystems. Our tours highlight the challenges whales face, such as the dangers of entanglement in fishing gear, ship strikes, and habitat degradation. We proudly support organizations dedicated to protecting the humpback whales and their habitat, and we encourage our guests to take an active role in conserving the marine environment.
One of the most popular aspects of whale watching Kona is the opportunity for photography. There’s nothing quite like capturing the moment a 40-ton humpback whale breaches against the backdrop of Hawaii’s stunning volcanic coastline. Whether you’re an amateur photographer or simply looking to snap some memories, our tours provide plenty of chances to get that perfect shot. The agility of Orca allows us to position the boat perfectly for optimal viewing and photography, ensuring you won’t miss any of the action.
For those seeking a thrilling, up-close experience with humpback whales, whale watching Kona aboard Orca is the perfect adventure. There’s something truly magical about witnessing these gentle giants in their natural habitat, and the speed and agility of our vessel make it even more exciting. From the moment you board Orca, you’ll feel the energy and excitement of being part of a top-tier whale watching tour. Whether you’re racing down the coast to find the next pod of whales or watching them glide gracefully through the water, you’re guaranteed an experience like no other.
If you’re ready for an exhilarating ocean adventure, Kona Snorkel Trips is here to deliver the best whale watching Kona experience. Book your tour today and join us aboard Orca, where speed, comfort, and the majesty of the humpback whales come together for an unforgettable journey!
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- Expectant mothers are not permitted to participate in this activity
- Individuals who experience regular back or neck pain are not permitted to participate in this activity
- Our boat is not suitable for those with impaired mobility
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We do not guarantee whales. We cannot conjure or wish whales into existence at any time, but we will do our very best to spot them. Please remember that these wild animals live in their natural habitat, and their movements and life rhythms do not revolve around our schedule or desire to observe them. Whale season is November – April, but whale peak sightings typically occur from late December to mid-March and that’s when we run our tours.
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- Sun-Protective Clothing
- Hat
- Polarized Sunglasses
- Sunscreen (no spray)
- Telephoto lens or binoculars
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A female humpback can weigh up to 40 tons (one ton is 2,000 pounds) and stretch up to 60 feet (18 meters) in length, which is about the size of an American school bus! Humpback whales may be monstrous in size, but they are peaceful creatures. They feed on krill, small fish, and plankton. As you can imagine, these big guys and gals need to eat A LOT to stay full, and a single whale may suck in 3,000 pounds of food a day!
Every year, the Kohola come to visit us in Hawaii, drawn by the warm and relatively shallow water. This is where mothers give birth and start nursing their new calves (who weigh about one ton at birth). Humpback whales are mostly a dark shade of gray with varying amounts of white on their pectoral fins. Their distinct white markings allow us to tell them apart.
One of the things we love most about the humpbacks is that they are a playful bunch. They often slap their fins, tails, and heads on the surface of the water or jump out of the water, known as breaching. Mother whales are also very affectionate with their calves, often touching them with their flippers. Amazingly, male humpback whales sing complex songs that can last up to 20 minutes and can be heard up to 20 miles (30 km) away.
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When it comes to whale watching in Kona, timing is key. The peak season for whale watching Kona generally runs from late December through mid March, although sightings may sometimes occur as early as November and as late as May. During this time, the humpbacks are particularly active, and visitors are almost guaranteed an encounter with these spectacular mammals. We run our tours only during peak viewing time to increase your chance of seeing these magnificent animals.
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Humpback Whales
These gentle giants are the most common type of whale your see in Kona from November to April. Known for their distinctive hump, long pectoral fins, and complex songs, these whales migrate to Hawaii from the cold Alaskan waters every winter to mate, give birth, and raise their calves. They are a joy to watch as they breach, tail slap, and fluke.
Pilot Whales
These residents are spotted in Kona year-round. Pilot whales are medium-sized with dark gray or black bodies and extremely large bulbous foreheads. Pilot whales are highly social animals and can be seen in groups of 50 individuals.
Melon Head Whales
Also known as Peponocephala electra, is a member of the dolphin family and are known for their unique appearance. They have rounded, melon-shaped heads, which is where they get their name. Their bodies are sleek, dark gray, with a white patch near their throat.
Sperm Whales
The largest predator in the world, the Sperm Whale, can also be spotted in Kona. These whales have a massive head, which makes up a third of their body length, and is known for their ability to dive deep into the ocean in search of their prey – squid. Sperm whales are seen year-round in Kona, and it’s not uncommon to see a group of them together.
Pygmy Killer Whales
Another type of whale you can see in Kona is the Pygmy Killer Whale. These whales are small and have distinct dorsal fins and black bodies. They are social animals and can be found in groups of up to 30 individuals. Pygmy Killers Whales are rare to spot, making them a special sight to see in Kona.
- These gentle giants are the most common type of whale your see in Kona from November to April. Known for their distinctive hump, long pectoral fins, and complex songs, these whales migrate to Hawaii from the cold Alaskan waters every winter to mate, give birth, and raise their calves. They are a joy to watch as they breach, tail slap, and fluke.
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Yes, 1000% it is worth it! To see a 40-ton animal launch itself out of the water – amazing. See newborn calves mimic their mom’s behavior. Or witness a heat run where males compete for the attention of a female. It’s all pretty spectacular and if you’re in Kona during a peak whale season – you’re in for a treat.
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Whale watching is an incredible experience in both Maui and Kona, each offering its own unique advantages.
Kona, on the Big Island, also offers unforgettable whale watching. While the overall number of whales may be slightly lower compared to Maui, the rich marine life surrounding Kona adds a special charm. Plus, the waters here are typically calmer, allowing for a smoother, more relaxing experience as you search for whales, dolphins, and other sea life.
In Maui, tthe shallow waters off Maui’s coast create ideal conditions for mothers and calves so the number of whales spotted is typically higher.
Ultimately, whether you choose Maui or Kona, you’ll have a magical opportunity to witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat!
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Some whales you can see all year round, like the pilot whales. The humpback whales can be seen as early as November and as late as May – sometimes even earlier. The peak whale watch season is late December to mid March.
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The humpback whales don’t have a schedule and are active from sunrise to sunset. Weather and ocean conditions are pretty consistent from morning to afternoon. In Kona, afternoon wind chop is rare making morning or afternoon whale watching possible.
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Refundable Ticket:
Cancellation: Full refund if canceled up to 48 hours before the trip.
Rebooking: Free rebooking up to 48 hours before the trip.All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing at least 48 hours before the trip’s start. Reservations made within 48 hours are not eligible for a refund.
Non-Refundable Ticket:
Cancellation: No refunds.
Rebooking: Rebooking allowed up to 48 hours before the trip.Trip Protection for Refundable Tickets
If you purchased trip protection, your cancellation window has been extended up to 12 hours before the start of the tour. You’ll be fully refunded for the ticket (minus the trip protection and fees). Request should be made by email.Trip protection may not be added within 12 hours before the start of the tour.
No Shows and Late Arrivals will not be refunded.
What if we cancel?
We reserve the right to cancel for any reason, including, but not limited to weather, ocean conditions, passenger count, mechanical issues, safety for you, our guests, and our crew. We’ll do our best to reschedule your trip based on availability or you’ll be issued a refund in full.
We commit to our employees and other guests and adhere to our 48-hour cancellation policy regardless of circumstances. We suggest traveler’s insurance for any issues such as illness, weather delays, and other circumstances that prohibit travel or participation on your part for any of your travel plans.
We are not responsible if we can not contact you for important information regarding the charter. We do not call international numbers.