Kohola Whale Watching Excursion
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
Join us to observe the behavior of the Humpback Whales while they visit the Hawaiian Islands. Learn more about them from our kind & qualified staff. If the whales are singing, we will have the opportunity to listen to their hauntingly beautiful songs with our hydrophone! Our vessel only takes 6 people max so you beat the typical tourist trap large vessels for a more intimate experience.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Must be 4ft or taller
Must be under 250lbs
Must NOT have had any major surgery in the past 6 months
Must be able to climb vertical ladder if you wish to snorkel
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Join us to scan the Kona coast for our beautiful & majestic Kohola (Humpback Whales) that frequent our waters in the winter months. We will have 3 hours to observe these amazing creatures as they migrate to Hawaii to birth their calves, mate, rest & play! Come join us to watch these animals in the wild & observe their natural behavior & hear their hauntingly beautiful songs that fill the ocean. You can opt to purchase individual spots on the boat (up to 6 spaces available max) or if you prefer the luxury and privacy of your own custom guided tour, you can book a private charter. We need a minimum of (4) guests to run the tour. Being on a small vessel allows for a more personal experience with our crew and more time in the water than the typical “tourist trap” large vessel. This tour does include a short snorkel if time allows, but the main focus is finding & observing the Humpback Whales. Please see our crew page on our website to learn more about our professional and highly qualified team.
What‘s Included
Soda/Pop
Snacks
Use of Snorkelling equipment
Please bring your own reusable water bottle
Options
Kohola Whale Watching Excursion
Reviews
20 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Personal attention + amazing whale encounter!
Casey D,Mar 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The guides were very personable and informative. They really asked our opinion throughout the trip to make sure we saw what we wanted to see. We saw tons of whales and had an up close and personal experience!!! Would definitely recommend. Having the smaller boat and personal attention made all the difference.
Highly recommended
Ross M,Jan 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We loved this experience! Captain Cam and Alyssa were very welcoming and knowledgeable about the waters and the whales. We were also very impressed that everything they do is done with as little disruption or contamination to the waters and wild life as possible. We were able to see many whales in the cruise, including being surrounded by 8-9 whales at one point. We will definitely come back and highly recommend them anytime
Ocean highlight
A6799NUpamc,Jan 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This adventure was my favorite. To be on the ocean with whales and spinner dolphins was awesome. The ride was comfortable with experienced captains and they were very kind and knowledgeable. Would recommend this trip as a highlight to your Big Island adventure.
Fantastic time on this...
Julie S,Dec 27, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00Fantastic time on this tour. It is a smaller boat so easier to see the sea life. Very knowledgeable crew. We got mobbed by a group of whales and it was incredible. Also saw dolphins. Truly an incredible experience.
5 star experience!
Aimee W,Jan 31, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00This tour was an amazing experience for myself and my family! We had a ton of fun and saw several whales and dolphins while we were out. The captain and crew treated us like family and went above and beyond to make sure our every need was taken care of! I would highly recommend this tour company if you’re looking to have a wonderful day at sea!
Whale trainers in their spare time (-;
Viccie B,Jan 30, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00I think the crew must spend their spare time training whales. (-; I am partial to the smaller, more intimate tours and this fit the bill. The crew was awesome. Very informative and knowledgeable. The seas were rough, so no swimming and the trip had to be cut short an hour. We were refunded a portion of the fee to offset, but the whale experience was worth every every penny without it. As an added bonus they even had an underwater microphone and we could hear the whales singing. Highly recommend this tour, but remember, this is a small tour with a crew of 2. Snorkel gear, light snacks and beverages were provided.
A fantastic experience
SimonyII J,Jan 14, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00The captain and first mate were competent and knowledgeable about the whales and their behaviors. The conditions were less than Ideal but trip seemed smooth and safe. My 75+ year old parents were ecstatic about how cool it was to see humpbacks in the wild as well as all the dolphins we got to see up close and personal, including a white dolphin. Everything was amazing
Great Kona whale watch tour!
Keely R,Mar 4, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a fantastic whale watch tour off Kona with this company. The whales were very active during this tour and we were so thrilled to get to see so much of them. Our guides were great knowing right where to go and explaining about their behavior and migration patterns. An all around fabulous experience!
Amazing Whale Tour!
Andriana marine,Jan 24, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I loved our whale watching tour! We were so lucky and got to see multiple humpbacks coming up to breathe and the best part is when they dive down and you get to see their tail! The tour is great at maintaining a safe distance and not following or trying to chase whales to get an interaction. Definitely want to do this trip again!!
Amazing Whale Watching!
799loris,Jan 4, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Such an amazing experience to see Humpback Whales, and on a smaller tour which makes the experience more intimate. The team at Kaimana have a ton of knowledge and make the experience so much fun along the way. The best whale watching tour on Big Island.
From US$160.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
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Operated by Kaimana Ocean Safari