Hilo: Royal Humpback Whale Exploration
Overview
Humpback whales visit Hawaii from Alaska for a brief time in the winter. this is the time to take in the majestic Humpbacks. Hilo Ocean Adventures is the only company on the east side of the island this tour. Come take a ride on our new 35' Wellcraft Scarab, with plenty of room for everyone for viewing.
What's Included
- Snacks Local juice and snacks
- Gratuities
- Hotel Pickup & Dropoff
- Transportation from the check-in location to the boat harbor
Meeting Location
1717 Kamehameha Avenue
Hilo, HI 96720, USA
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Come along for the ride to catch a glimpse of Hawaii's gentle giants and winter visitors, the Humpback Whale! After a nonstop 6-8 week and 6,000-mile migration from Alaska, approximately 12,000 North Pacific Humpbacks arrive in the Hawaiian Islands every year around mid-December for a season of mating, birthing, and nurturing their newborn calves. This annual migration is one of the longest of any mammal and brings magic to the Hawaiian Islands each winter.
Make your way to the coast to begin your whale watching experience in search of these majestic creatures for a once in a lifetime experience. The Big Island is one of the best places to get out on the water and encounter whales. The best way to view these incredible mammals is to journey out to sea with an ocean guided tour boat.
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- 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
- This tour is suitable for ages 8 and up. Minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
- While we do see an abundance of marine life quite often, they are wild animals and we can not guarantee they will be spotted on every tour .
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 6 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (10)
Q: Do we get to swim with or touch the dolphins?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-21759P29
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.83 out of 5 stars based on 12 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (10)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.
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As an active member of the Dolphin SMART program, we do not have physical contact with the dolphins on Hilo: Royal Humpback Whale Exploration. We watch them in their natural habitat from the boat.
Dec 2022If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.
Feb 2023- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (HST).
- This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- Snacks. Local juice and snacks.
- Gratuities.
- Hotel Pickup & Dropoff.
- Transportation from the check-in location to the boat harbor.
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025The minimum age to participate is 8. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Hilo: Royal Humpback Whale Exploration is as follows:
- 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
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Hilo: Royal Humpback Whale Exploration will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- SnacksLocal juice and snacks
- Gratuities
- Hotel Pickup & Dropoff
- Transportation from the check-in location to the boat harbor
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- 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
- This tour is suitable for ages 8 and up. Minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
- While we do see an abundance of marine life quite often, they are wild animals and we can not guarantee they will be spotted on every tour .
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 6 travelers
