Big Island: Whale Watch Excursion
Overview
This two-and-a-half hour whale watch tour with a certified naturalist departs from the Kailua-Kona pier during whale season (December to April). Hear singing males on the PA system through a hydrophone and take photos of whales up-close. Snacks and beverages are included (no-host bar also available). Whale sightings are guaranteed, or you can come again free!
What's Included
- Beverages (alcoholic drinks available for purchase)
- All taxes, fees and handling charges
- Snacks and light refreshments
- Free parking 75-5629 Kuakini Hwy., Kailua Kona, HI 96740-about a one block walk away from the pier.
- Live commentary on board
- Professional guide
- Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
- Guests must provide their own transportation to the Kailua Kona Pier.
- Gratuities
Meeting Location
75-5629 Kuakini Highway
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, 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
Guests board at the Kailua Pier 30 minutes prior to departure. Cruise along the Kona Coast to view whales with an onboard naturalist. Listen for whale songs on the hydrophone. Light snacks and water, tea, coffee, sodas and juices are included and there's a full service cash bar on board. Whale sightings are guaranteed or come again for free!
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Wheelchair accessible via a customize boarding ramp with portable extensions that accommodates manual and electric wheelchairs and scooters. Please include in Special Requests at the time of booking if wheelchair assistance is required
- Boarding 30 minutes prior to scheduled departure time
- This adventure is on Hawaii Island in Kailua Kona.
- Liability waiver must be completed by all guests prior to boarding.
- Hotel pick-up is not available.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 110 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-15509P3
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.45 out of 5 stars based on 250 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 Big Island: Whale Watch Excursion. 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).
- Beverages (alcoholic drinks available for purchase).
- All taxes, fees and handling charges.
- Snacks and light refreshments.
- Free parking 75-5629 Kuakini Hwy., Kailua Kona, HI 96740-about a one block walk away from the pier.
- Live commentary on board.
- Professional guide.
- Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase).
- Guests must provide their own transportation to the Kailua Kona Pier.
- Gratuities.
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 2025There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. 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 Big Island: Whale Watch Excursion is as follows:
- Wheelchair accessible
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Big Island: Whale Watch Excursion 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
- Beverages (alcoholic drinks available for purchase)
- All taxes, fees and handling charges
- Snacks and light refreshments
- Free parking 75-5629 Kuakini Hwy., Kailua Kona, HI 96740-about a one block walk away from the pier.
- Live commentary on board
- Professional guide
- Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
- Guests must provide their own transportation to the Kailua Kona Pier.
- Gratuities
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Wheelchair accessible via a customize boarding ramp with portable extensions that accommodates manual and electric wheelchairs and scooters. Please include in Special Requests at the time of booking if wheelchair assistance is required
- Boarding 30 minutes prior to scheduled departure time
- This adventure is on Hawaii Island in Kailua Kona.
- Liability waiver must be completed by all guests prior to boarding.
- Hotel pick-up is not available.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 110 travelers
