Waikoloa Whale Watching Cruise in Kailua-Kona, HI

Hawaii NauticalAnaehoomalu BayWaikoloa, HI 96738
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Waikoloa Whale Watching Cruise is not currently available.

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Overview

Enjoy a scenic adventure at sea aboard a whale watching Big Island cruise from Waikoloa. Sightsee along the Kohala coast with a fast and fun powerboat ride in the morning, or a more leisurely sailing catamaran in the afternoon. The trip includes non-alcoholic beverages and guaranteed wildlife sightings or come back again for a free re-ride.

up to 1.5 hrs 1 or more people

Good To Know

  • Enjoy a fast and fun powerboat ride in the morning, or a more leisurely sailing catamaran in the afternoon.
  • Tour duration is approximately 90 minutes. Arrive at least 20-40 minutes prior to tour to look for parking.
  • Sea life sightings guaranteed, or re-ride one more time for free if you don't see any.
  • Tour is approx. 1.5-2 hours long depending on the schedule.
  • View the whales right along their migration routes! (seasonal December - March)
  • Bring anti-seasickness medication if easily nauseated.
  • Bring a camera, sunglasses, and a light jacket.
  • All guests must submit a health-screening form prior to boarding, online no more than 24 hours prior and no less than 6 hours prior.

Description

Join Hawaii Nautical on a 90-minute Big Island whale watching tour along the stunning Kohala coastline. Choose a morning or afternoon excursion to see humpback whales in the wild.

This Waikoloa whale watching cruise offers a unique vantage-point near these majestic mammals that visit Hawaii every winter and early spring. Whale sightings are guaranteed or you get to sail again one more time for free! (Re-rides only, no refunds).

The morning trip sets off aboard the Holona, a fast and nimble powerboat with plenty of sea-spray likely.

Afternoon trips are most often on the Spirit of Aloha sailing catamaran, which is not as fast as Holona but does provide more areas out of the sea-spray.

Tours depart from Waikoloa's Anaeho'omalu Bay on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Schedule
Morning 9:45am -11:15am on open powerboat Holona
Afternoon 1:45pm-3:15pm on sailing catamaran

Waikoloa Whale Watching Cruise Reviews

TripAdvisor user image
judogayle
Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii
"Not very happy snorkeler."
TripAdvisor user rating 3.0 out of 5
Reviewed October 10, 2024
Not a very good experience for first time snorkel. The guide keep getting way too far ahead and not helping my teenage Niece. Also, it was to be a snorkel cruise and was not told it would also be a fishing expedition. They kept stopping and going just to land a marlin fish which they killed and gutted right in front of everyone which didn't help my Niece's nausea at all. It was almost 2 hours into the cruise before ever getting into the water. We did see lots of fish and turtles once the snorkel began. Please do better.
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Waikoloa Whale Watching Cruise is located at Hawaii NauticalAnaehoomalu BayWaikoloa, HI 96738
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Frequently Asked Questions about Waikoloa Whale Watching Cruise

Where does the cruise embark?

The Waikoloa Whale Watching Cruise departs from Anaehoomalu Bay at the Waikoloa Beach Resort, 69-1081 Ku'uali'i Place, Waikoloa Village, HI 96738. Check in 20 minutes prior to each trip at the Hawaii Nautical flag on the beach at A-Bay. You should arrive 30-45 minutes prior to your selected cruise time to allow plenty of time to find parking. Please call the phone number on your E-ticket at least 24 hours prior to the tour to confirm the check-in details.

How long is the Waikoloa Whale Watching Cruise?

The cruise is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes from December to March.

What is included in the Waikoloa Whale Watching Cruise?

Cruises include soda, juice and water.

Is this tour appropriate for children?

Yes, the cruise and large vessel is safe for all ages. Children 3 years old and under are admitted free of charge.

What should I bring?

Sunscreen, anti-nausea medication, E-ticket, easy-to-remove shoes, and a photo ID along with cash if you wish to purchase additional alcoholic drinks. There is plenty of covered space to place bags, belongings, towels and clothing that will stay dry.

What should I wear?

Come in shoes that you don't mind getting sandy, and are easy-to-remove for beach-ramp boarding. Casual clothing is recommended for all trips. Clothing that you don't mind getting wet is recommended for whale-watch on the Holona powerboat.

Is transportation available?

An optional shuttle is available from limited Waikiki pick-up locations for an additional fee. Check the ticket types in the section above to see which package suits your group!

What will I see on the Waikoloa Whale Watching Cruise?

See marine wildlife such as dolphins and turtles year round, or whales during whale season December through March.

What happens if I don’t see any animals?

If you don't see marine wildlife, come back again 1 more time for free!

Are there any COVID-19 safety precautions in place?

To help keep you and their staff healthy, and maintain Hawaii as the safest U.S. state for visitors and locals alike, Hawaii Nautical adheres to every possible precaution against the transmission of COVID-19, including: - All guests must submit a health-screening form prior to boarding. Check your e-ticket once you book for full details. - Buy or bring your snorkel and mask, or sanitized re-usable sets are available as a backup. - Any trips that include food are prepackaged & single-serve. Guests may not bring their own food or beverage aboard, except for infants & toddlers. No alcohol may be brought aboard. - Hawaii Nautical maintains a strict no-work-while-sick policy.