When Is The Best Time To See Whales?
The humpback whales start to trickle in from Alaska during November and December, and the best time to see them is during the peak of the season in January, February, and March.
SEE MASSIVE HUMPBACK WHALES IN THEIR NATURAL HABITAT
Every winter thousands of humpback whales begin the long migration south down to Hawaiʻi. Leaving their home and primary feeding grounds in Alaska, humpback whales travel to Hawaiʻi for two major events; mating and birthing new calves. The warm and protected waters of Hawaiʻi offer a safe environment for humpback whales to carry out both of these important activities.
From December to April every year you will be able to travel along the Kona Coast and observe male humpback whales competing for a female's attention, mothers teaching their calves how to dive, and if you are very lucky a calf that has just been born.
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$107 USD
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All ages
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1.5-hour
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Honokōhau Harbor, Big Island, Hawaiʻi
Kona Whale Watch Sail Features
Sailing The Kona Coast
The beauty of the Kona area, with its crystal-clear blue waters, sandy beaches, and lush tropical foliage, is breathtaking. On a sailing tour, you’ll get to explore all these wonders while taking in the sights and sounds of Hawaiʻi’s natural beauty. Get up close and personal with dolphins, whales, sea turtles, and other marine life.
You’ll also be able to relax on board as you take in the stunning views or watch for humpback whales during their annual migration season from December through March. Learn more about Hawaiʻian culture and history through stories shared by your knowledgeable crew. A sailing tour along the Kona coastline is sure to provide an unforgettable adventure for any traveler!
Humpbacks in Hawaiʻi
Seeing humpback whales in the wild in Hawaii is an incredible experience that few are lucky enough to witness. The majestic creatures can grow up to 52 feet long and weigh up to 40 tons, making them an awe-inspiring sight when they breach above water. Humpbacks tend to visit Hawaiʻian waters between December and May every year as part of their migration from Alaska and back.
During their time in Hawaiʻi, humpbacks can be seen breaching through the surf and performing spectacular shows of acrobatics. They also use a variety of sounds – including singing complex songs – as a way of communicating with each other and navigating through unknown waters. These behaviors make whale-watching tours off Hawaiʻi’s coast some of the most memorable experiences available, one that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on anyone who is fortunate enough to observe it firsthand.
Hawaiʻian Spinner Dolphins
Witnessing Hawaiʻian spinner dolphins in their natural habitat is a truly remarkable experience. These graceful creatures are capable of spinning themselves into the air, often performing acrobatics that never ceases to amaze onlookers. They typically inhabit the warm, shallow waters surrounding tropical islands and reefs, making Hawaiʻi an ideal home for them. Their bodies are slender and sleek but also surprisingly strong; they are able to reach speeds of up to 25 miles per hour in open water and use their powerful tails for sudden bursts of speed and agility.
Hawaiʻian spinner dolphins are social animals that prefer to travel in pods consisting of anywhere from five individuals to hundreds. When investigating new areas, they use echolocation as well as sonar-like clicking noises to sense their surroundings and communicate with one another. This remarkable species can live up to 30 years if left undisturbed by human activities, such as fishing nets or boat traffic that can disrupt their environment.
Kona Whale Watch Sail Tour Details
Highlights
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Departs from Honokōhau Harbor in Kona
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Board a dynamic sailing catamaran
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1.5 hours on the water looking for whales
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Non-alcoholic beverages will be served
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Observe whales and other marine wildlife
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Follow the gorgeous Kona coastline
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Learn about humpback whales from your guides
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Keep an eye out for dolphins and turtles
Description
Set sail on the pristine waters around Hawaiʻi to catch sight of humpback whales, some of these islands' most beloved visitors. The gentle creatures come by Hawaiʻi every year to mate and have their children, and the mothers often have a calf in tow. Their magnificent forms glide through the water below, their songs echoing for miles.
The tour begins by boarding a sleek catamaran at Honokōhau Harbor and heading out towards open water. Be sure to arrive 15-20 minutes before the departure time at 2:15pm to check in. During this interactive 1.5 hour tour you will be able to observe a wide range of whale activities and behaviors including but not limited to breaching, spyhopping, diving, and fin slapping. The vessel will always try to maintain a safe distance away from the whales, but that certainly doesn’t mean they won’t decide to swim right by the boat and say hello.
Be sure to bring a pair of binoculars and a camera as these moments with humpback whales are likely something you will treasure for the rest of your life. Non-alcoholic beverages will be provided on board. Return time is scheduled to be 3:45pm.
Price & Availability
1.5-Hour Afternoon Kona Whale Watch From Honokokau Harbor
| AdultsAge 13 yrs+ | $107.00 |
| ChildrenAge 4-12 yrs | $70.00 |
| InfantAge 0-3 yrs | FREE |
Check in 20 minutes prior to tour start
Available daily when in-season, DECEMBER through MARCH
2:15pm – 4:15pm | 2 hours
Sailing Catamaran: SPIRIT OF ALOHA
54’ 49 passenger Sailing Catamaran A large vessel that is safe for all ages with conveniences that include on-board freshwater shower, restrooms, plenty of shade and ample seating.
Included
- Non-alcoholic cold drinks will be available
- 1.5 hours sailing with experienced guides
Instructions
Meeting and pick-up:
Big Island, Departing from Kona’s Honokōhau Harbor
352-429 Kealakehe Pkwy,
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Directions: As you enter the Honokōhau Harbor stay straight, do NOT turn right. Continue straight (all boats will be on your right and no boats on your left). Once you reach the yellow locked gate, turn right into the parking lot. Check in at the Hawaiʻi Nautical slip in the Outer Basin, slip #38, 20 minutes before departure.
Cancellation
Any request for a refund 72 hours or more prior to the start of the tour or activity is honored with a full refund.
No refunds are issued for any cancellations inside the 72-hour period, prior to the start of your tour. There is no refund for no-shows. There is no charge for date change or tour change based on tour availability outside of the 72-hour cancellation period.
Frequently Asked Questions
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