Kailua-Kona whale watch tour: Guaranteed sightings

Listen to singing whales through the hydrophone, then photograph them from the boat.

A two-and-a-half-hour whale watch tour departs from Kailua-Kona pier during whale season with a certified naturalist guide. You board 30 minutes early, cruise the Kona Coast listening for humpback whale songs on the hydrophone, and take photos as whales surface nearby. Whale sightings are guaranteed. If you don't see them, you return for free.

The experience

The tour boards at Kailua Pier 30 minutes before departure, giving you time to settle in before the boat heads out along the Kona Coast. A certified naturalist is on board the whole time, narrating what you're seeing and explaining the whales' behavior. The hydrophone, an underwater microphone, picks up the songs of male humpbacks, and you hear them live through the PA system as the whales sing beneath the boat. This is the core of the experience: the songs are what draw most people to these tours, and they're often clearer and more immediate than spotting the whales themselves.

Snacks and beverages come included (water, tea, coffee, sodas and juices), so you're not managing hunger or thirst during the cruise. A full cash bar is also on board if you want something stronger. The guarantee is straightforward: if no whales show up, you get a free return trip. Parking is free at a lot about a one-block walk from the pier, and the boat has a wheelchair-accessible boarding ramp with portable extensions for manual and electric wheelchairs. You'll need to complete a liability waiver before boarding, and children must have an adult with them.

What’s included

• Snacks and light refreshments.
• all non-alcoholic beverages (water, tea, coffee, sodas, juices).
• professional naturalist guide.
• live commentary on board.
• free parking at the lot near Kailua Pier.
• all taxes, fees and handling charges.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day except WednesdayDeparts at 13:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Child (6 to 17 years) · Infant (under 6)

GroupUp to 110

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Body Glove Cruises

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to hear the whales as much as see them. The hydrophone songs are often the highlight, and they're clearest when the water is calm and the whales are vocal. The fixed two-and-a-half-hour window fits easily into a day exploring Kona, and the guarantee means you can book with confidence even if whale activity is unpredictable that week.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 17 years); Infant (under 6).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

When does the whale watch tour run from Kailua-Kona?

The tour operates during whale season, December through April, when humpback whales migrate to Hawaiian waters. Exact departure times vary by date, so check the calendar when booking.

What do you actually hear through the hydrophone on the boat?

The hydrophone picks up the songs of male humpback whales singing underwater. You hear the calls and songs live through the boat's PA system as the whales vocalize beneath you, often a series of complex, haunting tones that repeat and evolve.

How close do you get to the whales on this tour?

The boat cruises along the Kona Coast where whales are active, and you photograph them up-close from the vessel. The exact distance depends on where the whales surface and their behavior that day, but the naturalist positions the boat to give you clear views.

Is there really a guarantee if you don't see whales?

Yes. Whale sightings are guaranteed, or you can return for free on another departure. You'll need to book your return trip separately, but there's no charge for the second tour.

What's included in the price, and what costs extra?

Snacks, all beverages (water, tea, coffee, sodas, juices), the naturalist guide, parking, and all taxes and fees are included. Alcoholic drinks are available to purchase at the cash bar on board. Gratuities are not included.