Kona Whale Watching Tour: Pelagic Species & Offshore Wildlife

Summary

Whale watching off Kona’s coast means wild surprises with every trip

You’ll join a small group on a Kona whale watching tour led by locals who know these waters inside out. Spot rare pelagic whales like pilot or sperm whales, listen for spinner dolphins, and soak up that wild Pacific feeling with cold drinks included. Every trip is different — that’s half the thrill.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to feel nervous stepping onto the boat at Honokohau Harbor — but there it was, that little flutter. Maybe it was the early light or just knowing we’d be heading out into waters so deep you can’t see the bottom. Our guide, Kaleo, had this easy way of making everyone laugh right away (he joked about his “lucky whale hat,” which honestly looked like something from a thrift shop). He told us how the Kona Coast is one of those rare places where you might spot pilot whales or even sperm whales any day of the year. I remember thinking: sure, but will we actually see them?

The ocean felt different out there — calmer than I expected but with this endless blue that made me squint. We heard spinner dolphins before we saw them, their clicking and splashing carrying over the water. Kaleo pointed out a pod in the distance and handed me his binoculars (which I almost dropped overboard — oops). There was this moment when everything went quiet except for the soft slap of waves against the hull, and then someone shouted “there!” and we all scrambled to one side. A dark shape surfaced, slow and deliberate — a pilot whale, Kaleo said. It’s hard to describe that feeling; it’s not just excitement, more like being let in on a secret.

We spent hours scanning for movement — sometimes talking quietly, sometimes just listening to the wind and the occasional shout from Kaleo when he spotted something (“False killer whale at two o’clock!”). I tried to say its Hawaiian name and got it completely wrong; Kaleo laughed but corrected me gently. The salt air stuck to my skin and my shirt felt stiff by midday. Cold drinks helped (they had water and sodas in a cooler), but mostly I remember leaning on the rail, watching for another fin or spout. Some folks were better at spotting than others — I wasn’t one of them.

I still think about how small I felt out there compared to everything moving under those waves. If you’re looking for a classic “whale show,” this isn’t that — it’s quieter, more uncertain, but somehow more real because of it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Whale and wildlife pelagic tour

• Depart from Honokohau Harbor
• Explore near-shore zone for dolphins and rays
• Travel to pelagic zone for deep-water species
• Search for pilot whales, sperm whales, and sharks
• Observe spinner and bottlenose dolphins
• Enjoy extended wildlife encounters

Top questions

What types of whales can you see on this Kona whale watching tour?

You might see pilot whales, false killer whales, sperm whales, humpbacks (in winter), plus dolphins and sometimes even whale sharks.

Where does the Kona whale watching tour depart from?

Tours depart from Honokohau Harbor near Kailua-Kona on Hawaii’s Big Island.

Are drinks included on this whale watching trip?

Yes, cold soft drinks and bottled water are included during your tour.

Is hotel pickup provided?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; you meet at Honokohau Harbor for departure.

What time do tours leave during winter months?

From December 16 to March 23, tours depart at 7 AM, 11 AM & 3:30 PM.

Is this tour suitable for children?

This whale watching tour is not appropriate for children under age 10.

How long does the tour last?

The exact duration isn’t specified but allows extended time offshore for wildlife searching.

Can service animals join this Kona whale watch tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed on board.

What’s included

Your day includes a guided boat trip with passionate local crew searching both near-shore and pelagic zones around Kona for whales and dolphins. You’ll get cold soft drinks or bottled water along the way before returning to Honokohau Harbor after hours spent out on Hawaii’s deep blue coast.