Waikoloa Whale Watch Tour: Humpback Sightings Guaranteed

Ninety minutes watching humpback whales breach and tail-slap in Hawaii's warmest waters

A guided whale watching tour in Waikoloa runs 90 minutes along the Kohala Coast, where humpback whales migrate from December through April. You choose between a small powerboat for closer views of the action or a spacious catamaran built for comfort. Either way, an expert crew narrates whale behavior and marine life while you watch breaches, tail slaps and songs. Sightings are guaranteed. Bottled water, soda and juice are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Whale watching along Kohala Coast

• Board whale watching boat
• Cruise along rugged shoreline
• Spot sea turtles in blue waters
• View volcanic peaks on clear days
• Observe humpback whales breaching
• Learn about whale behavior from crew

The experience

From December through April, humpback whales arrive in Hawaii's warm waters, and this tour positions you to watch them breach, tail-slap and sing. The 90-minute cruise runs along the Kohala Coast, where black lava fields meet turquoise ocean and sea turtles surface regularly. On clear days, Hawaii's tallest volcanic peaks rise above the horizon. An expert crew shares insights into whale behavior and the surrounding marine life as you move through the water.

You pick your vessel at checkout: a small powerboat puts you closer to the action and the spray, while a spacious catamaran gives you room to move around and relax between sightings. Both carry the same live English-speaking guide and the same guarantee: humpback sightings are promised, or the operator makes it right. Bottled water, soda and juice come with either choice.

Morning and afternoon departures both run, so you can fit the tour around the rest of your day. The operator requires hotel details or a contact number at booking. Service animals are welcome, and infants sit on an adult's lap. Public transportation options are nearby if you're not driving to the departure point.

What’s included

• Bottled water, soda and juice.
• expert crew narrating whale behavior and marine life.
• live English-speaking guide.
• choice of small powerboat or spacious catamaran.

Options for this experience

2 options

Afternoon Whale WatchGuide in English · Available from 1 Dec · 13:45The Spirit of Aloha offers a relaxed yet lively sailing trip, pairing ocean views with soft tropical breezes. Whales Guaranteed: If you don't spot whales on any of our 'whale watch' cruises, you can come back again at no charge. Rerides only, no refunds.

Morning Whale WatchGuide in English · Available from 1 Dec · 09:45Holona Powerboat: A 40-foot bow-loading thrill craft with full shade, roomy bench seating, and a fast, fun ride. Expect some sea spray. Whales Guaranteed: If you don't see whales on any of our 'whale watch' cruises, you can return for another ride free of charge. Reriding only, no refunds.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:45 and 13:45

Book up to18h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 17

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 or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 10 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Hawaii Nautical

Is this one for you?Pick the powerboat if you want to be as close as possible to the whales and the water. Choose the catamaran if you prefer room to move and relax between sightings. Either way, the 90-minute window and the sighting guarantee mean you see humpbacks without building the rest of your day around the search.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 12 years); Infant (under 4): free.

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 do humpback whales come to Hawaii, and will I actually see them on this tour?

Humpback whales migrate to Hawaii's warm waters from December through April. Sightings are guaranteed on this tour, meaning the operator stands behind the promise.

What's the difference between the powerboat and the catamaran on this whale watch?

The small powerboat puts you closer to the water and the whales for a more intimate experience, while the spacious catamaran offers more room to move around and relax between sightings. Both include the same guide and sighting guarantee.

How long is the whale watching tour, and what time does it depart?

The tour runs 90 minutes. You can choose either a morning or afternoon departure at checkout, depending on what fits your schedule.

What do I get to drink and eat during the 90 minutes on the water?

Bottled water, soda and juice are included with the tour. No food is provided, so eat before or after if you need a meal.

Can I bring my service animal, and what if I have an infant?

Service animals are allowed on the tour. Infants must sit on an adult's lap during the 90 minutes on the water.

What else will I see besides the whales along the Kohala Coast?

The cruise passes black lava fields meeting turquoise ocean, where sea turtles surface regularly. On clear days, Hawaii's tallest volcanic peaks rise dramatically above the island in the distance.