About Whale Watch Tour
Head out from Honokohau Harbor for a seasonal Kona whale watching cruise with Ocean Encounters, onboard narration and time on the water during humpback whale season.
Welcome winter on the Kona Coast with a whale watch cruise aboard Ocean Encounters. From December through the end of March, humpback whales arrive in Hawaii after their annual migration from Alaska, bringing the chance to witness some of the ocean's most impressive visitors in the warm waters off the Big Island.
Keep watch for powerful breaches, tail slaps and other whale activity as the boat cruises along the coastline. Dolphins and turtles may also appear along the way, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the scenery and capture memorable photos.
Tour Highlights
- Enjoy some great encounters with some of the biggest creatures of the ocean
- Chance to see other marine life, including dolphins and turtles
- Plenty of great photo opportunities
Tour Inclusions
- Light snacks
- Soda and water
The Boat
- 46 ft. vessel
- Big and roomy with a restroom, plenty of shaded areas
- Big swim step and extra sturdy ladder so you can get out of the water easily
- Inside cabin and upstairs seating
Activity Notes
Where & When
Tour times:
9:00 am - 11:30 am
1:00 pm to 3:30 pm
Check in 30 minutes prior to your tour time at Honokohau Harbor, 74-425 Kealakehe Prkwy #1, Kailua Kona, HI 96740 View Map
Directions for Honokohau Harbor & Check-In:
Honokohau Harbor is 5 miles south of Kona airport and 3-4 miles north of Kailua-Kona. At the traffic light intersection, take Kealakehe Parkway from the highway (Hwy 19) towards the ocean. You'll see the sailboat masts from the highway and there's a sign for Honokohau Harbor. Take that road lined with coconut palms and turn right at your first opportunity, then second left. Check in at the Bite Me Sportfishing charter desk.
Restrictions
There are no specific restrictions for this activity.
Operation Days
Daily from mid-December through March
Duration
2.5 hours
Equipment
The Ocean Encounter is a 46-foot Delta boat that is roomy and dry boasting a restroom, plenty of shaded areas, inside cabin and upstairs seating for great viewing. Delta boats are famously stable, strong and seaworthy.
Vendor
This activity is operated by Ocean Encounters.
