TourTruth score 8.6 out of 10
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Kailua-Kona Whale Watch Excursion 2 hr 30 min
Below average
297 reviews · Rated on 2 providers · How we score
- Big Island of Hawaii
- 2 hrs 30 min
- Updated November 2, 2026
Listen to humpback whale songs and watch for whales on a 150-minute Kailua-Kona cruise with a certified naturalist.
About this tour
Hear the songs of humpback whales as you cruise off the Kona coast on a Kailua-Kona whale watch excursion. This 150-minute trip runs during whale season, from December to April, with a certified naturalist sharing insights about the whales and their behavior. An onboard hydrophone brings their calls through the speakers, while the open-water setting offers opportunities to watch and photograph whales nearby.
Snacks, light refreshments, and beverages are provided, and alcoholic drinks are available to purchase. Whale sightings are guaranteed; if you do not see whales, you can return for another trip at no cost. The Kailua-Kona whale watch excursion departs from Kailua Kona Pier. Boarding starts 30 minutes before departure, and free parking is available about a block away. Make time for a memorable encounter with Hawaii’s seasonal visitors on the water.
Highlights
- Listen for whale songs through an onboard hydrophone
- Watch for humpback whales during Hawaii’s whale season
- Learn from a certified naturalist guide
- Return for another trip at no cost if no whales are sighted
What's included
Included
- Beverages
- Snacks and light refreshments
- Professional guide and live onboard commentary
- All taxes, fees, and handling charges
- Free parking near the pier
Not included
- Alcoholic drinks, available for purchase
- Transportation to the Kailua Kona Pier
- Gratuities
Ratings on each provider
The ratings and review counts each booking site shows for this tour.
-
View on Viator
Viator
4.36 / 5 · 264 reviews
-
View on GetYourGuide
GetYourGuide
4.50 / 5 · 33 reviews
What reviewers mention
Themes that come up most in this tour's reviews.
Often praised
Common complaints
Important information
- Whale season runs from December to April
- Boarding begins 30 minutes before departure
- Meet at Kailua Kona Pier; free parking is at 75-5629 Kuakini Hwy, about a one-block walk away
- Hotel pickup is not available
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- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- All guests must complete a liability waiver before boarding
- Wheelchair access is available via a customizable boarding ramp; request assistance when booking
Frequently asked questions
When is whale season?
The tour operates during whale season, from December to April.
What happens if no whales are sighted?
You can join another trip at no cost if no whales are sighted.
Where does the tour depart from?
The cruise boards at Kailua Kona Pier. Free parking is near the pier at 75-5629 Kuakini Hwy, about a one-block walk away.
When should I arrive for boarding?
Boarding begins 30 minutes before the scheduled departure.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes. A customizable boarding ramp with portable extensions accommodates manual and electric wheelchairs and scooters. Request assistance when booking.
How this score is calculated
This tour scores 4.36 on Viator and 4.50 on GetYourGuide. Ratings on these sites cluster near the top of the 5-star scale, so we compare each one with all other ratings on the same site before combining them.
How the score works and rating distribution in Big Island of Hawaii
- Each provider rating is turned into a percentile: the share of that provider's ratings it beats, weighted by review counts.
- Listings on different providers are combined in proportion to their review counts.
- Tours with few reviews are pulled toward the average until more reviews come in, so a handful of perfect reviews can't top the list.
- The result is shown from 0 to 10: this tour scores 4.5.
Provider rating distribution in Big Island of Hawaii
How many tours in Big Island of Hawaii have a provider rating at or below each value. The dashed line is this tour.
- GetYourGuide
- Viator
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