Kona: Kohola Whale Watching Excursion
Overview
Join us to observe the behavior of the Humpback Whales while they visit the Hawaiian Islands. Learn more about them from our kind & qualified staff. If the whales are singing, we will have the opportunity to listen to their hauntingly beautiful songs with our hydrophone! Our vessel only takes 6 people max so you beat the typical tourist trap large vessels for a more intimate experience.
What's Included
- Snacks
- Carbonated beverages Soda/Pop
- Use of Snorkelling equipment
- Bottled water Please bring your own reusable water bottle
Meeting Location
HONOKOHAU HARBOR
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Join us to scan the Kona coast for our beautiful & majestic Kohola (Humpback Whales) that frequent our waters in the winter months. We will have 3 hours to observe these amazing creatures as they migrate to Hawaii to birth their calves, mate, rest & play! Come join us to watch these animals in the wild & observe their natural behavior & hear their hauntingly beautiful songs that fill the ocean.
You can opt to purchase individual spots on the boat (up to 6 spaces available max) or if you prefer the luxury and privacy of your own custom guided tour, you can book a private charter. We need a minimum of (4) guests to run the tour.
Being on a small vessel allows for a more personal experience with our crew and more time in the water than the typical “tourist trap” large vessel. This tour does include a short snorkel if time allows, but the main focus is finding & observing the Humpback Whales. Please see our crew page on our website to learn more about our professional and highly qualified team.
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Service animals allowed
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Must be 4ft or taller
- Must be under 250lbs
- Must NOT have had any major surgery in the past 6 months
- Must be able to climb vertical ladder if you wish to snorkel
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 6 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (10)
Q: Do we get to swim with or touch the dolphins?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-263256P5
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 20 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (10)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.
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As an active member of the Dolphin SMART program, we do not have physical contact with the dolphins on Kona: Kohola Whale Watching Excursion. We watch them in their natural habitat from the boat.
Dec 2022If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.
Feb 2023- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (HST).
- This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- Snacks.
- Carbonated beverages. Soda/Pop.
- Use of Snorkelling equipment.
- Bottled water. Please bring your own reusable water bottle.
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025The minimum age to participate is 4..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Kona: Kohola Whale Watching Excursion is as follows:
- Service animals allowed
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Must be 4ft or taller
- Must be under 250lbs
- Must NOT have had any major surgery in the past 6 months
- Must be able to climb vertical ladder if you wish to snorkel
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Kona: Kohola Whale Watching Excursion will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Snacks
- Carbonated beveragesSoda/Pop
- Use of Snorkelling equipment
- Bottled waterPlease bring your own reusable water bottle
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Service animals allowed
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Must be 4ft or taller
- Must be under 250lbs
- Must NOT have had any major surgery in the past 6 months
- Must be able to climb vertical ladder if you wish to snorkel
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 6 travelers
