Family-friendly Kona Coast whale watching (December–March)
2 hours
Safety jacket, snacks, drinks
Cruise off the Kona Coast on KIBOU and look for wild whales along the western shores of the Big Island. Your captain shares a safety briefing before you head to the designated viewing area.
Whales are wild animals, so sightings are not guaranteed. If no whales are seen, you can join the next available tour as a free rain check.
Full refund if you cancel 48 hours before the tour; private charter: by 5 PM 7 days before. No-shows are charged full price. Full refund if the operator cancels due to weather or unforeseen circumstances. If no whales, reschedule for free; no refund.
Plan to arrive 15 minutes before your tour starts.
Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a long-sleeve jacket or sweatshirt, a camera, and motion sickness medicine (take it before leaving your hotel for best effect).
You can bring your own food and drinks. Alcohol is allowed as long as it is not in glass bottles.
Honokohau Harbor, Kailua-Kona Hawaii (Book Online Now or Call 808-636-8440)
This operation consistently delivers exceptional marine experiences with an outstanding crew that guests rave about by name. Trevor, Diego, Madi, Lena, and Tamae get particular shoutouts for being knowledgeable, funny, and genuinely attentive to everyone's comfort and safety. The team handles everything from prescription goggles to wetsuit fitting, and they're pros at adapting plans when conditions aren't ideal, like finding alternate snorkel spots when waves pick up. The wildlife encounters are remarkable. Guests regularly spot manta rays, dolphins (including adorable babies), sea turtles, pilot whales, eagle rays, and reef sharks. The manta ray night tours seem especially magical, with many families saying it created unforgettable memories even for young children. Nice touches elevate the experience too: complimentary videos and photos that crew members airdrop or email afterward, hot chocolate and snacks on the return trip, and floaties for those who need a rest. The smaller group sizes mean more personalized attention. One helpful tip: the marina check-in location can be tricky to find in the dark, so arrive early and look for the blue wooden structure near the boat ramp past the yellow gate.
This was such a fun experience!!! Big thanks to Captain Mitch, Madi, Diego, and Tamae! Don’t worry… We would never make you cry you guys are an amazing teams and humans!!! Thanks for showing us this once in a lifetime tour with the manta rays! ❤️🧡💛💚🩵💙💜🩷
Courtney Perschau
April 3, 2026
This was such a fun experience!!! Big thanks to Captain Mitch, Madi, Diego, and Tamae! Don’t worry… We would never make you cry you guys are an amazing teams and humans!!! Thanks for showing us this once in a lifetime tour with the manta rays! ❤️🧡💛💚🩵💙💜🩷
Courtney Perschau
April 3, 2026