Extraordinary Whale Watching on Hawaiʻi Island
DID YOU KNOW? Every winter, majestic Humpback Whales make one of the longest migrations of any mammal on the planet from their feeding grounds to their breeding grounds.
DID YOU KNOW? The Hawaiian Islands are one of the main breeding grounds for the North Pacific humpback population and therefore one of the BEST places on Earth to whale watch!
DID YOU KNOW? The best way to observe these magnificent whales up-close and in their natural habitat is to join a boat tour.
From mid-December through to the end of March we have the unique privilege of sharing the ocean with our beloved koholā (Hawaiian word for Humpback Whales) as they visit our pristine, warm waters in large numbers for the purpose of birthing and mating.
Tour Details
Most days we don’t have to travel far to see whales, as Kawaihae Harbour is located in the protected waters of a Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. Our bay is a known hot-spot for cows (mama whales) who spend their time closer to the surface nursing their newborn calves, and also for mating males who form competition pods and engage in spectacular surface displays of dominance. As well as whale activity above the water, we also love to wow guests with the haunting sounds of live whale song as we listen with our state-of-the-art underwater hydrophone.
Our sleek and comfortable powerboat, ʻĀlohilohi (radiant), is the perfect vessel to whale-watch from as we are closer to the ocean’s surface, therefore at the same level as the whales. This makes for a more up-close and connective experience. With a 6 person max capacity, you will enjoy an intimate setting and personalized tour as our seasoned captains locate and slowly approach whales with guest safety and respect for the animals’ space in mind, and our knowledgeable crew share interesting and fun whale facts with you.
Our tours are guaranteed to be a captivating, unforgettable 2 hour whale-watching experience for all.
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Tour Time: 2 Hours
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Shared 2 hour wale watch price: $229 per person (We require minimum 4 guests to operate a shared whale watch. If our minimum is not met management reserves the right to reschedule the booking or cancel the trip.)
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Private charter price: 2 hours $1,249, 3 hours $1,799
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Luxury private charter price: 2 hours $1,549, 3 hours $2,099
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Maximum capacity 6 guests
Important Information
It is illegal to swim with humpback whales in Hawaiʻi. However, depending on weather and conditions, we may offer you the opportunity to cool off with a quick dip in the ocean, away from any whales. So wear a bathing suit just in case! Snacks and refreshing beverages are provided.
We recommend wearing sun protection such as sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and long sleeve shirt.
Customer Testimonials
An unforgettable experience on the water!
“Wow! Flat out impressed.
To start, the staff was friendly and attentive. Holoholo Kai Charters was something new for my fiancée and I. We took a trip to the Pacific a few weeks ago and this crew did not disappoint!”
“Casey and Tyson were awesome! Holoholo Kai Charters is the move if you’re local or visiting the island. They will give you an incredible experience with friends/family.”
“My dad and I enjoyed a wonderful afternoon excursion with Holoholo Kai Charters. We saw so many whales (I lost count at 20?!). It was a magical experience.”
Gallery: Big Island Whale Watching
Capture the beauty of majestic whales right off the coast of the Big Island.
