Whale Watching Kona Hawaii: Humpback Paradise

Are you curious about the very best whale watching Kona Hawaii gives? In that case, you’re in the suitable spot! Through the winter months, many individuals journey to the Aloha State simply to see the attractive whales that migrate right here to mate and lift infants. And whereas Maui and Oahu get extra consideration for his or her winter whale inhabitants, you’ll be able to nonetheless spot the majestic creatures on The Huge Island. 

Maintain studying for all the pieces it’s essential to learn about whale watching in Kona Hawaii!

6 Issues to Know About Whales in Kona

Earlier than we provide the finest suggestions and excursions for watching whales in Kona, let’s get you on top of things with 10 issues you need to know. 

1. The Kohala Coast is Unbelievable for Whale Watching

Hawaii Island’s Kohala coast is north of Kona, and it’s the best space for whale watching. Many whale watching excursions that depart from Kona, Hawaii will head northward to the Kohala Coast. 

2. Whale Watching Season Runs From November to April

Whales migrate to Hawaii through the winter months, so that you’ll possible see them within the waters between November and April. Nevertheless, January and February are peak months for whales in Kona and all through Hawaii. So in case you are touring to the realm to witness these beauties, these are the instances of yr you need to intention for. 

3. You’ll Be taught About Humpback Whales 

When individuals speak about whale watching in Kona, Hawaii, they’re speaking about humpback whales. These endangered animals can develop as much as 60 ft lengthy, weigh 40 tons, and reside 80 or extra years. 

A guided tour will provide you with unbelievable perception and enjoyable information about whales in Hawaii. However should you select a DIY whale-watching journey from shore, you’ll be able to nonetheless study humpback whales from numerous on-line sources, like NOAA’s special humpback whale site.

4. Whales Aren’t the Solely Marine Animals You’ll Watch within the Waters of Kona, Hawaii

Humpback whales get lots of consideration in Hawaii through the winter months. However there are much more sea creatures to admire when you’re right here. Kona is a superb place to see dolphins taking part in within the water. Should you e book a whale watching tour, there’s an excellent probability you’ll additionally see dolphins. 

Throughout your trip, you’ll additionally have the ability to see inexperienced sea turtles in and close to Kona. They usually come to shore at Kiholo Bay and Kahalu’u Seashore Park, amongst different stunning seashores. 

Kona can also be well-known for its Manta Rays. A Manta Ray evening snorkel is a unique thing to do in Hawaii that’s additionally tremendous memorable. 

5. Whales Can Come to You, However You Can’t Method a Whale

If you’re on a whale watching tour in Kona or wherever in Hawaii, your boat crew has to observe particular guidelines. Most significantly: the boat can not strategy a whale. 

Your captain will use radio communication and good-old-fashioned eyesight to seek out out the place whales are congregating, after which they’ll head in that route. 

Then they’ll cease as soon as they’re 100 yards away from a whale (a couple of soccer area’s size). That is the closest you’re allowed to get to a whale, and it’s most likely nearer than you’ll be at shore. 

However, whales are playful and curious creatures who haven’t any guidelines about how shut they will come to you. And that’s when the magic generally occurs onboard a whale watching tour. 

Generally, the 100-yard distance is as shut as you’ll get to a whale in Kona. However, fairly often, the whales will slowly transfer in your route. OR, they’ll shortly come over, desirous to play with the underside of your boat. These are the experiences that remodel a Kona whale watching tour from “a pleasant time out on the water” to “an unforgettable expertise nicely well worth the cash.”

6. You Don’t Should Pay to See Whales

Reserving a guided boat tour is one of the simplest ways to see whales up shut. It’s additionally plenty of enjoyable to be out on the water, and the fun of discovering the whales and seeing in the event that they strategy your boat is unbeatable. 

However you don’t need to pay for a ship experience to see whales. They arrive shut sufficient to shore that you may see them breach and bounce out of the water, even with out binoculars. 

Maintain studying to find the very best methods to whale watch in Kona, Hawaii – whether or not you need to pay for a ship journey or do a DIY journey from shore. 

How one can Whale Watch in Kona, Hawaii

Now that the form of whales you see and when to see them, it’s time to exit and have your very personal Hawaii whale watching journey. 

Kona is a unbelievable spot to see whales in Hawaii, each proper on the town, or in Kohala, the place the water is teeming with them. 

Listed here are your choices for whale watching in Kona. Have a look and see what journey is true on your Hawaii trip!

Giant Catamaran Excursions

Probably the most well-liked methods to go whale watching in Kona is on a big catamaran. These vessels maintain many visitors and supply plenty of room to maneuver round. There will probably be restrooms on board, and shade, and plenty of excursions supply complimentary refreshments together with alcohol on the market. 

Should you’re on the lookout for a soothing time out on the water, a big boat tour is the best way to go. 

You’ll even be excessive up, in a position to see farther out over the ocean for any whales that may be within the distance. 

The draw back of those giant boats is that they aren’t very speedy and nimble, to allow them to’t race to whale hubs as shortly. Additionally, the crowds might develop into a problem should you’re making an attempt to look off the facet of the boat at a whale. 

Zodiac Raft Whale Watching Excursions in Kona, Hawaii

Would you like to have the ability to zoom to the closest whales? Zodiac model rafts are quick, nimble, and a great deal of enjoyable. 

Should you select to go whale watching on a raft, you’ll be with a smaller group and near the water. So that you gained’t have the ability to see as far. But when a whale will get shut, you’ll be actually shut. 

I’ve at all times opted for Zodiac raft excursions after I’ve gone whale watching in Hawaii. They really feel adventurous – good for a Kona trip. However they do have their downsides. 

There aren’t bogs onboard these small vessels. Additionally they’re worse for anybody vulnerable to seasickness. This isn’t a soothing snacks-and-drinks outing. You’re out on the open sea, going quick and having enjoyable. 

Whale Watching & Snorkel Combo Journeys

If you wish to do some top-notch snorkeling AND whale watching in Kona, then you’ll be able to e book a two-in-one journey. Many tour operators supply excursions that embrace stops at high snorkel spots, and also you’ll additionally spend time onboard the boat on the lookout for close by whales. 

These can occur on each raft and catamaran excursions. Be ready for an extended time out at sea and many enjoyable reminiscences. 

See Whales On a Sundown Sail

Kona gives a wide range of sundown sails that function appetizers, cocktails, and beautiful ocean views. Most of those are enjoyable excursions that observe a set route. So that you gained’t be altering instructions based mostly on the place the whales are breaching. 

However, should you e book throughout whale season – particularly January and February – likelihood is good you’ll see a whale from the boat. 

Whale Watching From Shore in Kona, Hawaii

Like we talked about, you don’t need to pay for a ship journey to see whales. You possibly can possible spot breaching humpbacks from shore throughout winter. Certain, you’ll be able to’t get as shut as a ship will take you, nevertheless it’s nonetheless lots of enjoyable to look out and see them coming out of the water. 

Convey binoculars if you wish to see even higher! The next vantage level will provide you with a greater view, so getting (actually!) excessive is a superb plan. Simply don’t whale watch and drive. There are many locations to tug over and safely benefit from the view. 

Listed here are some high whale watching spots close to Kona, Hawaii:

• Kapa’a Seashore Park on the very northern level of the Huge Island
• Puukohola Heiau Nationwide Historic Website in Waimea
• Lapakahi State Historic Park in Waimea
• Kealakekua Bay alongside the Kona coast
• Puako Bay close to Waikoloa resort space

Ideas for Whale Watching in Kona (And All through Hawaii!)

Seeing humpback whales in particular person is such a memorable expertise. They’re bigger than you think about, and the fun of catching sight of them is so distinctive. 

If you wish to take advantage of your Hawaii whale watching trip, you’ll need to observe a couple of suggestions. Here’s what we advise for the very best expertise attainable:

• Ebook a ship tour if it’s in your funds. If not, plan for some stops at scenic overlooks to observe from the shore. 
• Convey binoculars!
• Don’t hand over too quick. Should you’ve been really useful a great place for whale watching, stick round for some time to get an excellent recognizing. 
• Work with a local Hawaii travel agent to plan your tour, lodge keep, and different particulars. Hawaii Aloha Journey loves planning journeys for whale watching vacationers.

Kona is really a paradise for marine animal fans. See spinner dolphins, go whale watching, swim with manta rays, and snorkel in beautiful reefs. Plus, there is so much to do in Kona past whale watching. 

We will’t wait to see you on the Huge Island for a unbelievable Hawaii trip!