
Kona's Guaranteed Whale Watch: An Unforgettable Ocean Encounter
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.3/5
Based on 57 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Kona's Guaranteed Whale Watch: An Unforgettable Ocean Encounter worth booking?
Kona's Guaranteed Whale Watch: An Unforgettable Ocean Encounter is a 2.5-hour experience in Big Island of Hawaii, United States, from $110 per person. It scores 58 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.3/5 rating across 57 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 58 / 100
- Rating
- 4.3/5 (57)
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- From
- $110 per person
From December through March/April, the magnificent Humpback whales make their yearly migration from Alaska to Hawaii. Join us for a 2.5-hour tour on a comfortable, roomy boat and experience a close encounters with some o
What you get
About this experience
From December through March/April, the magnificent Humpback whales make their yearly migration from Alaska to Hawaii. Join us for a 2.5-hour tour on a comfortable, roomy boat and experience a close encounters with some of the biggest creatures in the ocean. Whale sightings are guaranteed, or you will be given a voucher for another tour.
What's included
Included
- Professional guide
- Bottled water
- Snacks
Not included
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
What you'll see and do
Honokohau Marina & Small Boat Harbor
Whale watching is seasonal between mid December through mid March.
180 minutes here
Bite Me Sportfishing
Whale watching is seasonal, we run charter mid December though mid March
180 minutes here
Ocean Encounters
Whale watching is seasonal. We run charters mid December through mid March.
180 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Big Island of Hawaii
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Bite Me Sportfishing
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Children under the age of 5 must provide their own life vests
- Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund.
- Collapsible-wheelchair accessible—if assistance is required, passenger must provide their own assistant
- It's extremely rare, but if we do not see any whales on our tour, you are welcome to come back again during the same vacation, based on availability, free of charge. We recommend you book early in your trip so if you need to take advantage of the guarantee, you'll have more flexibility.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 57 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
57 verified traveler reviews for Kona's Guaranteed Whale Watch: An Unforgettable Ocean Encounter. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great!!
We had a great time!! The staff was awesome! Although no humpbacks we didnt leave empty handed. We did see a large pod of smaller melonheaed whales!! It was awesome to see them! We had a great time and will definitely be back for another tour! Thank you Captin Mo!
Response from the operator: Hopefully next time the humpbacks will make a showing. Glad you still had a good time with us.
via Viator
You never know what you...
You never know what you will see. Can get choppy. Crew was so friendly. Saw whales tried to get closer. Saw a shark. Saw some puffer fish.
Response from the operator: True. With a wildlife encounter, you never know what you will see. Thank you so much for your review.
via Viator
Great experience for families
Great experience, guides were friendly and enthusiastic, we saw lots of whales and they went the extra mile to make sure we got our money's worth. We went with small kids (2 and 4) and overall I would say the experience was kid friendly and very accomodating. (Plus our kids enjoyed the snacks!)
Response from the operator: Snacks are a must on any boat tour. So happy your family had fun. Mahalo!
via Tripadvisor
Difficulty with refund
First a canceled trip because not enough passengers then so rescheduled and that trip canceled due to weather. I understood the weather issue but not the lack of a full passenger one. My real issue though is how difficult it has been to get my refund for this.
Response from the operator: Ma'am. When you complained that we were "fishy" because we texted you, you were asked to give us your email address so we could send your confirmation directly. The third party service you booked through does not give us your email. Your refund will come from them when you request it. Super easy.
via Viator
Wonderful
Great day on the water! We saw several sightings of whales including a whale breach which was amazing!! The captain Momi and her deckhand were very informative about whales in Hawaii. It was a fun day and this crew made it very memorable! Best whale watching of the 3 islands!!!
Response from the operator: Yay! The Big Island wins the whale watching award! Good to hear, thank you so much for your kind review.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 20
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 58
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Kona's Guaranteed Whale Watch: An Unforgettable Ocean Encounter: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Big Island of Hawaii.
How much does Kona's Guaranteed Whale Watch: An Unforgettable Ocean Encounter cost?
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Prices start at $110 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Big Island of Hawaii usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Kona's Guaranteed Whale Watch: An Unforgettable Ocean Encounter take?
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Plan for about 2.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Big Island of Hawaii is not rushed.
Is Kona's Guaranteed Whale Watch: An Unforgettable Ocean Encounter worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 58 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.3/5 across 57 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Big Island of Hawaii, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Kona's Guaranteed Whale Watch: An Unforgettable Ocean Encounter?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Kona's Guaranteed Whale Watch: An Unforgettable Ocean Encounter suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Kona's Guaranteed Whale Watch: An Unforgettable Ocean Encounter?
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Around 20 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Big Island of Hawaii can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Big Island of Hawaii and add a light layer if any part of the 2.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Kona's Guaranteed Whale Watch: An Unforgettable Ocean Encounter start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Big Island of Hawaii within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Big Island of Hawaii?
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The Big Island is volcano country: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park tours, Mauna Kea summit stargazing, night manta ray snorkels off Kona, Waipio Valley lookouts and coffee farm visits. Summit tours have real altitude rules, so we weight safety detail. On Outty we rank every Big Island of Hawaii experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include KONA Manta Ray Night Snorkel - FREE re-ride if no Sightings, Big Island in a Day: Volcanoes Waterfalls Sightseeing and History, Big Island: Captain Cook Snorkel On A Power Catamaran With Lunch. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Big Island of Hawaii?
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April to October, though the island runs year round. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Big Island of Hawaii?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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