Sunset Whale Watching Shared Activity
Pick your date
Highlighted days have spots open. Grey days are sold out or not running.
September 2026
Loading live availability
Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
Select a highlighted day to see live departure times and the exact price for your group.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.7/5
Based on 7 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Sunset Whale Watching Shared Activity worth booking?
Sunset Whale Watching Shared Activity is a 2.3-hour experience in Big Island of Hawaii, United States, from $103 per person. It scores 60 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 7 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 60 / 100
- Rating
- 4.7/5 (7)
- Duration
- 2.3 hours
- From
- $103 per person
The Kohala Coast is a whale breeding sanctuary and the best area on the big Island to encounter whale activity. The Namaka is a spacious boat with 3 amazing viewing decks. A marine head and shaded seating areas make the
What you get
About this experience
The Kohala Coast is a whale breeding sanctuary and the best area on the big Island to encounter whale activity. The Namaka is a spacious boat with 3 amazing viewing decks. A marine head and shaded seating areas make the boat a comfortable experience. Our knowledgable marine naturalist crew are professional and fun!
What's included
Included
- Carbonated beverages
- Snacks
- Bottled water
Not included
- Alcoholic beverages
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Big Island of Hawaii
We are in the Kawaihae shopping center lower level.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 25 minutes before departure.
Ends at
We are in the Kawaihae shopping center lower level.
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
- Kohala Divers
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 7 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
7 verified traveler reviews for Sunset Whale Watching Shared Activity. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Memories for a lifetime
Some experiences just stay with you, and for us this sunset whale-watching tour was one of them. From the moment we stepped aboard, the crew made us feel less like old friends, not customers. The boat itself was beautiful, but it was the people at the helm that made the day unforgettable. Their knowledge of humpback whales was genuinely impressive: every sighting came with real context and passion, not just a rehearsed script. We got to witness spinner dolphins ride the waves alongside the boat, hear live whale song through the boat’s underwater microphone system, and see a whale calf surface with its mother. Just when we thought it couldn't get any more magical, the crew pulled out a ukulele as the sun started setting. I don't have words for how special it was. If you're debating whether to book, please, just do it. This is an operation that clearly pours their heart into every single tour. Absolutely 5 stars.
via Tripadvisor
Best Whale Watch Trip Ever
Crew was great. They don’t crowd the boat. Also, we meet in Kohalo shopping center NOT in downtown Kailua-Kona. It’s very convenient to resorts north of the airport. We saw spinner dolphins, flying fish, and whales! The whale breached 5 times-amazing
via Tripadvisor
Whale of a sunset cruise!
First whale watch tour of season was AWESOME! Lots of spouts, sprays, humps and tails!! Captain Ty showed the way for us, while Mo & Jess’s were the best mates! 5 kids onboard were thoroughly entertained and in awe! Can’t wait for more! Mahalo from the Hess family!!
via Tripadvisor
Nice Diving, but some things can improve
I have been diving with this company for several years. While their boat is lovely, shop staff are great and my husband was very happy with his snorkel guides, I do hope that they work on customer service skills of their dive guides. I went out with Kohala on four days this September with three different guides. I’m an experienced diver and have frequented many of the dive operations on the island. Kohala is one of the better ones and I love diving the north sites. However, there are few things that could be improved. 1. Site briefings are way too long. Five minutes would do it without baking in the heat. We don’t need to go through the fish book for 15 minutes. That’s a surface interval activity and if the guides spent that time on a debrief we’d be in the water faster. 2. Train your guides to engage with their divers underwater. Two of the three guides I dove with just swam around and pointed out a few things and kept going. On one dive, my guide told everyone that the garden eels weren’t there today. I literally stopped and watched them for a few minutes while the other divers swam on by. We also missed the five turtles and the shark because we didn’t even go to the area where they were and are almost always present. (I know the site well - I had dove it the day before and several times earlier that week) 3. Try to do better grouping your divers. My groups had a mix of very experienced and inexperienced or divers needing some accommodation. On my first dive, I sat on the bottom waiting for two divers to descend. For 15 minutes. One had not been weighted at all (I think) and the other had told them that she had problems equalizing and needed extra time (fair enough). All that said, Kohala is a decent operation with a few rough edges to smooth. In general I had a good time. My husband who snorkels had a great time. I will return to a hopefully improved experience. Kudos to Matthew and Mike for their attention and service both diving and snorkelling.Also to Max in the shop for her great service.
Response from the operator: We appreciate your taking time to review your experience and your feedback is very valuable. I'm happy to hear that you enjoyed many on our team and am truly sorry your experience wasn't as great with others. Your details are helpful for me to bring back to the team to invest energy into how we can do better. We pride ourselves in making a memorable experience for divers of every level and most times are able to succeed at this. Our company operates with a growth mindset and will definitely use your feedback to continue to improve and rethink each new challenge and best ways to deliver the experience you've come to expect from our company. I hope you get to come back again and enjoy a great day with us n the Kohala Coast.
via Tripadvisor
DO IT!
This trip was AWESOME! While we saw 20+ whales and dolphins, as well as a very cool sunset (and what I'm convinced was a newborn calf as there were dolphins jumping all round the whales and calf), Kohala Divers Whale Watching tour was so much more. The boat - Nakama (Hawaiian Goddess of the Sea!), is new, with loads of space; viewing from the top Captains Deck, the forward huge bow, and the stern, which has bench seating. Everyone gets a direct view as they also adhere to Covid Guidelines and have a minimum number of passengers on the boat. The crew - so very Aloha! As I understand, it's the same crew who run the Dive and Snorkel trips (same boat). They can spot a whale, school of dolphins, share history and entertain. They are also so respectful of the ocean and sealife - which is 100% A very comfortable trip - the crew helped my with my disability - AND THEY HAVE A TOILET! Mahalo Crew!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2.3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $103 to $157
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 60
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Sunset Whale Watching Shared Activity: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Big Island of Hawaii.
How much does Sunset Whale Watching Shared Activity cost?
+
Prices start at $103 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 Sunset Whale Watching Shared Activity take?
+
Plan for about 2.3 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 Sunset Whale Watching Shared Activity worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 60 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 7 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 Sunset Whale Watching Shared Activity?
+
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 Sunset Whale Watching Shared Activity suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2.3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Sunset Whale Watching Shared Activity?
+
Around 2 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?
+
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 2.3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Sunset Whale Watching Shared Activity start and how do I get there?
+
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?
+
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?
+
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?
+
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?
+
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.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Sunset Whale Watching Shared Activity.
Pick your date
