Join Kona Ocean Adventures for a private 2.5-hour whale watch off Kailua-Kona's coast. Witness magnificent Humpback Whales in their birthing season and learn about their fascinating behaviors.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2.5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; no strenuous activity required as guests remain seated or standing on the boat.
Wildlife
History
Kailua-Kona was once a royal residence and fishing village and remains central to Hawaiian cultural traditions.
Conservation
Local operators follow strict guidelines to minimize disturbance to marine life and support native habitat preservation efforts.
Kona Ocean Adventures
Join Kona Ocean Adventures for a private 2.5-hour whale watch off Kailua-Kona's coast. Witness magnificent Humpback Whales in their birthing season and learn about their fascinating behaviors.
Kona Ocean Adventures is a marine tour operator based in Kailua‑Kona, Hawaii, specializing in snorkeling, scuba diving, night dives, private charters, and coastal cruises.
The company runs guided experiences along the Kona Coast and Kealakekua Bay, featuring signature manta ray snorkels, reef and pelagic dives, Kealakekua snorkeling trips, sunset cruises, and seasonal whale watches during humpback season. Certified dive professionals lead scuba trips and specialty night dives, and trained crew manage snorkel excursions and charters.
Trips include manta ray snorkels and one‑tank scuba options, afternoon two‑tank reef and manta dives, pelagic black water night dives, morning two‑tank scuba sessions, Kealakekua Bay adventures with onboard lunch, exclusive sunset cruises for small groups, 4‑hour private charters, and 2.5‑hour whale watch outings available December through April. Each itinerary lists duration, required experience level, and safety briefings, and rental equipment and instruction are offered for qualified participants.
Safety practices follow standard dive and snorkel protocols; staff provide pre‑trip briefings, lifejackets for surface swimmers, and dive checks for certified divers. The operation focuses on responsible wildlife viewing and adherence to local regulations that protect manta rays, coral, and marine mammals.
Kona Ocean Adventures serves visitors seeking guided ocean experiences from Kailua‑Kona. Bookings accommodate snorkelers, certified divers, private groups, and seasonal whale watchers. Clear trip descriptions, experienced crew, and multiple daily departures support planning and confidence when selecting marine activities along the Kona Coast. Reservations are available online and through local booking partners, with clear cancellation policies and information on gear and certification requirements published online.
Location
Kailua‑Kona, HI
Launches from Kailua‑Kona harbor
Tours Offered
9 trips
Range of snorkeling and dives
Typical Trip
2.5–4 hrs
Durations vary by trip
Whale Season
Dec–Apr
Seasonal humpback sightings
Book manta snorkels, Kona scuba dives, night dives, or private charters — limited daily availability from Kailua‑Kona.
Arrive Early to Board
Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled departure to ensure a smooth check-in and boarding process.
Wear Sunscreen and a Hat
Protection from the tropical sun is important even on cooler or cloudy days out on the water.
Bring a Light Jacket
Ocean breezes can be cool, especially in the early morning or late afternoon, so a lightweight jacket is recommended.
Use Binoculars for Better Viewing
Bring binoculars to get a closer look at whales and other marine wildlife from a distance without disturbing them.
Sunscreen
Protects your skin from UV rays during the open water excursion.
Polarized Sunglasses
Reduces glare off the water to improve visibility when spotting whales.
Light Waterproof Jacket
Keeps you warm and dry during cooler, windy conditions out on the ocean.
winter
Binoculars
Enhances your ability to view distant whales and other marine wildlife.