Whale Watching Tours Big Island Hawaii | Kohala Tours

We had a great experience with William and Susan. Both were very friendly and Susan had tons of information to share about whales, their migration patterns, their mating behaviors, and more. We saw a number of different whales and dozens of spinner dolphins swimming with the boat. We even had a whale swim under the boat.

Whale watching with Kohala Tours, the boat the LavaKai, leaves from slip #S01, South Harbor at Kawaihae, Hi. A little hard to find but very well worth the effort!
We set off on Thursday, January 14^th, under mostly sunny skies, gentle winds, and smooth calm waters. Once at the harbor we met Captain William, and his first mate, Chris. Both, well seasoned and professional, William follows the whales, in Alaska in Summer, while Chris does wildlife bus tours in Alaska. Both then head to Hawaii, for winter migration.
Once aboard the Comfortable LavaKai, we headed out of port. Within seconds of heading out of to sea, we had our first sighting, the adventure had begun! First, a couple of blowhole water spouts, then so many more sightings, too numerous to count! Captain William, and Chris were as stoked as we all were! We experienced a full body out of the water Breech, a 40x tail fop, and even a cow & calf with escort family pod cruise along side of us! The tour was awe inspiring, a memory to last a lifetime!
The boat, The LavaKai, was clean and comfortable, we were treated like guests, with fresh baked banana bread and shortbread served on a silver tray, as well as juice, water and chocolate covered macadamia nuts. We were very impressed by their hospitality.
William and Chris are both following their bliss and it shows, they have a genuine love for sharing the majesty that the humpback whales display. We felt like partners of an adventure, rather than just another ticketed customer on a scripted tour.
Highly recommend for the experience, the hospitality, and the professionalism.
When on the Big Island during the winter migration, Kohala Tours, with Captain William and Chris is a Must Do Adventure! Don’t miss out…