Small Intimate Whale Watching Encounters

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Our Koholā (Whale) Watching Tours

We can’t emphasize enough how much location matters when it comes to viewing Humpback whales in Hawaii. Puako is the BEST place to view whales in the Waikoloa area of the Big Island of Hawaii. Liquid Hawaii provides the top rated small group whale watching experience on the Big Island.

Liquid Hawaii provides a smaller group setting with max of 12 to give our guests a comfortable and intimate whale watching experience. The staff onboard is extremely knowledgeable about the Humpback whales giving you a very educational experience while you watch these incredible encounters.

While you watch, experience the ocean filled with sound as you listen to the whales sing with our research grade hydrophone on board our boat.

See what sets us apart in our video!

Quick notes about our trip

• Check-in time: We offer 3 whale watching tours during the peak of the season, be sure to confirm when booking which start time you are on. The departure times are 7:30am, 10:00am and 12:30pm. Please arrive 20 minutes prior to departure time to ensure we leave on time!
• Departs From: Kawaihae S Boat Harbor (follow directions in email or on website)
• Boat Charter: 2 hours
• $139 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Includes snacks, pineapple, juice, bottled water & soda
• Children 12 and under are $129
• We recommend that you take medication or natural remedies to prevent seasickness to optimize your enjoyment of the trip.  We do not offer medication on the boat. To ensure best results of avoiding seasickness, take medication the day before the trip and 2 hours prior to trip departure so it is in your system.
• MINIMUM 5 PASSENGERS for the Whale Watching Tour

What separates Puako from the Whale Watching in Kona?

Puako is the hidden gem of the Big Island for whale watching, offering a more intimate and authentic experience than crowded Kona tours. Located along the island’s stunning Kohala Coast, Puako provides an ideal shallow sandy bottom for the migrating Humpback whales to aggregate on.

Location matter for getting the best whale watching experience. Liquid Hawaii is located in the middle of the whale birthing grounds making it the ideal spot to witness humpback whales breaching, tail-slapping, and nurturing their calves during migration season.

Unlike the busy harbors of Kona, Puako’s serene coastline allows for quieter encounters and more sustainable, small-group whale watching tours that respect the natural environment and the whales themselves. With expert local guides, crystal-blue waters, and fewer boats on the horizon, Puako delivers a truly unforgettable and eco-friendly whale watching adventure.

Follow along our recent trips through our social media feed and see the difference

What separates us from the Whale Watching in Kona?

Location matters when it comes to Humpback Whale Watching on the Big Island. We can’t emphasize that enough. The coast line off of Puako is a shallow sandy bottom that extends off for about 5 miles. This creates the ideal birthing ground that the Humpback Whales come to aggregate on.

Leaving on a whale watching trip from Kona, the waters are much deeper. Whale watching operators have to drive the coastline for around 30 minutes to begin to reach the humpback whales preferred area. Kona also has a much larger fleet of whale watching vessels where you will see more crowds of whale watching boats compared with our 3 operators total that leave from Puako.

What Makes Puako Special for Whale Watching?

Humpback Whales migrate from Alaska to Hawaii during the winter months to give birth and mate. Along our stretch of coastline the whales relax, mate and give birth to their new babies. Right out of the channel from Puako is the center point for where the whales come to give birth and mate. They come to the shallow stretch of coastline infront of Puako because the natural topography provides the shallow water they want to give birth to their young.

How Long Do the Tours Last, And What Time Should We Book?

Our tours typically last 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on departure time and sea conditions. We recommend morning departures, often between 7:30 AM and 10:30 AM, because waters are calmer then and whales tend to be more active. Booking early ensures the best light for photos and the smoothest ride.

What Is the Best Time of Year for Whale Watching Tours in Kawaihae, HI?

We host our Whale Watching Tours in Kawaihae, HI, during the peak humpback whale migration period—generally December through April. The highest chances of sightings are from December through March. Outside of that time we may still offer coastal wildlife viewing, but whale encounters are less predictable.

Liquid Hawaii is in the middle of a Humpback Whale Birthing Sanctuary

Puako is at the center for the Humpback Whale birthing grounds on the Big Island. This puts us less than a few minute ride to begin seeing whales from the boat. We often can see the whales from the dock before we even begin our whale watching tour. With only 3 other companies operating from Puako, we have a unique uncrowded whale watching experience.

What might you see on a Whale Watching Tour?

We will cruise along the coast looking for these spectacular creatures that are known to slap the water with their fins and tails as well as breach. On special occasions our whales have been know to approach vessels to interact in what we call a “whale mugging”. Their backs can also be seen arching out of the water as they dive down giving you that iconic tail photo opportunity. As we travel the coast we will be looking for other large ocean creatures such as other whale species, Bottlenose Dolphins, Spotted Dolphins and many other creatures.

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Ecotourists can be citizen scientists through Happywhale — have fun learning about your whales while the data in your photos builds our understanding. Follow the link below to learn and upload your photos.

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