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Royal Humpback Whale Experience
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Overview
1.5 hours • Ages 8+ • Offered Seasonally from December 16th - April 30th
Duration: 1.5 Hour
Min Age: 8
Description: # Come catch a glimpse of Hawaiʻi’s gentle giants, the Humpback Whales!
About the Tour
Each winter, thousands of North Pacific humpback whales migrate over 6,000 miles from Alaska to the warm, protected waters of Hawaiʻi, one of the longest migrations of any mammal on Earth. Between mid-December and early April, these gentle giants return to breed, give birth, and care for their young in the calm bays surrounding the islands.
Join our local captain and crew aboard Hilo’s only commercial tour boat for an unforgettable journey along the scenic East Hawaiʻi coastline. As you glide across the water, keep an eye out for whale spouts, tail slaps, and full breaches, powerful yet graceful displays that capture the magic of whale season in Hawaiʻi.
Our guides share fascinating insights about humpback whale behavior, their migration patterns, and their cultural significance to the Hawaiian Islands. With breathtaking views of Mauna Kea, lush coastal waterfalls, and (when lucky) whales breaching against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks, this is an experience unlike any other.
What Makes This Experience Special
- Encounter humpback whales in their natural environment during their annual migration
- Expert local captain and crew offering educational narration and cultural insight
- Comfortable, small-group experience aboard Hilo’s only commercial tour vessel
- Scenic views of the Hamakua Coast and surrounding volcanic landscape
- Opportunity to witness whale behaviors such as breaching, tail slapping, and pectoral fin waving
Whale Song Snorkel Package (Optional Upgrade)
Enhance your adventure with our Whale Song Snorkel Package, a full sensory experience that lets you hear the haunting songs of the humpback whales while you snorkel in Hawaiʻi’s pristine waters.
This add-on Includes:
- Snorkel gear set (mask, snorkel, and fins)
- Optional life jacket
- Guided experience and safety briefing
Tour Details
- Duration: Approximately 1.5 hours
- Season: Mid-December through early April (peak whale activity varies by year)
- Includes: Professional captain and crew, light refreshments, and water
- What to Bring: Reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, and camera
- Group Size: Small, comfortable group setting for optimal viewing and personal attention
Come join us for an awe-inspiring encounter with Hawaiʻi’s majestic humpback whales and experience the wonder of whale season along Hilo’s beautiful coastline.
What to Bring:
A few items to bring include sunscreen (non-spray or tinted), sunglasses, a towel, and rain gear!
Disclaimers:
Disclaimer
This Tour: Is not suitable for those who are pregnant, over 300lbs, have back / mobility problems, or cannot swim unassisted in the open ocean.
All Tours: Leave promptly at the specified time. Tours will not be held back for late arrivals and missed tours will not be eligible for refund. If guests require rental gear for this adventure, they will be responsible for showing up before the specified time in order to have gear fitted and be ready for an on-time departure.
Meeting And Pickup
You can head directly to the meeting point, or request pickup
Meeting point
Street: 181 Manono Street (Wailoa Boat Harbor)
City: Hilo
Country: US
Postal Code: 96720
Province: HI
Additional Info
Thank you for booking with Hilo Ocean Adventures!
We look forward to having you as our guest. We're excited to show you the majesty of Hilo in a way no one else can offer!
Please check in 30 minutes prior to the start time of your tour at our shop.
Tours starting outside of our open hours (9a-5p) will check in 15 minutes early at the Wailoa Small Boat Harbor slip #4
Please double check that all of your waivers have been signed.
Be sure to bring:
- a camera
- reef-safe sunscreen
- a rain coat (in case of rainy weather)
- quick dry clothing or swim suit
- a towel
- if needed, take motion sickness medication prior to arriving for it to have enough time to take effect We strongly suggest motion sickness medicine if you are prone to sea sickness
We will provide snacks and beverages.
Have questions? Call us! (808) 934-8344
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation & Refund Policy
- Standard Tours & Charters: Full refund or 1-year gift card if canceled 48 + hours in advance.
- Fishing Charters: Full refund or gift card if canceled 30 days in advance.
- Swim Packages/Classes: Non-refundable at purchase.
- Cancellation Method: Must be made by phone or email—no voicemail cancellations accepted.
- Late Cancellations & No-Shows: Non-refundable if within the notice period or no-show.
- Operator-Initiated Cancellations (e.g., due to weather): Guest receives full refund or gift card.
- Refund Processing: Refunds may take longer than 24 hours to process and are issued in the order received. You may choose a transferable gift card, valid for one year from the date of cancellation.
- Questions? Call 808-934-8344.
