Ocean
Manta Ray Night Snorkel
Float above lit ocean water after dark as Kona's resident manta rays somersault inches beneath you, the Big Island's single most unforgettable hour.
Ocean
Whale Watching on the Kohala Coast
From November through April, humpbacks fill the channel off Waikoloa, breaching, tail-slapping, and singing. Some of the best viewing is from shore.
Each winter, thousands of North Pacific humpbacks return to the warm, shallow channel between the Big Island and Maui to calve and compete. From Hali’i Kai’s oceanfront rail, whale season means spouts at breakfast and breaches at sunset.
For a closer look, we can point you to the morning departures, typically calmer water and more active whales, from Anaeho’omalu Bay or Kawaihae Harbor, both minutes from your suite.
Good to know
Can we see whales without a boat?
Yes, the Kohala Coast is one of Hawaii's best shorelines for whale watching. In peak season our guests spot breaches from oceanfront suites at Hali'i Kai and along the A-Bay beach walk.
When is the best time to see humpbacks?
The season runs from about November through April, with the most activity from January through March. Mornings typically bring calmer water and livelier whales.
What should I bring on a boat tour?
A light layer, sunglasses, reef-safe sunscreen, and a camera with some zoom. Even in Hawaii the water can feel cool in the morning breeze.
Are we guaranteed to see whales?
In peak season sightings are very common, and many operators offer a free return trip if none appear. Nature is never certain, but the odds are excellent from January through March.
What if I am prone to seasickness?
The channel can carry a gentle swell, so take motion medication about an hour before departure and choose a morning tour when seas are calmest. Watching from shore is always a steady alternative.
More ways to spend the day
Culture
Pu'uhonua o Honaunau (Place of Refuge)
A sacred place of forgiveness on a lava point of carved ki'i, royal fishponds, and swaying palms. One of Hawaii's most powerful cultural sites, and its best preserved.
Ocean
Kealakekua Bay Kayak & Snorkel
Paddle a glassy marine sanctuary to the Captain Cook Monument, where spinner dolphins pass and the reef drops into some of Hawaii's clearest water.