Wake up with the Whales Cruise from Kawaihae Harbor

If you’re planning a trip to the Big Island of Hawaii, spotting the majestic Humpback Whales during their annual migration is often high on the list. While there are several options available, the Wake up with the Whales Cruise from Kawaihae Harbor stands out for its focus on comfort, educational value, and a unique guarantee. We’re here to give you an honest look at what makes this experience worth considering — or perhaps skipping, if you prefer other types of adventures.

What immediately caught our eye was the value of expert-led learning about whale behavior, the chance to listen in on whale songs with the onboard hydrophone, and the flexibility of the guarantee that promises a return trip if you don’t see whales. The relatively short duration of around 1 hour and 30 minutes makes it accessible even for those with busy schedules or less stamina for longer tours. However, one thing to keep in mind is that the tour’s success depends heavily on weather conditions, so a clear day will make all the difference.

This cruise seems perfect for families, curious travelers, or those simply wanting a relaxing yet informative ocean experience. If you’re after a straightforward whale-watching trip with a confidence that you’ll see whales, this may be your best bet. But if you’re seeking a more adventurous or longer excursion, other options might suit you better.

Good To Know

• Guaranteed whale sightings or return trips for free, offering peace of mind.
• Educational naturalist guides enhance the experience with whale behavior insights.
• Hydrophone listening provides a rare opportunity to hear whale songs underwater.
• Shorter duration makes it an easy, accessible activity for most travelers.
• Comfortable, stable catamaran ensures a smooth ride even in choppier seas.
• Inclusive snacks and drinks add to the experience without extra cost.

What to Expect on the Wake up with the Whales Cruise

When you board the spacious, stable catamaran at Kawaihae Harbor, you immediately sense that comfort is a priority. With a maximum group size of 65 travelers, you won’t feel crowded, and the boat’s stability ensures that even those prone to seasickness will find the ride manageable. The 8:00 am departure is perfect for catching the early morning light and potentially spotting whales during their most active period.

The Itinerary and Experience

The tour starts promptly at 8:00 am from 61-3655 Akoni Pule Hwy, Kamuela, HI. After settling in, the crew — led by the knowledgeable and friendly Ocean Sports team — begins by setting expectations and sharing insights about whale behavior. The naturalist guides are well-trained, offering a balance between informative commentary and engaging storytelling. One reviewer mentions that the information given about whale behaviors and what to look for made the experience especially memorable.

While the main goal remains spotting whales, the highlight for many is the opportunity to listen to whale songs via the onboard hydrophone (weather permitting). This is a rare chance to hear the haunting melodies that make Humpbacks so captivating, and many guests find it adds a magical element to the trip. The crew’s enthusiasm and professionalism shine through, making the experience both educational and enjoyable.

Whale Watching and Sightings

Seeing whales in their natural habitat is a matter of luck and timing, but this tour’s guarantee offers comfort — if you don’t see any whales, you can return until you do, with no limit on re-boarding. According to a review, the crew was praised for their effort in locating whales and their interpretation of whale behaviors. The reviewer noted, “We saw several whales in the distance,” though unfortunately, no breaching or close encounters occurred. They expressed a wish for a whale breach right in front of them but appreciated the overall experience.

The tour often offers sightings of multiple whales, and guests can expect to observe their tail slaps, breaches, and surface behaviors, which are especially prevalent during the mating season in winter months. The naturalist guides are skilled at pointing out these behaviors and explaining what they mean about whale communication or social activity.

Food and Refreshments

Included in the ticket price are soda, non-alcoholic drinks, snacks, and alcoholic beverages (if age-appropriate). This makes the experience more relaxed, especially if you’re on a family trip or just want to sip a cold drink while watching the ocean. The inclusion of drinks and snacks ensures that you don’t need to worry about bringing your own, though many recommend bringing sunscreen, hats, and a camera with zoom.

The Guarantee and Customer Satisfaction

One of the standout features of this tour is its “best guarantee on the island” — if you don’t see whales, you can come back as many times as needed until you do, free of charge. This policy underscores the confidence Ocean Sports has in their guides and the natural conditions they operate in.

A reviewer shared that “you might find multiple ways to view the whales,” but the security of the guarantee makes it easier to enjoy the trip without worry. The naturalist team, known for being super informative and engaging, plays a big role in making sure guests understand and appreciate what they’re seeing.

Why This Tour Offers Good Value

At $125 per person, this tour delivers more than just a boat ride; it’s an educational experience wrapped in comfort and adventure. The guaranteed sightings and the opportunity to listen to whale songs elevate the trip beyond typical sightseeing. If you’re traveling during peak whale season, this is one of the best options for a short, meaningful experience that balances education, relaxation, and adventure.

Compared to longer, more expensive tours, this 1.5-hour cruise offers a concentrated dose of whale-watching magic with less time commitment — perfect for families, first-timers, or those with tight schedules.

Who Should Book This Experience?

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a high-confidence whale-watching experience without the commitment of full-day tours. Families with children, seniors, or anyone looking for a relaxing, educational trip will appreciate the shorter duration and inclusive amenities. The guarantee makes it especially attractive for first-time whale watchers or those worried about missing out.

If you’re a nature enthusiast who loves learning about marine creatures, the naturalist-guided approach combined with the hydrophone sounds like a real highlight. However, if your main goal is a close-up breach or a dramatic spectacle, you might want to consider other tours with longer durations or specific focus on whale behavior.

The Wake up with the Whales Cruise from Kawaihae Harbor provides a smart, engaging way to see Hawaii’s iconic Humpback Whales. Its combination of comfortable boats, expert guides, whale songs, and a satisfaction guarantee makes it a valuable choice for many travelers. We loved the emphasis on education and the chance to listen to whale songs underwater, adding a special dimension to whale watching.

The short duration makes it accessible for families, casual travelers, or anyone seeking a light yet meaningful ocean adventure. The price point is reasonable given the inclusions, especially considering the peace of mind offered by the guarantee. While whale sightings are never 100% guaranteed, the crew’s efforts and naturalist expertise mean you’re likely to leave with a memorable story—and hopefully, some whale sightings.

This experience will appeal most to those who prioritize comfort, education, and reliability over long hours at sea. If your goal is a relaxed, well-guided, and fun introduction to Hawaii’s whale season, this cruise is well worth considering.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?
The tour departs at 8:00 am, making it a great early-morning activity to catch the best whale activity and enjoy the day ahead.

Where do I meet for the tour?
The meeting point is at 61-3655 Akoni Pule Hwy, Kamuela, HI. The tour ends back at this same location.

What is included in the price?
Your ticket covers the boat ride, snacks, soda, and alcoholic beverages (if applicable). The onboard naturalist guides and hydrophone use are also part of the package.

What if I don’t see whales?
Thanks to the tour’s guarantee, you can come back as many times as needed until whales are spotted, without any extra charge.

How long is the tour?
The experience lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, making it a manageable activity even for those with limited time.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, most travelers can participate, and the naturalist guides are good at engaging all age groups with informative commentary.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, hats, waterproof clothing, and your camera. The boat’s stability and onboard amenities make for a comfortable ride, but sun protection is always recommended.

If you’re seeking a reliable, educational, and fun way to see whales in their natural habitat, the Wake up with the Whales Cruise offers an experience that’s both memorable and stress-free.