Kona’s Newest Whale Watch Vessel
Meet Artemis
Artemis
Introducing Artemis, a 46 foot aluminum catamaran custom built for mission focused wildlife adventures on the breathtaking Kona Coast of Hawaii. Boasting two shaded viewing decks, easily accessible swim platform with dual swim ladders, forward facing bucket seating, spacious onboard restroom, hydraulic powered bow ramp, boat-wide sound system, and scientific quality hydrophones, Artemis is the only vessel of its kind in Hawaii. Equipped with two powerful and fast Volvo D6-IPS650 engines, explore the dramatic coastline and unique offshore environment in style and comfort. Named after the formidable Pacific Northwest Killer Whale T65A ‘Artemis’ and the Greek goddess of the hunt, our state-of-the-art vessel certainly lives up to its namesake.
Custom Built For Kona
The long 46-foot waterline and dual catamaran hulls make for a smooth and stable ride whether exploring Kona’s dramatic coastlines and shallow reefs or venturing far offshore into Kona’s deep pelagic zone in search of Hawaii’s rare and elusive wildlife species. Equipped with twin Volvo D6-IPS650 engines enable a fast but quiet cruising speed of over 20knots while maintaining the Environmental Protection Agencies’ Tier 3 compliance for emission standards. With this state-of-the-art, fast, and fuel-efficient propulsion system, Artemis explores the Kona Coast in style without any irritating engine fumes.
The most comfortable tour boat on the Big Island
The full walk-around main deck level, easily accessible elevated flybridge, and oversized water level swim platform give three unique vantage points for dedicated photographers and wildlife enthusiasts alike. Across both decks comfortable and padded forward facing bucket seats ensure everyone is oriented in the right direction for the best wildlife viewing. Our water-level swim platform with custom rail enclosure allow you to get as close as physically possible to the ocean with out actually going swimming. Our shaded and elevated flybridge with room for 15 people provides an excellent vantage point for spotting wildlife and getting that coveted birds eye perspective on the water. Our spacious main deck area provides a comfortable open-air ride, padded forward facing seats positioned at the optimal viewing angle for all passengers, ample shaded and full-sun seating options. Just astern of the main seating area you’ll find a spacious and clean marine head (private restroom), complimentary cold drinks, sunscreen application mirrors, and integrated trash receptacles. Across both decks and aft swim platform you’ll enjoy the soft SeaDek (EVA foam decking material) providing that luxurious barefoot feel to your adventure— shoes are optional!
Main Deck
Second Deck
State-of-the-Art Controls
At the Helm our captains utilize the best Garmin electronics and navigation technologies on the market to better position our vessel along the dynamic Kona Coastline. Responsive electronic controls as well as advanced joystick control allow Artemis to be expertly maneuvered in the most technical water conditions. Boat-wide audio allow for zone controlled music, clear public address announcements, and a full surround sound hydrophone experience will keep you updated and informed at all points along our tour.
Perfect for Kona Night Manta and Snorkel Tours
Aboard Artemis, night operations are better than ever. Superior stability, multiple water entry and exit points, oversized swim platform with double swim ladders, three hot water showers, boat-wide courtesy and underwater lighting make Artemis the premier night manta snorkel vessel on the island. Equipped with custom engineered and built night manta light boards we light up the night like no one else for the best Manta ray viewing opportunities.
It’s time you experience the Hawaiian Adventures difference.
Artemis holds a United States Coast Guard certification for 49 passengers with an extended range offshore route allowing us to access Kona’s deep waters up to 20 miles offshore. Highly experienced crew, modern lifesaving equipment, and brand new vessel construction standards make Artemis not only the best vessel to experience Kona’s expansive range of wildlife and rugged coastline— but also the safest. When it comes to safety on the water Artemis just raised the Bar.
Whether you are exploring Kona’s historical coastline, deep offshore waters, snorkeling with mantas as night, or watching Humpback whales on their winter migration, Artemis is the only vessel intelligently designed and purposefully created for awe-inspiring wildlife adventures in comfort.
At Hawaiian Adventures Kona, our expert guides offer the Big Island’s ultimate small-group wildlife tour. Our year-round whale watch, night manta, Kona snorkel, ocean adventure, and private charters are the best opportunity for a true Hawaiian Adventure.
Whale watching in Kona is year-round! Hawaiian Adventures Kona has access to both near-shore and pelagic zones, which gives you the opportunity to see humpbacks, spinner dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, flying fish, surface-feeding mantas, pilot whales, beaked whales, sperm whales, spotted dolphins, whale sharks, and more!
Experience the real Kona nightlife and meet the mantas! Our Kona Night Manta tours depart strategically out of Honokohau Marina, giving us the ability to head where there’s better conditions, fewer people, and more mantas. This small-group tour is the best way to experience the #1 activity on the Big Island.
Snorkel the Kona Coast and beyond! All snorkel tours at Hawaiian Adventures Kona are private charters, which allows you to explore at your own speed. Whether it’s snorkeling at historic Kealakekua Bay or skipping the crowds and checking out the crew’s favorite snorkel spots, we provide all snorkel gear (masks and fins) for you and your party!
After 25 years in the tour business, this is the tour our family would seek out while traveling. It is also what we do for fun while not running other tours. Whether you're looking for an offshore pelagic snorkel, prefer inshore reefs, or are searching for wildlife from the comfort of our luxury six-passenger vessel, Callisto, our guides will sculpt a wildlife adventure you’ll never forget.
Explore the Kona Coast at your own speed. In selecting a private charter, you are choosing personalized service, exclusivity, and ample space aboard our 6-passenger center console Callisto. Work directly with your captain to design your dream excursion in the days leading up to your trip, ensuring your trip with Hawaiian Adventures Kona will be the highlight of your Hawaiian experience.