Big Island Tour Questions

We provide masks, snorkels, fins and noodles for assistance floating on all of our in-the-water tours. If you have your own snorkel gear or prescription masks, you are more than welcome to bring it!

At Hawaiian Adventures Kona, we’re in search of the best snorkeling spots off of the Kona coast. Our tours are designed for strong swimmers and those who’ve been snorkeling in the past. Guests getting in the water must be comfortable and have had prior experience with masks, snorkels, and fins.

Most visitors associate whale watching in Hawaii with the winter humpback whale migration. From December 15th -March 15th, our focus will be humpback whales, but when the humpbacks return to their summer feeding grounds, our focus will shift to the diverse array of toothed whales that frequent Hawaiian waters, such as spinner dolphins, pilot whales and more.

Whales and wildlife aren’t on a schedule! In our 25+ years of running whale and wildlife tours, we’ve found that there’s no difference in sightings between morning, afternoon, or evening tours. When booking a tour with Hawaiian Adventures Kona, choose the departure time that fits best into your schedule!

There is a renewed sense of excitement each time we leave the marina, because there is no telling exactly what we might see during any one trip. This unknown is part of what makes viewing wildlife in its element so thrilling. For more information on the many species that could be sighted in the waters around Kona, check out our Whales and Wildlife page.

We encourage cameras, but drones are not allowed on public tours at this time.

All tours at Hawaiian Adventures Kona are recommended for ages 10 and above. As a parent, you know your child, and their attention span, better than we do. If they are within the recommended age limit, excited by marine life, and up for an adventure on the open ocean, this could be the experience of a lifetime for them. When making the decision for your family, please consider the experience of your fellow passengers, as this will be an intimate group setting.

Private charters are open to anyone ages 1-101, but all tours are recommended for ages 10 and above.

Artemis is a USCG certified vessel, meaning we are fully equipped with all USCG safety equipment including lifejackets, float-free life rafts, an EPIRB and more. You are not required to wear a life jacket on our boat, but are welcome to if that suits your comfort level.

If you’re prone to motion sickness, we recommend taking motion-sickness medication the night before your tour and again one hour before your scheduled departure. Staying hydrated, avoiding heavier foods, and abstaining from drinking before your tour can also help prevent seasickness.

We are a non-smoking vessel. No smoking of any kind is permitted on our tours.

We are located in Honokohau Harbor, situated less than 6 miles south of the Kona International Airport and about four miles north of downtown Kailua-Kona. Check your confirmation email for full details and directions.

We do not provide transportation to the harbor, but there is plenty of free parking within the marina.

We are a cashless company. For your convenience, all reservations can be made online via debit or credit card.

Public Tours

Cancellations more than 24 hours prior to the departure time: Canceled reservations are subject to a 6% cancellation fee to cover the merchant service charges. Guests may reschedule public tour reservations at no charge up to 24 hours prior to the tour.

Cancellations within 24 hours prior to the departure time: Reservations held for a public tour canceled within 24 hours of the scheduled departure time are not eligible for a refund.

Private Charters

Cancellations more than 48 hours prior to the departure time: Canceled private charter reservations are subject to a 6% cancellation fee to cover the merchant service charges. Private charters require 48 hours notice prior to the tour to reschedule.

Cancellations within 48 hours prior to the departure time: Private charter reservations canceled within 48 hours of the scheduled departure time are not eligible for a refund.