Pau Hana Sunset Cruise: Sightseeing and Whale Watching on Hawaiian Coastline
4.8
41 Ratings
Waikoloa Village
Experience the ultimate Pau Hana Sunset Cruise along the Hawaiian coastline, combining sightseeing and whale watching. Enjoy stunning views, refreshing drinks, and expert interpretation of whale behaviors.
Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Ocean Sports Cruises - Check in at the Ocean Sports Beach Hut for your cruise.
  • Kohala Coast - fter checking in at the Ocean Sports Beach Hut at Anaeho’omalu Bay, you’ll access the tender boat ramp by walking through the water at the shoreline (depending on wind and sea conditions, you may be walking through knee deep water, but there will be crew available to assist you). The tender boat pulls right alongside the legendary sailing catamaran, and you walk up three short steps to board (again, the crew will assist you).

Once on-board, you’ll be offered a tropical cocktail or soft drink as you familiarize yourself with the catamaran and the seating areas in the cabin and on deck. Besides the bench seating, you’l find two large netted trampolines (perfect for lounging) on the bow. Going aft, you’ll find bench seating along the cabin and at the stern of the boat.

As you get underway, the USCG licensed captain will introduce you to the boat and the crew, and provide a short safety orientation. An assortment of cold pupu (appetizers) are available throughout the cruise, A complimentary bar is open for the duration of the charter featuring tropical cocktails, a short bar, local beers on tap, red and white wines, and soft drinks.

As you leave the bay, the crew will pull the sails, and you’ll begin the search for spouts and splashes from the Humpback Whales. The on board naturalist will be available to answer all your Humpback Whale questions and also provide interpretation of the whales’ behaviors. The captain will maneuver the vessel to provide you with the best views (and best photo ops) of the whales. This local operator is proud to follow the federal regulations protecting the Humpbacks. They will not approach a Humpback closer than 100 yards or maneuver the vessel in any way that might alter the behavior of the whales. If the weather permits, the captain will stop the vessel and deploy the underwater hydrophone so that you can hear the haunting songs of the Humpback Whales too!

Throughout the cruise, you can help yourself to appetizers (though the friendly crew will be happy to bring them to you – as well as refresh your beverages). Watch for the “green flash” as the sun sets over the horizon! Your captain will turn the boat and head back into the bay, securing the vessel on the mooring 90 minutes after the departure time. Deboarding the catamaran is as easy as boarding, and you’ll take the tender boat back to shore..

What's Included
  • Unlimited soft drinks, tropical juices, beers, and wine
  • Enjoy a variety of snacks
  • Bring your own alcoholic beverages; we’ll keep them chilled
  • Live commentary for an engaging journey
  • Experienced and professional crew at your service
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
Additional Information

Experience the unrivaled beauty of the Hawaiian seashore from the comfort and roominess of a catamaran, accompanied by the grandeur of Humpback Whales – an ideal setting for a magical evening in the island! Sail through the Kohala on a fully equipped power or sailing catamaran. This package includes limitless tropical juice, sodas, and a range of beer and wine, along with individually packed bar snacks. Feel free to bring your choice of alcoholic drinks aboard, and we’ll ensure they remain chilled until you’re ready to enjoy them! Our resident naturalist will explain the behaviors of the whales for added enjoyment and unique photo moments.

Note: The Cruise sets off either from Anaeho’omalu Bay at the Waikoloa Beach Resort, or Kawaihae Harbor.
ONLY ANAEHO’OMALU BAY WILL BE OUR DEPARTURE POINT UNTIL 1/8/2022.

  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Minimum drinking age is 21 years
Location
69-275 Waikōloa Beach Dr
Waikōloa Beach Drive
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.8
(41 Ratings)
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Lydia_f
Mar 29, 2024
Tasty cocktails, friendly crew, and beautiful sunset with bonus humpbacks! - Our family of 6 had a wonderful experience! We sailed on the power catamaran Alala out of Kawaihae Harbor in early March, and enjoyed delicious cocktails (especially the ube coladas!) and tasty snacks, and got to see a beautiful sunset, flying fish, and at least three humpack whales including a mom, baby and chaperone. The crew was so friendly and knowledgable, and made the whole sunset cruise unforgettable.
Review provided by Viator
Kathiej
Mar 25, 2024
Great crew! - The crew was great. We’ve been on quite a few sunset/whale watching sails. This was the first time they put a device in the water, so we could hear the whales. It was so cool. Very personable, knowledgeable and accommodating staff. Recommended.
Review provided by Viator
Ryanleo85
Feb 22, 2024
Whale season must! - The time flew by! Great option to see during whale season there were so many out there and was definitely the highlight of the tour! The crew was very accommodating and refilling everyone’s drinks. Great sights off the Kona coast!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Hiep_m
Feb 18, 2024
Amazing your! - Amazing tour. We went during winter (whale season) and saw whale 3x! Sunset was beautiful and staff was very friendly. Highly recommend.
Review provided by Viator
Caitlingr8507ky
Jan 21, 2024
Excellent Whale watching cruise - The boat was clean and comfortable. Great fruit and cheese with cocktails to enjoy as we watched whales. Our baby was allowed to come aboard and he had a great time. We saw a whale every 3-5 minutes and was even surprised when one surfaced right next to the boat and showed his fluke! The crew was very knowledgeable and explained many facts and theories about whale behavior. Can’t wait to go again!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Amy_p
Dec 17, 2023
Beautiful, Relaxing - No whales but that was ok it’s early in the season. Still had a wonderful time out on the water watching the sunset. The staff was excellent and made the trip enjoyable. Would recommend this trip and company for all the services they provide.
Review provided by Viator
Roxs19
Apr 2, 2023
Stunning ever changing dunset - It was so peaceful and sunset was breathtaking. The crew were super. They waited on us and we enjoyed talking to them.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Inspire750557
Mar 29, 2023
Had a great time - We had a great cruise. Beautiful night, sunset was gorgeous, saw whales in the distance. Boat crew was wonderful ! Snacks and drinks were plentiful
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Scott_h
Dec 26, 2023
Not Honorable - Went on the sunset whale cruise. Before we left they said, if you don’t see whales well either book you on another tour in the future or give you a gift certificate. Our tour was super lame. We barely went out into the ocean, and only stayed in the immediate area of the harbor. I’ve gone on other whale tours and usually the crews of different boats are in communication on the radio about where the whales are and the boat is capable of moving at high speeds to go find the whales. this didn’t happen on this trip. Then the tour operator was going to honor their grantee. We were in a hurry so I said I’d follow up for the gift certificate or reschedule and now they aren’t honoring it. Don’t recommend this tour operator.
Review provided by Viator
David012707
Mar 9, 2023
Canceled Cruise - It was canceled by the company with no explanation why. Weather? Other reason? Don’t know. All I know is the weather was good that afternoon.
Review provided by Tripadvisor