Whale watching boats in Hilo?

[Rob Tucker]

Are there any whale watching boats operating out of Hilo? I'd like to take my family out and would also like to avoid driving to Kona side if at all possible.

Assume the best and ask questions.

Punaweb moderator

[rbakker]

http://hilosailing.com/default.aspx

Website seems to be up-to-date. Haven't been myself. It would have to be a calm day for me to want to go out on the waters on the windward side!

[mdd7000]

We went out of Kawaihae Harbor because we wanted to avoid the bad wave action in Hilo and the boats that go from there guarantee whales or you get a free trip on a later date. It was very calm when we went and saw many whales within 2 minutes of the boat leaving the harbor. The water there is SUPER CLEAR and you can see the bottom at 100+ feet. Hard to beat that. Sure, the drive from Pahoa is long, but well worth it.

[John S. Rabi]

I would drive to anywhere to go out with Captain Dan McSweeney, who is an internationally known and respected whale researcher. (Operates out of Honokohau Harbour.)

Aloha,
John S. Rabi, GM,PB,ABR,CRB,CM,FHS
808.327.3185
johnrabi@johnrabi.com
http://www.JohnRabi.com
Typically Tropical Properties
"The Next Level of Service!"

[julieb]

What boating company did you use?

[Devany]

Rob, there are a few of them out of Hilo and the action in the bay was more exciting than I have seen since we moved here. At one point around 1:30 pm we sighted 9 breeches all across the bay. There only seem to be a couple of them active near us now (5 pm), but I just looked out and saw a big one! The family that has the hand made instruments at the Hilo Farmer's Market take people out, they also do lava viewings. I would guess that any boats doing lava viewings by boat would be doing whales about now since there is not much lava flowing. Here are a few for you to check on:

http://www.lavaocean.com/NaturalWondersofHilo.htm

http://www.lavacharters.com/HiloWhaleWatching.htm



Aloha au i Hawai`i,
devany

www.myhawaiianhome.blogspot.com
www.eastbaypotters.blogspot.com

[Rob Tucker]

Thanks for the information everyone. Looks like some potentials.

[DanielP]

Marine forecast says Friday will be your day Hilo side. Looks like a storm may be brewing for the weekend.

Dan

[Carey]

UH-H has offered a whale watching cruise on their old cat RV Four Winds.... do not know if they will offer any this year on their brand spankin' new vessel (not in the water here... yet... maybe in a week...


Also there is the 'Lobo del Mar' group:
http://www.lobodelmar.com/

and if you guys want to paddle on a couple of kayaks for your own adventure.... you know where we are....

[holahan]

aloha all,

i can personally vouch for lava ocean adventures. http://www.lavaocean.com/NaturalWondersofHilo.htm

the turpins who run it are friends and i have been out fishing with bud, right next to the lava flow. they have a strong knowledge of the ocean at this end of the island. the ride might be a bit rough depending upon the weather, but even on a bumpy day, once you get your sea legs, its dy-no-mite! you probably won't get the same water visibility on the east side, but if your primary concern is the drive, give them a call, get the weather forecast and have fun!