Whales and Cocktails Cruise at Sunset from Kawaihae

After checking in at the Ocean Sports Whale Center in Kawaihae, you'll step aboard a comfortable shuttle bus for a 5 minute ride to the secured harbor at Kawaihae where your catamaran awaits. The vessel is easy to board via the sidewalk style dock, and your crew will assist you in boarding.
Once on-board, you'll be offered a tropical cocktail or soft drink as you familiarize yourself with the catamaran and the spacious seating areas in the cabin and on deck. You'll find two "airplane-style" restrooms at deck level inside the cabin. The cabin also includes 6 tables with custom seating for 24 surrounded by table to ceiling windows for great ocean views. On deck at the bow of the boat, you'll find bench seating as well as two large netted trampolines (perfect for lounging). Going aft, you'll find bench seating along the cabin and couch seating 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, and 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 harbor, 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 harbor, securing the vessel on the dock two hours after the departure time. Deboarding the catamaran is as easy as boarding, and you'll walk up the short sidewalk style dock to the shuttle bus for your ride back to your vehicle or hotel.
Looking for the same experience aboard a legendary sailing catamaran? Choose Tuesday or Thursday departures from Anaeho'omalu Bay. Please note that boarding the catamaran requires you access a shuttle boat -- and the ramp to the shuttle boat requires you walk thru water at the shoreline. Depending on wind and surf conditions the shoreline water may be more than knee deep.