KAILUA-KONA RAFTING FIELD GUIDE
Kona Explorer: A Super‑Raft Whale Watch off Kailua‑Kona
A 2.5‑hour voyage aboard the 41 ft. Super‑Raft with marine‑naturalist narration, light snacks and a guaranteed humpback sighting—essential planning details for travelers.
Kona Explorer: A Super‑Raft Whale Watch off Kailua‑Kona.
Step aboard the Kona Explorer, a 41‑foot Super‑Raft operated by Body Glove Hawaii for a focused humpback whale‑watching outing off Kailua‑Kona. The trip combines expert narration from a marine naturalist with comfortable seating, shade, onboard facilities, and complimentary light snacks and drinks, all packaged into a short, high‑value excursion.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
41‑ft Super‑Raft: the Kona Explorer
The trip is run aboard the 41‑foot Super‑Raft, the Kona Explorer, which provides seating, shade and an onboard bathroom for a more comfortable whale‑watching experience.
Guaranteed Humpback Sightings
The operator guarantees whale sightings—if you don’t see humpbacks, you can return for free—making this a reliable option for visitors focused on marine encounters.
Marine‑Naturalist Commentary
A marine naturalist provides narration during the search and sightings, adding biological context to sightings of Hawaii’s humpback whales.
What the day feels like
What the trip feels like
Over approximately two and a half hours you board the Kona Explorer, head out from Kailua‑Kona waters, listen to a marine naturalist’s commentary while scanning for humpbacks, and enjoy light snacks, soft drinks and coffee aboard a shaded, seated platform—returning to the pier at trip’s end.
THE VESSEL
41‑ft Super‑Raft: the Kona Explorer
The trip is run aboard the 41‑foot Super‑Raft, the Kona Explorer, which provides seating, shade and an onboard bathroom for a more comfortable whale‑watching experience.
THE WILDLIFE
Guaranteed Humpback Sightings
The operator guarantees whale sightings—if you don’t see humpbacks, you can return for free—making this a reliable option for visitors focused on marine encounters.
THE INTERPRETATION
Marine‑Naturalist Commentary
A marine naturalist provides narration during the search and sightings, adding biological context to sightings of Hawaii’s humpback whales.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits — and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The trip lasts approximately 2.5 hours.
Meet at Ilima Court Shopping Center, 75‑5629 Kuakini Highway, Kailua‑Kona, HI 96740, per operator instructions before departure.
Bring comfortable clothing and a camera to capture whale sightings.
Boarding requires physical agility; the trip is not suitable for pregnant women, and there is no smoking on the vessel.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Is whale sighting guaranteed?
Yes. The operator guarantees whale sightings—if you don’t see whales you can return for free.
Can children join the tour?
Children under 5 are not allowed on the tour.
Is the raft safe and comfortable?
Yes—the Super‑Raft offers plenty of seating, shade and an onboard bathroom for comfort during the outing.
How long is the trip?
The voyage is approximately 2.5 hours in duration.
Where do I meet before departure?
You meet at Ilima Court Shopping Center, 75‑5629 Kuakini Highway, Kailua‑Kona, HI 96740 per the operator’s meeting instructions.
Are snacks and drinks provided?
Yes—light snacks, soft drinks and coffee are provided aboard during the whale‑watch.