Big Island of Hawaii

15 Best Big Island Whale Watching

The whale sailings: humpbacks working the Kona coast through the winter months, visible from shore and unmissable from a boat. Zodiac rafts get low and close; catamarans bring the shade.

1.Whale Watching On The Big Island

Experience Hawaii’s majestic humpback whales on a 2.5-hour catamaran tour from Kailua-Kona, with expert guides, whale songs, and scenic views.

Most Popular★ 5.0

“Saw so many whales! Mom and baby, a whale breaching, a whale on its back slapping the water! It was amazing!! The crew was wonderful and knowledgeable and had a great sense of humor! Great experience!”

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2.Guaranteed Dolphin and Whale Watch Tour in Kona

Experience Kona's marine wildlife on this guided dolphin and whale watch tour. Expect expert naturalists, comfortable boats, and year-round sightings for $129.

★ 5.0

“The hosts of this trip were extremely professional, timely, and knowledgeable. We saw a few glimpses of a humpback whale and saw several dolphins. I would definitely do a trip with them again!”

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3.Zodiac Raft Whale Watching Adventure

Experience close-up whale encounters from a zippy zodiac, explore Kona’s coastline, and enjoy expert guides on this highly-rated Big Island adventure.

★ 5.0

“Tour brought us to see many whales, dolphins & flying fish were a great addition to the end of our adventure! Guides were super friendly and comical! Highly recommended!”

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4.Kailua-Kona: Whale Watching Cruise on the Big Island

Discover the Big Island’s humpback whales with this 2.5-hour Kailua-Kona cruise, featuring expert guides, whale songs, and up-close marine encounters.

★ 4.7

“our guide and crew were very attentive and knowledgeable. they directed us to the sightings of whales and made sure we knew where to see them. very happy with our trip.”

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5.Whale Watch Excursion from the Big Island

Experience Hawaii’s humpback whales close-up on a 2.5-hour guided tour from Kailua Kona, featuring onboard naturalist insights, snacks, and guaranteed sightings.

★ 4.5

“A great afternoon. We learned a lot about whales. It took a while to see our first one but then we saw many. We don’t get up close to any but it was a really great experience”

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7.Big Island, Hawaii Whale Watching Tour

Experience Hawaii’s humpback whales on a 2-hour Kona cruise with knowledgeable guides, stunning coastal views, and a chance to see whales and dolphins.

★ 5.0

“Boat crew was fun and they took us to several spots where we saw whales. They were as excited about the sightings as we were. Great energy, great company. I. Highly recommend them.”

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8.Whale Watching Tour: Whales Guaranteed in Kona Waikoloa

Experience Hawaii's majestic humpback whales on a 1.5-hour Kona whale watch with guaranteed sightings, friendly guides, and spectacular coastal views.

★ 4.5

“The crew was friendly and informative. Hearing the whale sounds was amazing. We saw dolphins, but didn’t get to see whales today. They offered us a voucher for a future excursion or upgrade to a different excursion. I would do this again.”

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9.Humpback Whale and Dolphin Watch in Kona

Experience the thrill of seeing humpback whales and dolphins in Kona on a small-group, eco-friendly tour with expert guides, from December to April.

★ 4.5

“Awesome whale watching tour. Saw several humpback whales and a sea turtle. Awesome views of the coast and learned some history about the island.”

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10.Kona Deluxe Catamaran Whale Watch

Experience Hawaii’s best whale watching on a comfortable catamaran with knowledgeable guides, guaranteed whale sightings, and stunning ocean views.

★ 4.5

“We got to see a baby whale staff was very friendly. And offered drinks and snacks during the trip. Captain was very mice”

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11.Late-Morning Whale Watch from Kawaihae

Experience Hawaii's majestic humpback whales on a comfortable, guided cruise from Kawaihae Harbor. Guaranteed sightings, onboard snacks, and naturalist insights.

★ 4.5

“We had a great whale show on this trip! The guides were knowledgeable and friendly. The boat was great, and it was just a short ride out to see the whales. They provided yummy drinks and snacks. I would highly recommend this company!”

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13.Sunset Cruise with the Whales from Anaeho’omalu Bay

Experience breathtaking sunsets and humpback whale sightings on a 2-hour whale watch cruise from Anaeho'omalu Bay on the Big Island, with drinks, snacks, and expert guides.

★ 5.0

“Amazing tour. We went during winter (whale season) and saw whale 3x! Sunset was beautiful and staff was very friendly. Highly recommend.”

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14.Guaranteed Whale Watch in Kona

Experience whale watching in Kona with a 2.5-hour guaranteed tour on a spacious boat, spotting humpbacks, dolphins, and more—great value and memorable.

★ 4.5

“This was an amazing experience with my two favorite whale watching experts: Momi and Maddie. Knowledgeable, fun, enjoyable ladies who made our experience a once and a lifetime moment. I knew after seeing whales in the first five minutes of the trip that it was…”

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15.Humpback Whale Watch Tour

Experience Hawaii’s marine life on a 2.5-hour whale watch tour from Kona. Spot humpbacks, dolphins, and other wildlife aboard modern, comfortable boats.

★ 5.0

“Very modern, clean and comfortable boat. Staff were pleasant and knowledgeable. The boat has two levels.”

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