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.

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 information given to us about the water animals we saw on the tour as well as information about the area items such as fish farms, sea horse farm, and other items were very informative. The marine biologist was excited about what”

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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

“Absolutely amazing! The two girls running the Zodiac were excellent at finding the whales and were very fun to spend time with. We got to see five breaches! Definitely a highlight of our vacation!”

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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

“Captain Lauren was phenomenal along with the entire crew. They were super friendly and fun. Captain Lauren is very knowledgeable and well spoken and truly gives a very engaging, interesting, and fun tour. The boat ride on this huge catamaran is very smooth cutting through…”

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6.Wake Up With the Whales Cruise from Anaeho’omalu Bay

Experience Hawaii’s whales on a 1.5-hour catamaran cruise off Kohala Coast with expert guides, guaranteed whale sightings, and underwater whale songs.

★ 5.0

“Viator sucks. Sent us to the wrong place. Ocean sports was excellent and rescheduled us and gave a free kayak rental to make up for viator’s mistake.”

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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

“We had a great time. The crew was fun, informative and friendly. We saw about 15 whale breaches. We were able to see from anywhere on the boat. It was a fantastic trip. The crew (Lena, Diego, Tamae and Mitch) were as excited seeing the…”

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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

“That it was great, we don't get to see the whales but it was fun We saw dolphins 🐋🐋🐋🐋😁😁👍😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😉😁😁😁”

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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

“Seeing false killer whales was awesome! Crew was knowledgeable and personable. Great 1.5 hours on the water in beautiful Hawaii!”

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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

“Young women serving drinks was the most attention we had. The rest of the crew basically never done to guests. I’m used to some education on whales and conversation on expensive trips like this.”

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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 trip was so worth both the time and the money. The crew was splendid. They were active as a team to deliver on the promise that we would in fact, see whales. These women were high energy, informative about whales and their beha”

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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

“Great guides! We spinner dolphins, bottlenose dolphins (with a baby), multiple whales of which 3 were mom's and the babies, plus a manta ray!”

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