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

“We had a good time. We did see some whales. The tour guides were helpful and informative about whales and about Kona. Would definitely recommend going to them if you are in the area.”

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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

“Awesome experience. We saw whales, spinner dolphins and a shark. Tour guides were phenomenal!! Very knowledgeable. Definitely take something for motion sickness if you are prone to it beforehand.”

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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

“Great day on the water. Capt. Ashley was amazing. Learned a lot about the Marine life and saw Whales - one breaching, a few flukes (tails) coming and going, lots of blowing and even a mugging - came under our boat.”

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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

“Seeing the whales and watching how others on the boat reacted. Staff was very helpful and checked often to make sure we had everything we needed to enjoy ourselves.”

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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

“This was a great experience on a nice boat with a fun crew. We saw lots of whales and heard them singing as they have a mic they drop into the water. I do want to mention that the boat is not at a dock…”

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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

“Really fun and knowleable captain and crew. Fun day even if it was raining. Watch for those who might get sea sick.”

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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

“Very welcoming crew who shared the perfect amount of information (not overwhelming, we’ve had guides who drone on and on). And it’s a perfectly sized group — everyone got a good view of the mama whale and baby calf we had the good luck of…”

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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 saw whales at the end of the season! My kids had fun and my wife didn't yell at me! Capt was super knowledgeable and I leaned many tales of Hawaiian lore!”

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12.Big Island: Kona Whale Watching Tour

Experience Hawaii's whales on a 3-hour Kona tour with a 2-hour catamaran sail, snacks, and expert guides—an authentic, memorable adventure.

★ 4.6

“We had an amazing time. The crew was so attentive and informative. We saw a ton of whales. They really tried to position the boat for us to see the most. A very positive experience.”

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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

“Scott guided our group through the check in process then lead us to the dock. Captain Jason was a seasoned veteran and knew the best whale sighting spots. Mr. Mike was very informative about everything you’d ever want to know about humpback whales. A 5-star…”

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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

“I was skeptical about booking since it was the end of the season, but glad I did. We saw pilot and humpback whales. The crew was awesome explaining so many facts. Would absolutely recommend.”

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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

“This was an amazing trip would definitely do it again. The crew were very informative. We had a amazing time and saw the whales, spinner dolphins, and some other sea life”

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