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

“The boat crew was very attentive to the passengers. Along sure everybody was good and enjoying the whale watching. Highly recommend this adventure”

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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

“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

“Very peaceful and clam. Love seeing the mother whale with her baby. The topper was the dolphins right before we got to the 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

“Wonderful experienced !!!! The group are amazingly helpful and entertaining. The captain is really nice, good speed of a boat !!! She stopped everytime we see more whale that is resurfacing. Highly recommended!!!”

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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

“INCREDIBLE! We saw humpbacks about 40 feet away (about 20 mins after seeing them from afar). Then bottle nose dolphins 10 feet away. Absolutely an amazing experience! Though Captain Bryce said humpbacks that close are rare so maybe cannot expect that often. Narration was wonderful,…”

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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 right away and they gave us a spectacular show and came really close to the boat several times”

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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

“Our guides were fantastic! We saw dolphins, monk seals, multiple humpback whales and we had the opportunity for an impromptu dive with a whale shark!!”

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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

“Very enthusiastic and knowledgeable staff, and we saw a lot of humpback whale activity including a mama and her baby. Also saw short fin pilot whales. The boat was comfortable with plenty of shade if desired.”

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