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 were in port for only the day off a cruise ship. The last tender was at 4pm and we needed private transportation back to the tender port (just over 3 miles away). The tour was at 12:30 and advertised at being 2 1/2 hours.…”

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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

“Just be aware that sometimes the whales and sharks are not going to show. Don't be disappointed because your Captain and crew make the entire trip fun and informative.”

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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

“We went out first with Colin and Sam, who were both very knowledgeable and passionate about whales. It was a wonderful experience, even though we didn’t see any whales (and it wasn’t for lack of trying— Colin said that this was VERY rare for January).…”

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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

“Great experience!!! Highly recomended! The boat was comfortable and provided us with a great viewing of all the Wales and dolphins. Most of all, the captain and crewmembers were helpful, entertaining and very kind. As a returning Kama‘āina, I am so proud of these people…”

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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 whales is not guaranteed as with any wild animal viewing...crew is friendly and views from boat very pretty”

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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

“Diego, Trevor, and Tammi were amazing guides. They made the ride very fun a knowledgeable. We got too see many whales and dolphins!”

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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

“Didn’t see whales but they offered us a voucher to come back another time. It was the early part of the whale season so it’s hit or miss.”

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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

“The crew knew where whales had been spotted before we embarked, and we went right to a group of four humpbacks- a mother, calf, and two adult males sparring for the mother’s attention, according to our guide. We followed the foursome for the full duration…”

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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

“Great crew! Took care of our needs. Water, sun screen, snacks. Very informative on the whales, and went out of the way to get us close to them without disturbing them.”

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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

“Meeting great people. Crew very friendly & acomadating. Also celebrating our 61 wedding anniversary Beautiful sunset also saw several whales. Made it the best!”

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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

“Saw some spinner dolphins on the way out of the channel. Saw several whales along the route. Even saw a baby whale with her mother helping it along. We had a beautiful day for boating and the water was beautiful. The crew was amazing and…”

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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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