Whale Watching · BIG ISLAND

15 Big Island Whale Watching Tours to Build a Morning Around

22 tours  ·  from $80 a head

This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 15 Big island whale watching tours worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.

Whale Watching On The Big Island - The search for humpbacks off Kona
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Whale Watching On The Big Island

1.Whale Watching On The Big Island

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 573 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $98Our pick

Join Captain Bryce and the Hang Loose Boat Tours crew for a 2.5-hour whale watch from Kona’s Honokohau Harbor. You’ll scan for humpbacks, hear their songs through onboard hydrophones, and may also spot spinner dolphins. Snacks, bottled water, and a restroom are included.

“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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Big Island: Pelagic Whale Watch Tour - Nearshore waters: dolphins, humpbacks, rays, and flying fish
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Big Island: Pelagic Whale Watch Tour

2.Big Island: Pelagic Whale Watch Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 557 reviews · 3 to 4 hours (approx.) · from $129

From Honokohau Harbor, Captain Andrew, Olivia, and the crew search Kona’s nearshore and pelagic waters for humpbacks, pilot whales, dolphins, sharks, and more. The 46-foot catamaran offers open viewing, padded seating, drinks, and a 3 to 4 hour search with marine-life commentary.

“We had a blast! I highly recommend booking a tour. The team were very informative and very kind. I will definitely book with this company when I come back to the island.”

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Zodiac Raft Whale Watching Adventure - Searching for winter humpbacks
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Zodiac Raft Whale Watching Adventure

3.Zodiac Raft Whale Watching Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 456 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $113

Join Captain Zodiac from Kailua-Kona for a three-hour whale watch in a 16-passenger Zodiac. Captains such as Shelby, Marco, Ashley, and Rick share local history, geology, and marine facts while you search for humpbacks, dolphins, turtles, manta rays, and more. A hydrophone lets you hear whales below the boat.

“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). He wanted us to have a good experience so he booked us again the morning after, and we went with Shelby and Davonte. They were a pleasure and we saw 5 whales including the first humpback baby of the season that Shelby had seen! If you’re looking for a tour that is passionate about conservation and loves to share that passion, this is the one.”

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Whale Watch Excursion from the Big Island - Meeting the boat at Kailua Pier
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Whale Watch Excursion from the Big Island

4.Whale Watch Excursion from the Big Island

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 263 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $151

Board Body Glove’s 65-foot catamaran at Kailua Pier for a 2.5-hour search for migrating humpback whales. An onboard naturalist explains whale behavior, while a hydrophone lets you hear their songs. Snacks, soft drinks, coffee, and tea are included, with a cash bar available.

“Excellent tour, well organised, made even better by the fact that whales swam directly underneath and alongside the boat. Absolutely brilliant !”

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Wake Up With the Whales Cruise on Seasmoke - What you actually see from the catamaran
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Wake Up With the Whales Cruise on Seasmoke

5.Wake Up With the Whales Cruise on Seasmoke

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 159 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $125

Wake early for a 90-minute whale watch from ʻAnaehoʻomalu Bay with Ocean Sports. Marine naturalists such as DJ, Kai, and Dave explain humpback behavior while you watch from a spacious catamaran, listen through an underwater hydrophone, and enjoy snacks, soft drinks, beer, and wine.

“Our tour guide DJ was Amazing, he was fun and very informative. Caption Will was awesome & friendly, he was fun to visit with about island life. We saw so many whales this trip we were entertained the entire time. Mia Tia’s we’re awesome too. I highly recommend this tour.”

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Whale Watching Tour - Big Island, Hawaii - Key points to know before you book
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Whale Watching Tour – Big Island, Hawaii

6.Whale Watching Tour – Big Island, Hawaii

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 148 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $99

Set out from Kailua-Kona aboard the 30-person Kibou with guides such as Lena, Diego, Mitch, and Tamae. Expect a two-hour search for seasonal humpbacks, plus dolphins, whale songs through a hydrophone, snacks, water, and wide views of Hawaii’s coast. Sightings are not guaranteed, but a free return trip is offered if no whale appears.

“Crew is well informed. Twenty minutes or so to get to whale watching area. You can still see land for those that get sea sick. Whale viewing was EXCELLENT. We saw several whales on several occasions doing their thing. Lots of ooohs and ahhhhs!”

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Waikoloa Deluxe Whale Watch - Black lava, blue water, and the first search for whales
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Waikoloa Deluxe Whale Watch

7.Waikoloa Deluxe Whale Watch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 124 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $129

Cruise the Kona-Kohala coast for about 90 minutes aboard a clean vessel limited to 17 people. Your crew searches for humpback whales and calves, with views of lava shorelines, sea turtles, dolphins, and volcanic peaks. Drinks are included, and a whale-sighting guarantee offers a return cruise if needed.

“The crew was awesome. Boat was immaculate. Saw whales in first few minutes. We have been around the world and this was the best.”

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Humpback Whale and Dolphin Watch in Kona - What happens from check-in to the open water
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Humpback Whale and Dolphin Watch in Kona

8.Humpback Whale and Dolphin Watch in Kona

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 62 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $109

Cruise Kona’s coast with Dolphin Discoveries for about 2.5 hours of whale and dolphin watching. Naturalist-style narration, a hydrophone, sea caves, Hawaiian history, and small groups make this a personal outing. Humpback season runs from December through April, with guides such as Dennis, Bryce, Raj, and Shelley leading recent trips.

“Oh my goodness was this amazing. We had whales breeching all around us. It was incredible. Dennis and Bryce were awesome. Very knowledgeable with awesome whale facts. I truly cannot believe how many whales we saw.”

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Kona Deluxe Catamaran Whale Watch - What the whale guarantee really gives you
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Kona Deluxe Catamaran Whale Watch

9.Kona Deluxe Catamaran Whale Watch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 55 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $109

Cruise from Honokohau Harbor aboard the Spirit of Aloha for about 90 minutes of whale watching along Kona’s coast. The crew, including Captain Kirk and guides such as Stan, John, James, Ali, and Michael, serves tropical drinks, explains whale behavior, and offers a free return trip if whales are not seen.

“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 spotting in the second half. Would have been a lovely day out on the water even if we hadn’t.”

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Late-Morning Whale Watch on our Power Catamaran - A steady power catamaran with room to watch
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Late-Morning Whale Watch on our Power Catamaran

10.Late-Morning Whale Watch on our Power Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 54 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $125

Set out at 10:30 a.m. aboard Ocean Sports’ spacious power catamaran along the Kohala Coast. A marine naturalist explains whale behavior while you watch for humpbacks, hear underwater songs through a hydrophone, and enjoy snacks, soft drinks, beer, and wine. The cruise lasts about 90 minutes.

“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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Sunset Cruise with the Whales on our Sailing Catamaran - Drinks, pupu, and a comfortable two hours
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Sunset Cruise with the Whales on our Sailing Catamaran

11.Sunset Cruise with the Whales on our Sailing Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 48 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $165

Set out from Anaeho'omalu Bay on a two-hour Ocean Sports catamaran cruise. A captain, crew, and naturalist guide you along the Kohala Coast while you enjoy unlimited drinks, snacks, sunset views, and a chance to hear humpback whales through an underwater hydrophone.

“Our family of 6 had a wonderful experience! We sailed on the power catamaran Alala out of Kawaihae Harbor in early March, and enjoyed delicious cocktails (especially the ube coladas!) and tasty snacks, and got to see a beautiful sunset, flying fish, and at least three humpack whales including a mom, baby and chaperone. The crew was so friendly and knowledgable, and made the whole sunset cruise unforgettable.”

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Kona's Guaranteed Whale Watch: An Unforgettable Ocean Encounter - The Seasonal Humpback Visit
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Kona’s Guaranteed Whale Watch: An Unforgettable Ocean Encounter

12.Kona’s Guaranteed Whale Watch: An Unforgettable Ocean Encounter

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 47 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $110

You’ll cruise from Honokohau Harbor for about 2.5 hours with a professional crew, bottled water, and snacks. Watch for humpback, pilot, and false killer whales, plus possible dolphins and sea turtles. Captains and guides may include Momi, Maddie, Rory, Michael, Justice, Moni, Louis, or Leena.

“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 going to be a good one. The ladies were more than hospitable and kind making sure we had what we needed going above and beyond. I hope you can experience half of what we did if not the same. Not only did we see many humpback whales and their babies but also the dolphins took it over the top. I was impressed with the whales…”

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Kawaihae Whale Watch - What the guides add to the ride
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Kawaihae Whale Watch

13.Kawaihae Whale Watch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 46 reviews · from $148

Set out from Kawaihae for about two hours along the Kohala Coast, watching for humpback whales, lava walls, beaches, spouts, breaches, and splashes. Hawaii Nautical provides drinks, whale facts, and a fast boat experience for up to six people, with December through April as the prime season.

“Even though we didn't see any whales, we saw a pod of spinner dolphins and they sure put on a show for us! Wow!! Julie and Faith were very knowledgeable and they made our excursion very exciting! We had a great time!”

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Kohola Whale Watching Excursion - Leaving Honokohau Harbor at 1 p.m.
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Kohola Whale Watching Excursion

14.Kohola Whale Watching Excursion

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 19 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $160

Search the Kona coast for winter humpback whales with Captain Cam and Alyssa aboard a small boat limited to six people. You may hear whale songs through an underwater microphone, spot dolphins, and snorkel if sea conditions and time allow.

“Fantastic time on this tour. It is a smaller boat so easier to see the sea life. Very knowledgeable crew. We got mobbed by a group of whales and it was incredible. Also saw dolphins. Truly an incredible experience.”

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Whale Watching on Big island - A 26-person boat with a friendly feel
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Whale Watching on Big island

15.Whale Watching on Big island

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 19 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $80Best value

Set out from Honokohau Harbor on a 2.5-hour whale-watching cruise with guide Bryce and a deckhand. The modern powered catamaran carries up to 26 people, with snacks, juice, water, soda, and a restroom onboard. Expect open-ocean views, whale spotting, and the chance of dolphins.

“Host and guide is friendly, amusing, tells corny jokes and is a great person to entertain.. constantly on the watch for Whales, sharks and dolphins..”

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New in Big Island Whale Watching Tours

★ 5.0Sunset Cruise with the Whales on our Power CatamaranFrom $1652 reviews

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