Whale watching on Hawaii’s Big Island delivers reliable encounters with these magnificent creatures during winter months (December-April). Most tours depart from Kona or Hilo, operating comfortable vessels equipped with hydrophones that let you hear the whales’ haunting songs. For the adventurous, I love the small-group zodiac tours – they’re zippy and get you remarkably close to the action. The classic three-hour boat tours suit families and those wanting more comfort, with restrooms and snack service aboard.
My personal favorite is the Royal Humpback Whale Exploration. Limited to just 12 passengers, it offers an intimate experience with expert naturalists who really know their stuff. You’ll often spot spinner dolphins and sea turtles as a bonus.
Check out these standout whale watching tours that consistently impress visitors:
Good To Know
- Humpback whale migration peaks during the prime season on the Big Island, offering excellent opportunities for whale watching.
- Whale watching tours feature knowledgeable guides, hydrophones for listening to whale songs, and often guarantee sightings or offer free return trips.
- Adventure-focused tours, such as Kealakekua Bay speedboat cruises and Zodiac raft tours, provide thrilling close encounters with whales and other marine life.
- Guided boat tours offer a more relaxed experience with amenities like snacks, drinks, and the chance to listen to whale songs.
- Specialty whale watching experiences, including intimate small-group cruises, provide unique opportunities to observe whales and explore the Kona Coast.
Big Island Speed Boat Snorkel Dolphin and Whale Watch Combo – Big Island of Hawaii
Though located on the Big Island of Hawaii, the “Kealakekua Bay Adventure: Kona Dolphin, Sea Cave and Captain Cook” tour offers a unique speedboat experience that allows visitors to explore the island’s stunning coastline and wildlife.
Featuring a maximum of 14 travelers, this small-group excursion combines a thrilling cruise, wildlife watching, and snorkeling for a personalized adventure. Participants can expect to see dolphins, whales, and a variety of marine life while snorkeling in the clear waters.
With positive reviews highlighting the knowledgeable and safety-conscious crew, this tour is an ideal choice for those seeking an adrenaline-filled yet nature-focused experience.
While not recommended for those with medical conditions or young children, the tour provides an excellent opportunity to witness the beauty of Hawaii’s coastline from a different perspective.
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Whale Watching On The Big Island
Whale watching on Hawaii’s Big Island offers visitors a unique opportunity to witness the majestic humpback whales that migrate to these waters, especially during the prime breaching season.
The tour includes expert narration, hydrophones to hear whale songs, and breathtaking views of the Big Island from a 24-person catamaran. With a tour provider that guarantees whale sightings or the next trip is free, guests can expect an enjoyable and memorable experience.
The tour operates from Kailua-Kona and lasts approximately 3 hours, focusing on maximizing whale sightings. Participants may also have the chance to see other marine life, such as spinner dolphins.
The crew actively engages with guests, enhancing the overall experience. While the tour isn’t recommended for those with back problems or in advanced pregnancy, it’s a great option for families and solo travelers seeking a unique marine adventure.
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Big Island Kohala Coast Morning Whale Watch Cruise – Big Island of Hawaii
The Big Island Kohala Coast Morning Whale Watch Cruise from Anaehoomalu Bay offers travelers a premier opportunity to witness the awe-inspiring humpback whales that migrate to these waters.
Aboard a comfortable and stable catamaran, guests can expect guaranteed sightings or a complimentary repeat cruise. An onboard naturalist provides expert commentary, and travelers can listen to whale songs through underwater hydrophones.
With a maximum of 49 participants, the cruise ensures an intimate experience. The morning departures typically offer the calmest waters along the Kohala Coast. Snacks, soft drinks, beers, and wines are included, making this a well-rounded excursion.
Featuring a 4.8/5 average rating from 137 reviews, 97% of travelers recommend this cruise for its excellent crew, abundant whale sightings, and overall value.
With free cancellation and a “reserve now, pay later” option, booking the Big Island Kohala Coast Morning Whale Watch Cruise is a convenient choice for whale enthusiasts visiting the Big Island.
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Zodiac Raft Whale Watching Adventure
For those seeking a thrilling and up-close whale watching experience on the Big Island, the Zodiac Raft Whale Watching Adventure offers an unparalleled opportunity. Aboard a 16-passenger zodiac boat, guests can expect a fast-paced journey along the renowned Kona coast, with a focus on spotting humpback whales, spinner dolphins, green sea turtles, and manta rays.
The tour’s outstanding 4.9-star rating and 98% recommendation rate from 354 travelers attest to its quality. Captains and crew are praised for their knowledge, professionalism, and commitment to safety, ensuring guests enjoy a personalized and unforgettable experience.
The smaller group size allows for enhanced wildlife encounters and personalized attention. While the bouncy nature of the zodiac raft is part of the thrill, the tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers, those with back problems, or wheelchair users.
Guests report frequent whale sightings and a chance to witness the island’s geological wonders, including lava tubes and sea caves.
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Humpback Whale Sanctuary Guided Boat Tour From Kawaihae Harbor – Big Island of Hawaii
Departing from Kawaihae Harbor on the Big Island, the Humpback Whale Sanctuary Guided Boat Tour offers a mid-morning cruise to witness the majestic humpback whales within their protected sanctuary.
With a 92% recommendation rate and a Badge of Excellence, this tour guarantees whale sightings or a free trip. The mid-morning departure time provides excellent lighting for capturing photos of these magnificent creatures.
The tour welcomes a maximum of 65 travelers and is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. Snacks, soft drinks, beers, and wines are included, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
According to reviews, the knowledgeable and informative guides, along with the abundant whale sightings and close encounters, make this a top-rated whale watching tour. Customers have also praised the onboard amenities and the opportunity to hear whale sounds.
With a free cancellation policy and a Reserve Now and Pay Later option, the Humpback Whale Sanctuary Guided Boat Tour is a must-try for whale enthusiasts visiting the Big Island.
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Kona, Hawaii: Whale-Watching Tour on a Catamaran – Big Island of Hawaii
Whale enthusiasts visiting the Big Island can experience the breathtaking migration of these majestic creatures on a Whale-Watching Tour on a Catamaran from Kona.
The 39 reviews of this tour average a 4.6 rating, and 95% of travelers recommend it. The tour, operated by Hawaii Nautical, has earned a Badge of Excellence and offers a guaranteed whale sighting or a free return. Guests can learn about unique whale behavior while cruising the Kona coastline.
The tour includes refreshments and lasts around 2.5 hours, with a maximum of 49 travelers. Though some reviews note lack of sightings, the crew’s knowledge and the relaxing boat ride are praised.
For a more intimate experience, travelers can upgrade to a luxury boat. With a start time of 2:15 PM and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this whale-watching tour provides an unforgettable Big Island adventure.
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Kawaihae Whale Watch – Guaranteed
Situated along the Kohala Coast on the Big Island of Hawaii, Kawaihae Whale Watch offers a near-exclusive whale-spotting experience. The tour features guaranteed sightings from December to April, allowing guests to witness whales breaching, spouting, and splashing. The two-hour excursion accommodates a maximum of 6 travelers, ensuring an intimate and personalized encounter.
Conveniently located off Akoni Pule Hwy270, the meeting point is a green-gated port, with clear directions provided. Onboard, guests can enjoy complimentary soft drinks while the knowledgeable crew shares their expertise. However, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps.
With an overall rating of 4.2 out of 41 reviews, Kawaihae Whale Watch receives praise for its whale sightings and crew knowledge, though some guests have experienced disappointment due to weather or fewer whale encounters.
The tour offers a flexible cancellation policy and a reserve-now-pay-later option, providing a worry-free booking experience.
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Guaranteed Dolphin and Whale Watch Tour in Kona
The Guaranteed Dolphin and Whale Watch Tour in Kona offers an exhilarating encounter with the marine life along the Kona coast. This highly-rated excursion boasts a 95% traveler recommendation rate based on 298 reviews, with a 4.8 rating from over 300 reviews.
At just $119 per person, guests can marvel at over a dozen species of whales and dolphins, including spinner dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, and majestic humpback whales.
The experienced crew, including knowledgeable naturalist guides, provide fascinating insights as they navigate the comfortable vessel equipped with ample seating and unobstructed views.
Highlights include frequent sightings of breaching, periscoping, and tail slapping behaviors, as well as the chance to encounter mother-calf pairs and mixed pods of dolphins.
With morning and afternoon tour options available, this tour offers an unforgettable opportunity to connect with the marine wonders off the Kona coast.
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Whale Watch Excursion From the Big Island
Although situated along the Kona coast, the Whale Watch Excursion from the Big Island transports guests to the heart of Hawaii’s whale-watching wonderland.
The excursion offers an up-close encounter with humpback whales during their annual migration, providing the chance to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Aboard a comfortable boat, guests can listen to the whales through a hydrophone and learn about their behavior from a knowledgeable naturalist guide.
The excursion includes snacks, refreshments, and even alcoholic beverages for purchase, ensuring a well-rounded experience. While hotel pick-up isn’t offered, the meeting point is conveniently located with free parking nearby.
The tour is wheelchair accessible, and children are welcome when accompanied by an adult. With a 4.3-star rating and a lowest price guarantee, the Whale Watch Excursion from the Big Island is a must-do for anyone seeking an unforgettable encounter with Hawaii’s marine life.
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Guaranteed Whale Watch in Kona
For those seeking a guaranteed whale watching experience on the Big Island, the Guaranteed Whale Watch in Kona offers an unparalleled opportunity. This 3-hour tour departs from Honokohau Small Boat Harbor, where guests board a spacious 48-foot Delta boat with a maximum capacity of 30 travelers.
The tour guarantees sightings of humpback whales, pilot whales, and false killer whales, and if no whales are seen, guests receive a voucher for another tour during their vacation.
The onboard experience includes bottled water and snacks, as well as a professional guide to share insights about the marine life. The boat features a large cabin and a top observation deck, providing a relaxing atmosphere for whale watching.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, collapsible wheelchairs are allowed if the passenger provides their own assistant. A moderate level of physical fitness is required, and children under five must bring their own life vests.
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Kona Coast Humpback Whale-Watching Cruise – Big Island of Hawaii
Humpback whale and dolphin watching cruises along the Kona coast of the Big Island of Hawaii offer visitors an intimate and educational experience during the winter season.
This highly-rated tour, with a 95% traveler recommendation, provides the chance to spot not only humpback whales but also other impressive species like pilot, beaked, and melon-headed whales.
The small boat accommodates a maximum of 14 passengers, ensuring a personalized encounter. Guests can enjoy live commentary from a naturalist guide and the opportunity to listen to whale songs through a hydrophone.
However, the tour isn’t recommended for those with back problems or pregnant travelers, and restroom facilities are unavailable on the boat. Children must be accompanied by an adult and are suggested for ages 5 and up.
Conveniently located in the Keauhou Shopping Center, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.
At $99 per person, this whale-watching excursion provides an intimate and educational glimpse into the marine life of the Kona coast.
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Whale Watching in Kona
The Big Island of Hawaii offers an unparalleled whale watching experience along the Kona coast. The 30-person Kibou cruise takes passengers on an expert-guided tour through the pristine waters, where they can spot humpback whales during the migration season.
With a 95% traveler recommendation and a 4.9/5 star rating, this BYOB cruise promises whale encounters, coastal views, and photo opportunities.
The tour includes snacks, bottled water, and a bathroom onboard, departing from the Iruka Hawai’i Dolphin and Manta Tours meeting point at 1:30 PM.
With a maximum of 30 travelers, the crew, praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and professionalism, ensures a personalized experience.
While visibility and last-minute cancellations due to weather are occasional issues, the tour prioritizes safety, with notable incidents including close encounters with whales and rough waters.
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5 Hours Whale Watching On A 41 Super-Raft
Whale enthusiasts can embark on a thrilling 2.5-hour whale watching tour aboard a 41-foot super raft on the Big Island of Hawaii. The tour takes place in the waters off Kailua-Kona, where guests can observe humpback whales in their natural habitat. The captain and crew provide informative commentary throughout the experience.
The tour accommodates a maximum of 24 travelers, ensuring an intimate and personalized outing. Guests are provided with snacks, bottled water, and soft drinks, as well as reef-safe sunscreen to protect the environment. The tour boat also features a bathroom for convenience.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s located near public transportation. However, the tour isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems, pregnant individuals, or those with serious medical conditions, as a moderate level of physical fitness is required to board the vessel.
Children under five are also not permitted due to safety concerns.
Whale Watching on Big Island
Situated off the Kailua-Kona coast on the Big Island of Hawaii, this whale watching tour offers travelers an opportunity to witness the majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
With an average rating of 4.3 out of 11 reviews, the tour provides a professional guide, snacks, and hotel pickup and drop-off for a starting price of $95 per person. The tour accommodates a maximum of 26 travelers, and confirmation is received at the time of booking.
Participants should note that the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for those with back problems. While the tour has received praise for its knowledgeable and fun crew, some travelers have reported issues with cancellations due to safety concerns.
To avoid potential problems, it’s recommended to book directly with the tour provider. This whale watching experience on the Big Island promises the chance to see dolphins and whales in their stunning natural surroundings.
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Royal Humpback Whale Exploration
Promising unparalleled opportunities to witness the majestic humpback whales in their natural habitat, the Royal Humpback Whale Exploration tour on the Big Island of Hawaii offers a captivating and immersive experience.
Priced from $179 per person, this tour boasts a 5.0-star rating based on 3 reviews. Offering hotel pickup, transportation, and the necessary rental gear, the tour includes snacks, local juice, and gratuities.
Guests must check-in 15-60 minutes prior to the departure time, depending on the tour. Though not wheelchair accessible, the moderate physical fitness level required makes this tour suitable for ages 8 and up.
While wildlife sightings are frequent, they can’t be guaranteed, as these are wild animals. With a maximum of 6 travelers per tour, the Royal Humpback Whale Exploration provides an intimate and exclusive whale watching experience.
Guests can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the tour.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Time of Year for Whale Watching?
The best time for whale watching is typically during the winter months, when humpback whales migrate to Hawaii’s warm waters to breed and calve. The peak season runs from December through April, offering the highest chances of spotting these majestic creatures.
How Close Can the Boats Get to the Whales?
Whale-watching boats are typically allowed to get as close as 100 yards to the whales, though they must maintain a safe distance and avoid disturbing the animals. The specific distance may vary depending on local regulations and the whale’s behavior.
What Types of Whales Can Be Seen on These Tours?
On whale watching tours, visitors can spot humpback whales, the most common type seen in Hawaii. These massive marine mammals can grow up to 60 feet long and weigh over 40 tons.
Are the Tours Suitable for Children and Families?
Whale watching tours are generally suitable for children and families. Most operators accommodate young passengers, offering educational activities and safety precautions. It’s a great way to introduce kids to these magnificent marine mammals in their natural habitat.
What Should I Bring on a Whale Watching Tour?
When going on a whale watching tour, it’s best to bring a camera, binoculars, sunscreen, hat, snacks, and water. Dress in layers and wear comfortable shoes, as the weather can be unpredictable and the boat ride may be bumpy.
The Sum Up
The Big Island of Hawaii offers a variety of exciting whale watching experiences. From speed boat tours to zodiac rafts, visitors can get up close to humpback whales in their natural habitat. With guided boat tours, travelers can learn about the whales’ behavior and conservation efforts. Whether it’s a morning cruise or a longer expedition, the Big Island provides excellent opportunities to witness these majestic creatures in the wild.