On the lookout for the best whale watching around Hawaii’s Big Island? The prime spots cluster around Kailua-Kona and Honokohau Harbor, where expert-led tours consistently deliver impressive encounters with these magnificent creatures.
The 2.5-hour Humpback Adventure from Kailua-Kona – they guarantee whale sightings and the naturalist guides really know their stuff. The 1.5-hour catamaran cruise from Honokohau Harbor is another winner, offering a more intimate experience with smaller group sizes.
What makes these tours stand out are the thoughtful extras: on-board snacks, informative commentary, and those magical moments when you can hear whale songs through the boat’s hydrophone system. The midday tour from Kalaoa hits the sweet spot for timing, when whales are typically most active.
Let’s check out the top whale watching tours that’ll put you face-to-face with these ocean giants.
Good To Know
- Humpback Whale Watching Adventure Cruise from Kailua Pier, offering a whale sighting guarantee and the opportunity to hear whales’ songs.
- Kona Whale Watching Catamaran Cruises from Honokohau Harbor, providing a live tour guide and the chance to view humpback whales and the Kona coastline.
- Kailua-Kona Midday Whale Watching Tours with hotel pickup and drop-off, and a relaxing catamaran ride with drinks and Aloha spirit.
- Kailua-Kona Whale Watching Cruises from Honokohau Harbor, operating from December to mid-April with the opportunity to see mother whales and calves.
- Various whale watching tour options in the Island of Hawaii, with flexible departure times, snacks and beverages included, and cancellation policies.
Kailua Kona: Humpback Whale Watching Adventure Cruise
Visitors can embark on a 2.5-hour Humpback Whale Watching Adventure Cruise from Kailua Kona, Hawaii. Over 8,000 humpback whales journey over 3,500 miles to Hawaii every year between December and April to breed and raise their young.
Guests will arrive at 12:30 PM for the 1:00 PM departure to see these majestic creatures. During the cruise, they can listen to the whales’ songs through an underwater hydrophone and watch for spinner dolphins and other local marine life.
The cruise offers a whale sighting guarantee – if no whales are spotted, guests can join the cruise again for free. The tour includes snacks, drinks, a marine naturalist host, and reef-safe sunscreen. Boarding begins at 12:30 PM, and the cruise departs promptly at 1:00 PM.
The vessel departs from the left side of Kailua Pier, where free parking is available at the Body Glove Cruises Retail Store.
Read our full review: Kailua Kona: Humpback Whale Watching Adventure Cruise Review
Book now: Check availability
Honokohau: Kona Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise
From Honokohau Harbor, visitors can embark on a 1.5-hour Kona whale watching tour aboard a sailing catamaran. The activity offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, allowing for flexibility. Guests can reserve now and pay later, making it convenient to book. A live tour guide provides commentary in English, enhancing the educational experience.
The highlights of the tour include seeing humpback whales in their natural habitat and admiring the stunning Kona coastline and ocean scenery. Participants will learn about whale behavior from the captain and guides. The catamaran cruise, guide, and captain are all included, along with soda, juice, and water.
The meeting point is at the gravel lot at Outer Basin Slip #39 in Honokohau Harbor, and the vessel is a bare-foot vessel. If no whales are spotted, guests can take the trip again for free. With an overall rating of 4.4/5 based on 18 reviews, this Kona whale watching experience is a must-try for visitors to the Island of Hawaii.
Read our full review: Honokohau: Kona Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise Review
Book now: Check availability
Kona: Kalaoa Midday Whale Watching Tour
The Kona Kalaoa Midday Whale Watching Tour offers a captivating 2-hour excursion to witness the majestic humpback whales in their natural habitat. Guests can check availability for convenient starting times and embark on the tour with a live guide who’ll share insights about the whales and their migration. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, allowing for a seamless experience.
Aboard the catamaran, guests can relax with drinks and enjoy the Aloha spirit as the Hawaiian crew guides them along the Kailua-Kona coast. The highlight of the tour is the opportunity to watch the whales breach the surface, learning about their fascinating behaviors and biology. Regrettably, the tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.
Priced at KΩ 2,398 per person, the Kona Kalaoa Midday Whale Watching Tour provides a unique chance to explore the wonders of the humpback whales in the Island of Hawaii. Guests can reserve their spot and pay later, ensuring a memorable whale watching experience.
Read our full review: Kona: Kalaoa Midday Whale Watching Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Kailua-Kona: Whale Watching Cruise
For those seeking an unforgettable whale watching adventure in Kailua-Kona, the Whale Watching Cruise offers a 2.5-hour excursion to witness the majestic humpback whales during their annual migration. The cruise runs from December to mid-April, allowing guests the opportunity to see mothers and calves swimming together, as well as hear the whales’ songs through the onboard hydrophone.
Departing from the Honokohau Harbor, the cruise provides close-up views of the whales and their unique behaviors. Snacks and beverages are included, and the cruise is suitable for most guests, though those with back or heart problems, or pregnant women, should refrain. Participants are advised to bring sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and motion sickness medication if needed.
The cruise is a highlight of the Island of Hawaii’s whale watching season, offering an intimate encounter with these magnificent marine mammals. With a 48-hour cancellation policy, the Whale Watching Cruise is a must-do activity for visitors to Kailua-Kona.
Read our full review: Kailua-Kona: Whale Watching Cruise Review
Book now: Check availability
The Sum Up
The island of Hawaii offers several premier whale watching experiences. From Kailua Kona’s Humpback Whale Watching Adventure Cruise to Kona’s Midday Whale Watching Tour, visitors can spot these majestic creatures up close. Whichever tour they choose, they’re sure to have an unforgettable encounter with the whales that frequent the island’s waters during the winter months.