Best of · BIG ISLAND WHALE WATCHING TOURS

The 15 Best Big Island Whale Watching Tours

27 tours  ·  from $80 a head

Good big island whale watching tours sell out weeks ahead in season and the great ones go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.

Whale Watching On The Big Island - Watching humpbacks in their natural habitat
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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 Hang Loose Boat Tours at Honokohau Marina for a 2.5-hour Kona whale watch aboard a small catamaran. The crew searches for humpbacks, plays their songs through onboard hydrophones, and shares facts about whales and Kona. Bottled water, snacks, light refreshments, and a restroom are provided. Bryce and Aiden are among the crew names associated with this operation.

“Saw so many whales! Mom and baby, a whale breaching, a whale on its back slapping the water! It was amazing!! The crew was wonderful and knowledgeable and had a great sense of humor! Great experience!”

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Big Island: Pelagic Whale Watch Tour - The pelagic zone: where the trip gets more unusual
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Big Island: Pelagic Whale Watch Tour

2.Pelagic Whale Watch Tour

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

Set out from Honokohau Harbor at 8:30 a.m. aboard Hawaiian Adventures’ 46-foot catamaran, Artemis. Naturalists such as Andrew and Olivia explain whale behavior, dolphins, sharks, and the Kona coast as you search near-shore and pelagic waters. The 3 to 4-hour trip offers open viewing, padded seating, shade, and free drinks.

“It was wonderful experience. We saw pilot whale, spinner dolphins, bottlenose dolphin and shark. So it was totally worth it.”

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Zodiac Raft Whale Watching Adventure - Why the 16-passenger Zodiac changes the experience
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Zodiac Raft Whale Watching Adventure

3.Zodiac Raft Whale Watching Adventure

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

Captain Zodiac takes you along the Kona Coast in a fast, 16-passenger Zodiac raft for about three hours. Captains such as Shelby, Marco, Ashley, Rick, and Sam share Hawaiian history, whale behavior, and volcanic geology while scanning for humpbacks, spinner dolphins, turtles, and manta rays. A hydrophone lets you hear whales underwater.

“Fun, friendly and knowledgeable crew. We saw many whales...several up close. I highly recommend this experience.”

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Kailua-Kona: Whale Watching Cruise on the Big Island - The boat, seating, and time on the water
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Kailua-Kona: Whale Watching Cruise on the Big Island

4.Kailua-Kona: Whale Watching Cruise on the Big Island

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 273 reviews · 2h 30m · from $115

Join Hang Loose Boat Tours for a 150-minute whale-watching cruise from Honokohau Harbor. Guides such as Bryce, Aidan, Jacob, and Simon search for humpbacks, dolphins, and other sea life while a hydrophone lets you hear whale songs underwater. The covered boat carries up to 24 people and includes snacks, juice, water, and ginger ale.

“We had a great time with Simon and his crew. We spotted several whales as well as dolphins, which were racing our boat.”

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Whale Watch Excursion from the Big Island - The ride along Kona’s coast
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Whale Watch Excursion from the Big Island

5.Whale Watch Excursion from the Big Island

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

Cruise from Kailua Pier along Kona’s coast aboard Body Glove’s 65-foot catamaran. A naturalist explains whale behavior while a hydrophone lets you hear underwater songs. The two-and-a-half-hour trip includes light snacks, soft drinks, coffee, tea, water, and a cash bar. Whales are guaranteed, or you can return free.

“Great experience!! Highlight of our day!! Great boat with a great crew!! Well worth the price of admission!!”

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Wake Up With the Whales Cruise on Seasmoke - Why the sanctuary location saves time
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Wake Up With the Whales Cruise on Seasmoke

6.Wake Up With the Whales Cruise on Seasmoke

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

Meet Ocean Sports at ʻAnaehoʻomalu Beach for a 90-minute morning cruise aboard a stable catamaran. Marine naturalists explain humpback behavior while an underwater hydrophone lets you hear their songs. Expect beach boarding by a small boat, drinks and snacks, and a free return trip if no whale appears.

“Wonderful adventure and great whale sightings! The crew was great and informative and took good care of everyone on board”

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Whale Watching Tour - Big Island, Hawaii - Setting out from Kailua-Kona
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Whale Watching Tour – Big Island, Hawaii

7.Whale Watching Tour – Big Island, Hawaii

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

Join Iruka Hawaii Dolphin for a two-hour cruise aboard the 30-person Kibou along Kona’s coast. Guides such as Lena, Diego, Mitch, and Tamae share whale facts, spotting tips, and sometimes live whale songs through a hydrophone. Snacks, water, and a listed onboard bathroom are included.

“We had a great time. The crew was fun, informative and friendly. We saw about 15 whale breaches. We were able to see from anywhere on the boat. It was a fantastic trip. The crew (Lena, Diego, Tamae and Mitch) were as excited seeing the whales as we were. Awesome crew. Awesome trip.”

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Waikoloa Deluxe Whale Watch - Finding whales, calves, and dolphins
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Waikoloa Deluxe Whale Watch

8.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, covered vessel limited to 17 passengers. You may see humpback whales, calves, dolphins, sea turtles, and volcanic peaks. Departures run throughout the day, drinks are included, and a whale sighting is guaranteed or you can join another cruise.

“Was not very impressed with this trip. Were told when we got on that we would be learning about whales and place their hydrophone in to hear the whales. Neither happened and the captain never even said anything at all the entire time. We spent most of it (what it felt) trying to find the whales and chasing them. Unsure if it was bad luck or the captain was a stand in but we’ve seen about 10x more whales on other expeditions vs this boat that’s whole mission was the see whales. I would not recommend this one with this company and especially not the morning option. The boat is…”

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Humpback Whale and Dolphin Watch in Kona - Searching the Kona coast for dolphins and whales
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Humpback Whale and Dolphin Watch in Kona

9.Humpback Whale and Dolphin Watch in Kona

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

Cruise Kona’s coast aboard a small rigid-hull inflatable boat with a captain and naturalist-style commentary. From December through April, look for humpback whales, spinner dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, sea turtles, and other marine life. The crew may use a hydrophone so you can hear whale song. The boat ride is bumpy, there is no restroom onboard, and the tour is not for snorkeling.

“Super tour! The captain gave us a great experience even though the whales were a bit shy. It was a wonderful day.”

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Kona Deluxe Catamaran Whale Watch - Following humpbacks along the Kona coast
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Kona Deluxe Catamaran Whale Watch

10.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, and James, points out sprays, calves, dolphins, and tail flukes. Drinks, shaded seating, restrooms, and a return guarantee are included.

“Everything went well. Good captain and mate. Got glimpses of whales unfortunately from a farther distance than we hoped for but non the less we saw them along with a bunch of spinner dolphins.very fun w”

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Late-Morning Whale Watch on our Power Catamaran - What the 90-minute itinerary feels like
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Late-Morning Whale Watch on our Power Catamaran

11.Late-Morning Whale Watch on our Power Catamaran

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

Join Ocean Sports at 10:30 a.m. for a 90-minute whale watch from the Kohala Coast. You will cruise sanctuary waters aboard a stable power catamaran, listen to humpback songs through an underwater hydrophone, and learn from a marine naturalist. Snacks, soft drinks, beer, and wine are included.

“Excellent experience -- the crew, the view, the boat. Everything was lovely and professional and nice”

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Sunset Cruise with the Whales on our Sailing Catamaran - Watching humpbacks along the Kohala Coast
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Sunset Cruise with the Whales on our Sailing Catamaran

12.Sunset Cruise with the Whales on our Sailing Catamaran

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

Sail from Anaeho'omalu Bay for two hours of sunset views, humpback watching, drinks, snacks, and coastal scenery. A naturalist answers questions, and the crew may lower a hydrophone so you can hear whale songs. Boarding includes a short walk through shoreline water and a tender boat transfer.

“Judy and the crew were fabulous. They went above and beyond to accommodate my group of 5. We were unable to secure rideshare or a taxi as nothing was available to take us to the meeting spot for the tour. Instead of giving up on it and refunding us, Judy arranged a ride for us. We were thrilled. Onboard the cruise, the service was phenomenal. Snacks and beverages were ample. We can't thank Judy enough for making this happen for us!”

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Kona's Guaranteed Whale Watch: An Unforgettable Ocean Encounter - The crew makes a large difference
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Kona’s Guaranteed Whale Watch: An Unforgettable Ocean Encounter

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

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

Cruise from Honokohau Harbor for about 2.5 hours with a professional crew, bottled water, and snacks. Keep watch for humpback, pilot, and false killer whales, plus possible dolphins, sea turtles, and manta rays. The boat has a cabin and upper observation deck, and groups are capped at 30 people. No whale sighting means a free return trip during your vacation, subject to availability.

“We did see whales and the captain of the boat seemed very knowledgeable as to where they might be. However, the boat construct was not very conducive to seeing the whales unless you were willing to stand up front for 3 hours or get on boat first and get to sit is forward facing seats--there were only 6 passengers allowed up top, and there was no one willing to come down. Therefore, you had to sit in a side seat--not very comfortable--or along the side of boat to see anything. The assistant was very good and helpful.”

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Kawaihae Whale Watch - The whale-watching grounds
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Kawaihae Whale Watch

14.Kawaihae Whale Watch

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

Join Hawaii Nautical for about two hours along the Kohala Coast, watching for humpback whales from a small, fast boat. Guides such as Captain Brian, Tobias, Gail, Julie, and Faith have led trips, with sightings of breaching whales, calves, spouts, and spinner dolphins. Expect a maximum of six people, complimentary drinks, and plenty of sea spray.

“Captain Brian and Gail were outstanding guides - it was the last day of the session and yet we found three whales in a matter of minutes. We stayed with them for two hours and had the most amazing experience. The boat was very well fitted and clean.”

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Kailua Kona: Humpback Whale Watching Adventure Cruise - Arriving at Kailua Pier for the Kanoa II
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Kailua Kona: Humpback Whale Watching Adventure Cruise

15.Kailua Kona: Humpback Whale Watching Adventure Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 33 reviews · 2h 30m · from $151

Join Body Glove Cruises aboard the Kanoa II from Kailua Pier for a 2.5-hour whale watch. Captain Laura and a marine naturalist guide help you look for humpback whales, spinner dolphins, manta rays, sea turtles, and more. An underwater hydrophone lets you hear whale songs, with free repeat passage if no whales appear.

“Really good boat with lots of views-plenty of drinks and excellent service.”

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New in Big Island Whale Watching Tours

★ 5.0Sunset Cruise with the Whales on our Power CatamaranFrom $1652 reviews
★ 5.0Small Group Whale Watching in Kona HawaiiFrom $1405 reviews
★ 4.5Sunset Whale Watching Shared ActivityFrom $1575 reviews
★ 5.0Seasonal Small-Group Humpback Whale Watching in KonaFrom $1307 reviews
★ 5.0Late Morning Whale Watch Cruise on SeasmokeFrom $1257 reviews
★ 4.1Hilo: Humpback Whale-Watching Cruise with Snacks and DrinksFrom $1755 reviews

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