5 Whale Watching in the Big Island to Build a Day Around

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 from Honokohau Marina for a 2.5-hour Big Island whale watch. You’ll search for humpbacks from a small ocean-going catamaran, hear their songs through onboard hydrophones, and enjoy water, snacks, Kona views, and a narrated look at Hawaii’s marine life. The boat holds up to 48 people.

“A little longer than expected. Binoculars would be nice. They offer water and snacks and lots of interesting whale info!”

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2.Pelagic Whale Watch Tour

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

Join Hawaiian Adventures at Honokohau Harbor for a 3 to 4 hour wildlife search with a captain and marine naturalist. Andrew and Olivia are among the crew members you may meet. The route can reach nearshore and pelagic waters, where you might see humpbacks, pilot whales, dolphins, manta rays, sharks, whale sharks, and flying fish.

“Lovely ocean journey, beautiful morning, the dolphins were so much fun to watch! Would do it again hoping to see whales.”

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3.Zodiac Raft Whale Watching Adventure

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

Join Captain Zodiac in Kailua-Kona for a three-hour ride aboard a 16-passenger Zodiac. Captains such as Shelby, Marco, Ashley, and Cameron share Hawaiian history, geology, and whale facts while searching for humpbacks. Expect fast runs, sea caves, lava tubes, hydrophone listening, drinks, snacks, and no hotel pickup.

“This trip exceeded our expectations! The highlights were being "mugged" by a female and her calf, seeing a female tail slap the water 21 times in a row, and on our way back to shore a full breach that the Pacific Life Insurance whale has nothing on. Sandy (our captain) and Cameron (her 2nd) were friendly, knowledgeable, and just as excited by all the activity as we were. Plus the boat ride on the military grade Zodiac boat was just plain FUN.”

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4.Kona: Whale Watching Cruise on the Big Island

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

Cruise from Honokohau Harbor with Hang Loose Boat Tours for 2.5 hours of humpback watching. The crew, including captains such as Bryce, Aidan, Jacob, and Simon, searches for whales, calves, dolphins, and other sea life while a hydrophone lets you hear whale songs below the boat. Snacks and drinks are included.

“The boat captain, Jacob, was very knowledgeable about whales and was able to get us some amazing views! Hunter and Kiwami were great crew members, making sure everyone was safe. There were plenty of snacks and drinks available and Kiwami even entertained the young children by blowing bubbles. Highly recommend!”

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5.Whale Watch Excursion from the Big Island

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

Join Body Glove Cruises at Kailua Pier for a 2.5-hour whale watch along the Kona Coast. An onboard naturalist explains humpback behavior, while a hydrophone lets you listen for whale songs. Expect snacks, drinks, a cash bar, and a maximum of 110 passengers. Captain Lauren and naturalist Caroline have earned special praise for their engaging commentary.

“We had amazing views of a whale mom and baby and "escort" whale. Informative commentary by naturalist.”

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