Hawaii · WHALE WATCHING IN THE BIG ISLAND

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

28 tours  ·  from $80 a head

The 15 best whale watching in the Big Island you can book today, with what each costs, how long it runs and who it suits. Number one is top for a reason; start there.

Whale Watching On The Big Island - Searching 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 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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Big Island: Pelagic Whale Watch Tour - Leaving Honokohau Harbor at 8:30 a.m.
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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

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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Zodiac Raft Whale Watching Adventure - Searching for humpbacks in winter waters
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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 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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Kailua-Kona: Whale Watching Cruise on the Big Island - The 2.5-Hour Search for Whales
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Kailua-Kona: Whale Watching Cruise on the Big Island

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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Whale Watch Excursion from the Big Island - Key points before you book
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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

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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Maui: Eco-Friendly Whale Watching Tour from Ma'alaea Harbor - Watching humpbacks in their winter waters
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Maui: Eco-Friendly Whale Watching Tour from Ma’alaea Harbor

6.Eco-Friendly Whale Watching Tour from Ma’alaea Harbor

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 184 reviews · 2 hours · from $88

Cruise two hours from Maʻalaea Harbor with certified Marine Naturalists from Pacific Whale Foundation. Watch for breaching humpbacks, mothers with calves, and competing males, then listen to underwater songs through hydrophones. Kids can join the Jr. Naturalist Program, and whale sightings are guaranteed or you can go again free.

“the tour was amazing and the team so incredibly knowledgeable. I highly recommend this tour”

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Wake Up With the Whales Cruise on Seasmoke - The hydrophone makes this more than a visual search
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Wake Up With the Whales Cruise on Seasmoke

7.Wake Up With the Whales Cruise on Seasmoke

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

Join Ocean Sports at 8 a.m. from ʻAnaehoʻomalu Beach for a 90-minute whale watch aboard a spacious catamaran. Marine naturalists explain humpback behavior, while an underwater hydrophone lets you hear their songs. Look for whales, dolphins, breaches, and calves, with drinks and light snacks included.

“Great tour, boat was nice and it was easy to find a good vantage point to see the whales. And see the whales we did. They did a great job of getting us to the area where the whales were. Highly recommend.”

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Whale Watching Tour - Big Island, Hawaii - Setting Out from Kailua-Kona on the Kibou
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Whale Watching Tour – Big Island, Hawaii

8.Whale Watching Tour – Big Island, Hawaii

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

Join Iruka Hawai‘i Dolphin and Manta Tours aboard the 30-person Kibou for a two-hour search along the Kona coast. Your English-speaking crew, including guides such as Lena, Diego, Mitch, and Tamae, shares whale facts and spotting tips. You may also see dolphins, whale sharks, or hear whale song through an underwater microphone.

“Was awesome! The crew Lena, Diego, Mitch and Tamao were awesome! They made the experience fun and exciting! They took us out and we counted at 11 to 12 whales!”

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Waikoloa Deluxe Whale Watch - Dolphins, whale sounds, and the moments between sightings
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Waikoloa Deluxe Whale Watch

9.Waikoloa Deluxe Whale Watch

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

From Waikoloa, you’ll spend about 90 minutes on a covered boat along the Kona-Kohala coast with a maximum of 17 people. The crew searches for humpback whales, calves, dolphins, and sea turtles while sharing facts about whales, the islands, and local culture. Drinks are included, and a repeat cruise is offered if no whales appear.

“Great guides, great boat, great experience. I would definitely highly recommend this whale watching tour.”

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Humpback Whale and Dolphin Watch in Kona - What you may see from December through April
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Humpback Whale and Dolphin Watch in Kona

10.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 crew. From December through April, look for humpback whales, and year-round, watch for spinner, bottlenose, and spotted dolphins. Captains such as Dennis, Bryce, Shelley, and Raj have shared whale facts, Hawaiian history, and underwater whale song through a hydrophone.

“Awesome whale watching tour. Saw several humpback whales and a sea turtle. Awesome views of the coast and learned some history about the island.”

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Kona Deluxe Catamaran Whale Watch - Watching humpbacks in Hawaiian waters
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Kona Deluxe Catamaran Whale Watch

11.Kona Deluxe Catamaran Whale Watch

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

Cruise from Honokohau Marina aboard the Spirit of Aloha, a comfortable catamaran carrying up to 49 people. The crew points out humpback whales, dolphins, and other marine life while serving tropical cocktails, beer, wine, soda, and juice. Stan, John, James, Ali, Michael, and Captain Kirk have all been praised for warm service, though crew assignments can change.

“The best part was seeing whales. The crew was very good. The weather was great. Would recommend to anyone.”

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Late-Morning Whale Watch on our Power Catamaran - Watching humpbacks in sanctuary waters
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Late-Morning Whale Watch on our Power Catamaran

12.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. from the Kohala Coast aboard Ocean Sports’ stable power catamaran. You’ll spend about 90 minutes in humpback sanctuary waters with marine naturalists, an underwater hydrophone, snacks, soft drinks, beer, and wine. If you do not see a humpback, you can ride again free.

“All crew were informative and they tried their best to find whales. Got us right where we could get great pictures”

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Sunset Cruise with the Whales on our Sailing Catamaran - Checking in at Anaehoomalu Bay
Cruises & Boat Tours, Sailing, Sailing in the Big Island, Sunset Cruises, Sunset Cruises in the Big Island, Tour Reviews, Tours in the Big Island, Whale Watching, Whale Watching in the Big Island

Sunset Cruise with the Whales on our Sailing Catamaran

13.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 catamaran for a two-hour sunset cruise along the Kohala Coast. Expect coastal views, snacks, unlimited soft drinks and alcoholic beverages, and a naturalist searching for humpback whales. The crew may deploy a hydrophone so you can hear their underwater songs.

“Amazing tour. We went during winter (whale season) and saw whale 3x! Sunset was beautiful and staff was very friendly. Highly recommend.”

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Kona's Guaranteed Whale Watch: An Unforgettable Ocean Encounter - The boat, cabin, and viewing decks
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Kona’s Guaranteed Whale Watch: An Unforgettable Ocean Encounter

14.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, watching for humpback, pilot, and false killer whales. You get water, snacks, a cabin, and an upper viewing deck. Crews may include Momi, Maddy, Rory, Michael, Justice, or Moni. Sightings are guaranteed, with a free return trip if whales do not appear.

“Nice big ship, friendly captain and staff. I totally recomend it. It was nice trip. We were in March, but still saw whale.”

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Kawaihae Whale Watch - Searching for spouts, breaches, and splashes
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Kawaihae Whale Watch

15.Kawaihae Whale Watch

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

Set out from Kawaihae on a fast power catamaran with up to six people. Cruise past lava walls and beaches, then search for humpback whales from December through April. Captains Brian and Tobias, Brian and Gail, and other crew members may guide the trip, with drinks included. Expect a personal ride, strong sea spray, and possible wet weather.

“Friendly and considerate crew. We saw two whale spouts. Would recommend to anyone seeking a whale watching trip.”

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New in Whale Watching in the Big Island

★ 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
★ 5.0Royal Humpback Whale ExplorationFrom $1799 reviews
★ 5.0Late Morning Whale Watch Cruise on SeasmokeFrom $1257 reviews
★ 5.0Kona: Pacific Humpback Whale Watch ExcursionFrom $1304 reviews
★ 4.1Humpback Whale-Watching Cruise with Snacks and DrinksFrom $1755 reviews

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