Complete Big Island Whale Watching Guide: Best Tours & More!
Have you ever seen a humpback whale breach the surface in real life? It’s one of the most unforgettable things I’ve experienced, and it’s why whale watching on the Big Island is such a must-do!
Every winter, thousands of humpback whales migrate from Alaska to Hawaii to give birth and nurse their calves, and the Big Island becomes a front-row seat to the magic.
I still remember my first whale watching tour in Hawaii as a kid—it totally blew my mind.
So in this post, I’m sharing everything you need to know about whale watching on the Big Island, from the best time to go, where to spot whales, and which tours are actually worth the splurge!
Whether or not you’ve explored the Big Island before, this guide will help you plan your epic whale watching adventure.
When is Whale Season in Hawaii?
If you’re planning your Big Island itinerary and want to see humpback whales, you’re in luck—Hawaii is one of the best places in the world to catch these gentle giants in action!
Whale season in Hawaii runs from November through April, and during this time, thousands of North Pacific humpbacks migrate from the icy waters of Alaska to Hawaii’s warm, sheltered bays to breed, give birth, and nurse their calves.
While humpbacks are the main draw, there are occasional sightings of:
- Pilot whales – These travel in pods and are often seen year-round.
- False killer whales – Rare, but sometimes spotted on snorkeling or dolphin tours.
- Melon-headed whales and beaked whales – Super rare and mostly seen further offshore.
Whale sightings typically peak in December or January; however, this is also high season in Hawaii, so be prepared for crowds, especially around the holidays.
In terms of time of day, mornings are hands-down the best time to go whale watching. In fact, the amount of whales seen around 8:00am is over 50% more than the amount seen at noon.
In addition, the ocean is typically calmer in the morning, which makes it easier to spot the telltale puff of mist from a blowhole or the curve of a back breaking the surface.
Light is also softer and more even early in the day, which makes for better photos if you’re hoping to capture the moment!
Where to See Whales on the Big Island
From Shore (Free Option)
You don’t need to be on a boat to spot whales. One of the best free things to do near Kona is to look for whales! And the best place to see them is actually from the Kohala Coast, especially between December and March.
You’l have the best luck early in the morning with a set of binoculars and a little patience. Here are two great shoreline spots to check out for free whale viewing!
- Lapakahi State Historical Park – A coastal park with a scenic walking trail and sweeping views of the ocean. It’s quiet and less crowded, which makes whale watching here extra peaceful.
- Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site – While the site itself has incredible Hawaiian history, its elevated coastal views also make it a great place to watch for whales.
On a Tour (Best Chance at Sightings)
For the most up-close and consistent whale sightings, going out on a tour is your best bet. Tours give you a 360° view of the ocean and often have hydrophones so you can hear whales singing underwater—which is truly surreal.
Tours typically depart from Kailua-Kona or Waikoloa, with most running early morning or midday. Morning tours are usually smoother (less choppy water), which is better if you’re prone to seasickness like me!
Some companies even offer a guarantee that if you don’t see whales, you can come back for another tour for free! (P.S. Manta ray tours also usually offer this! Pay attention when booking your wildlife tours in Hawaii).
Below, I’m going to dive into the specifics of going on a whale watching tour, including a complete round-up of different ones to choose from.
However, if you want a quick answer, below is my top recommendation that balances comfort, price, and perks!
Dolphin and Whale Watch Tour with Hawaiian Adventures Kona
- Price: Starting at $119 per person
- Duration: 3.5-4 hours
- TripAdvisor Rating: 5/5 stars ⭐
- Includes: Soft drinks and bottled water
What It’s Like to Go on a Whale Watching Tour
Whale watching tours on the Big Island are a mix of calm ocean cruising and sudden bursts of excitement.
Depending on your boat type, the vibe can feel either adventurous or relaxing—but either way, the moment you see a tail slap or a spout in the distance, it’s unforgettable!
The Boats
Tours range from big double-decker catamarans with cushioned seats and drink service, to small zodiac rafts that zip across the water. Bigger boats are more stable (great if you’re prone to seasickness), while smaller boats let you get closer to the action and cover more ground quickly.
The Experience
Most tours start with a safety briefing, then you’ll head out into open water where guides—often marine naturalists—share info about humpbacks, their migration, and behavior. You’ll cruise the coast looking for spouts, breaches, and tails. Some tours even have hydrophones so you can listen to whales singing underwater.
Rules + Respect
Humpbacks are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and local Hawaiian laws. That means no one, whether on a boat, swimming, or paddling, can legally get closer than 100 yards to whales. Licensed tour companies know these rules and should follow them strictly, which helps protect the whales while still giving you an incredible view!
Note: Whale watching is one of the most popular things to do on the Big Island during winter. Book your tour well in advance to avoid them selling out!
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Top 5 Whale Watching Tours to Choose From
Not all whale watching tours are created equal. Some prioritize comfort, others are all about speed and adventure, and a few are specifically designed to increase your odds of a sighting.
Here are a few of the best options I found after digging through reviews and comparing itineraries! Below is a quick table summary, but I’ve also provided more details on each tour below.
| Tour | Price | Duration | Departure Location | Best For | Perks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaiian Adventures Kona | From $119 | 3.5–4 hrs | Kealakehe Pkwy, Kona | Overall experience & comfort | Spacious boat, no-whale guarantee |
| Hang Loose Tours | From $109 | 2.5–3 hrs | Kealakehe Pkwy, Kona | Smaller groups, non-early birds | Snacks, affordable |
| Captain Zodiac | From $127 | 3 hrs | Kealakehe Pkwy, Kona | Adventure lovers | Small raft, hydrophone, coastal caves |
| Ocean Sports “Wake Up with Whales” | From $120 | 1.5 hrs | Waikōloa Beach Dr | Early risers, Staying in Kohala | Short trip, drinks included, hydrophone |
| Body Glove Cruises | From $119 | 2.5 hrs | Kailua Pier | Comfort and accessibility | Cushioned seats, shade, downtown Kona departure |
Dolphin and Whale Watch Tour with Hawaiian Adventures Kona
- Price: Starting at $119 per person
- Duration: 3.5-4 hours
- TripAdvisor Rating: 5/5 stars ⭐
- Includes: Soft drinks and bottled water
- Pick Up Location: 247 Kealakehe Pkwy, Kailua-Kona
If you don’t want to do a bunch of research, take my word for it and book this top-rated whale watching cruise!
This dolphin and whale watching tour with Hawaiian Adventures Kona gets gold stars all around and is one of the best “bang for your buck” Big Island whale watching cruise. For $120 per person, you get 3.5 hours of cruise time on a luxurious, comfortable boat.
In the winter months, you can choose from a 7:00am, 11:00am, or 3:30pm departure time. The best part is, Hawaiian Adventures Kona also runs in the off-season from July through November and will search for pilot whales, false killer whales, whale sharks, spinner dolphins, and more during this time!
Plus, they offer a no-whale guarantee policy. If you don’t see whales on your trip, you can take the trip again for free! In addition, if you book more than 30 days in advance, you can save $30 on the tour!
Afternoon Whale Watching with Hang Loose Boat Tours
- Price: Starting at $109 per person
- Duration: 2.5-3 hours
- TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5/5 stars ⭐
- Includes: Bottled Water & Snacks
- Pick Up Location: 74-425 Kealakehe Pkwy
If you are looking to experience a smaller group tour for your whale watching cruise, Hang Loose Boat Tours is a good option!
Their 24-person catamarans offer a more intimate experience than other whale watching cruises. However, a smaller boat will not handle the waves as well.
In addition, this tour leaves at 12:30pm, when the seas tend to be rougher than the mornings. So if you are prone to sea sickness, I would opt for another tour.
Adventurous Captain Zodiac Whale Watching Cruise
- Price: Starting at $127 per person
- Duration: 3 hours
- TripAdvisor Rating: 5/5 stars ⭐
- Includes: Sodas, fruit juices, bottled water and snacks
- Pick Up Location: 74-425 Kealakehe Pkwy #16
With 5 stars on TripAdvisor, this whale watching tour is great for those looking for a little bit of adventure! The tour takes place on a small, zodiac raft that only fits 16 passengers.
Because of this, this tour isn’t recommended for pregnant people or those with back/neck problems. However, it does allow you to cover a lot of ground (water I should say), and the boat doesn’t rock as much as traditional tour boats.
Depending on where the whales are spotted, you might even get a chance to see coastal caves and volcanic lava tubes on this tour!
Plus, the boat has a hydrophone on board, which allows you to hear the whales singing underwater. The tour is typically offered at 8:00am and 11:45am – I recommend the earlier one!
Wake Up with Whales By Ocean Sports Cruises
- Price: Starting at $120 per person
- Duration: 1.5 hours
- TripAdvisor Rating: 5/5 stars ⭐
- Includes: Beer, wine and soft drinks
- Pick Up Location: 69-275 Waikōloa Beach Dr
As the name suggests, this whale watching cruise leaves bright and early at 8:00am from the Kohala Coast!
The Kohala Coast is one of the best places to see whales on the Big Island. This tour takes place on a beautiful catamaran, which really elevates the experience! They also have hydrophones on board, so you can hear the whales’ songs!
This tour is highly-rated on TripAdvisor; however, it is a bit shorter than the other whale watching tours in this guide. Oceans Sports Cruises does offer a no-whale guarantee policy. Plus, beer and wine are included 🙂
Whale Watching with Body Glove Cruises
- Price: Starting at $119 per person
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- TripAdvisor Rating: 4/5 stars ⭐
- Includes: Snacks and light refreshments
- Pick Up Location: Kailua Pier
For those looking for a comfortable and convenient whale watching tour, this is a great option! The Whale Watching with Body Glove cruise takes place on a large, double-decker catamaran.
This boat has a large shaded sun deck and cushioned seats, so it’s perfect for guests who want to be more comfortable. The boat is also wheelchair accessible!
In addition to comfort, this tour leaves directly from downtown Kona at the Kailua Pier. So if you are staying in Kona, you don’t have to worry about journeying far for pick up!
The tour offers free snacks and light refreshments like coffee, soda, water, and tea, plus alcohol is available for purchase.
This whale watching cruise also has a no-whale guarantee policy! However, the only time slot is at 1:00pm, so you may not have as much luck as on a morning cruise!
Final Thoughts
As you can see, whale watching is one of the most adventurous things you can do while visiting the Big Island. If you are visiting the Big Island between December and April, you need to add one of these tours to your itinerary! You won’t regret it 🙂
For the best chances of seeing whales, book a morning tour and consider splurging on one with a hydrophone if you want to hear them sing. And if you’re on a tighter budget or just not into boats, head to the Kohala Coast with a pair of binoculars and scan the horizon from shore.
Also, if animals are your things, make sure to check out my other Big Island blog posts! The Big Island is home to some amazing marine life. I highly recommend a night dive with manta rays and looking for dolphins as you kayak to Captain Cook!
The Big Island also has some incredible snorkeling where you can see all kinds of underwater critters!
Read More Big Island Blog Posts Below! ⬇️🌺
The Perfect ONE WEEK Big Island Itinerary For First Timers
Where To Stay On The Big Island (+ Big Island Hawaii Map)
30 INCREDIBLE Things To Do On The Big Island Of Hawaii
Whale Watching On The Big Island: Tours, Best Time, & More
Best Snorkeling On The Big Island Of Hawaii: A Detailed Guide
How To Kayak To Captain Cook Monument On The Big Island
A Guide To Night Snorkeling With Manta Rays In Kona, Hawaii
10 FREE Things To Do In And Near Kona, Hawaii
Best Luaus On The Big Island: A Complete Guide
Kona To Hilo: A Complete Guide To Driving Across The Big Island
20 INCREDIBLE Things To Do In Hilo, Hawaii (& Nearby)
A Guide To Exploring The Best Waterfalls On The Big Island
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