The 9 Best Whale Watching Tours on the Big Island You Can Book

1.Whale Watching On The Big Island

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 573 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $98Our pick

From Honokohau Marina, Hang Loose Boat Tours takes you into Kona’s whale grounds aboard a modern catamaran for about 2.5 hours. Hear humpbacks through onboard hydrophones, enjoy narration from guides such as Captain Bryce, and look for breaching whales, spinner dolphins, and sweeping Big Island views. Water, snacks, and a restroom are included.

“We had a great time seeing 4 or five whales. Crew were all great and pleasant to be with. Showed us a pod of dolphins and they were really cool.”

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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 the 46-foot catamaran Artemis. Captain Andrew, Olivia, Dennis, and other naturalist guides search Kona’s nearshore and pelagic waters for humpbacks, pilot whales, dolphins, sharks, manta rays, and flying fish. The 3 to 4-hour trip includes seating, open viewing areas, soft drinks, and bottled water.

“I’ll start by saying the crew was great! They were very knowledgeable and also attentive to my sea sickness. Yet after a 3 hour tour we saw no dolphins or whales. I know they can not control what happens because it’s nature though guaranteed should not be in the name. When booking just know it is NOT a guarantee.”

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3.Zodiac Raft Whale Watching Adventure

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

Captain Zodiac takes you from Kailua-Kona along the coast toward Waikoloa in a 16-passenger Zodiac. Your captain-naturalist scans for humpback whales, spinner dolphins, turtles, manta rays, and lava-coast formations. The boat carries a hydrophone for underwater whale song. Expect an active, bouncy ride, not a cushioned cruise.

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

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

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

Join Hang Loose Boat Tours from Honokohau Harbor for a 150-minute whale watch aboard a 24-person catamaran. Captains and crew members such as Bryce, Aidan, Jacob, and Simon search for humpbacks, dolphins, and other sea life while sharing island and whale facts. A hydrophone lets you hear whale song, with snacks and drinks included.

“The whale watching was fun! Bryce was our captain and he and his crew made sure everyone was comfortable. They searched the ocean and we got a few sightings! Thank you for great time on your boat:)”

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5.Whale Watch Excursion from the Big Island

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

Set out from Kailua Pier with Body Glove Cruises for a 2.5-hour whale watch along the Kona Coast. An onboard naturalist explains whale behavior, while a hydrophone lets you hear whale songs below the surface. Expect snacks, soft drinks, coffee, tea, and a cash bar. Whale sighting or a free return trip is offered.

“Captain Lauren was phenomenal along with the entire crew. They were super friendly and fun. Captain Lauren is very knowledgeable and well spoken and truly gives a very engaging, interesting, and fun tour. The boat ride on this huge catamaran is very smooth cutting through three waves. My cup of water sat on the table the entire ride without spilling. We found a humpback and I thoroughly enjoyed the scenery and the whole experience. Thanks captain Lauren and crew.”

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6.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 150-minute whale watch. Captain Laura and the crew use an underwater hydrophone so you can hear humpback songs while watching for whales, spinner dolphins, manta rays, sea turtles, and more. Snacks, drinks, and reef-safe sunscreen are included.

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

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7.Kalaoa: Big Island and Kona Midday Whale Watching Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 29 reviews · 2 hours · from $99

Join Iruka Hawaii Dolphin aboard the Kibou for a two-hour whale-watching cruise from Kalaoa. You will search the Kailua-Kona coast for humpback whales returning from Alaska, hear about the animals and island, and enjoy turquoise water and mountain views. Bring your own drinks. Check in at slip A17.

“For the price was expecting a bit more. We did see some whales but were pretty far, only chips and soda for food.”

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8.Hilo: Humpback Whale-Watching Cruise with Snacks and Drinks

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 5 reviews · 1h 30m · from $175

Meet at Wailoa Boat Harbor for a 90-minute whale watch aboard the blue-and-white 35-foot Wellcraft Scarab, Malama I Ke Kai. Your English-speaking guide leads a small group of up to six, with snacks, drinks, rain ponchos, and Hawaiian ocean views. In winter, you may see humpbacks visiting from Alaska. An optional Whale Song Snorkel Package lets you hear their calls underwater.

“The tour was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. We sailed through breathtakingly beautiful places and even saw whales. The tour guide was very kind and helpful, and we learned a great deal about the whales in the area. The boat itself was also very nice, clean, and comfortable. I can only recommend to everyone not to miss this tour.”

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9.Kailua-Kona: Pacific Humpback Whale Watch Excursion

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4 reviews · 2h 30m · from $130

Join Hawaii Marine Life Charters at Honokohau Harbor for a 150-minute whale watch limited to 10 people. Guide Brian shares clear, engaging stories about humpback behavior and migration as you look for whales, dolphins, and other marine life. Cold drinks and snacks are included, but you arrange your own transport to the harbor.

“Brian was an excellent guide - communicative leading up to the day and super knowledgable out on the water!”

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