Where to go · BIG ISLAND WHALE WATCHING TOURS
The season here is short and the good boats fill first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Review of Big Island whale watching from Kona, with hydrophones, expert guides, snacks, catamaran views, pricing, and practical tips.
“Great day on the water. Saw 3 humpback whales hanging out together and stayed with them for over 30 minutes. Great crew.”
Review of Big Island’s Pelagic Whale Watch Tour, with boat details, wildlife odds, price, timing, comfort, and practical booking advice.
“Friendly staff. Safe boat ride. We saw three different species of wild lives. Also saw part of the coastline. Fun tour.”
Review of Kona’s Captain Zodiac whale watch, with a fast 16-passenger raft, whale songs, sea caves, wildlife, costs, tips, and practical details.
“We really enjoyed our trip! Our guide was very knowledgeable! We were able to see a male, a momma with her baby and our raft ride was another great aspect of our entire experience!”
Review of Kailua-Kona’s 2.5-hour whale watching cruise, with hydrophone singing, expert crews, snacks, dolphin sightings, and practical tips.
“The guide worked hard to make sure we saw anything that was out and about”
Review of Body Glove’s Kona whale watch, with hydrophone audio, naturalist commentary, snacks, whale guarantee, and practical booking tips.
“Great experience. We got to see 3 whales which was awesome. The naturalist was very knowledgeable but her voice was like nails on a chalk board.”
Review the Wake Up With the Whales Cruise on Hawaii’s Big Island, with calm morning seas, expert guides, whale songs, drinks, and a free re-ride guarantee.
“This was a great experience on a nice boat with a fun crew. We saw lots of whales and heard them singing as they have a mic they drop into the water. I do want to mention that the boat is not at a dock or pier. You board from the beach a smaller boat that takes you to the catamaran. Very well organized and safe but good to know if traveling with someone with limited mobility.”
Review of Kona’s 2-hour whale-watching tour aboard Kibou, with small groups, lively guides, snacks, coastal views, and a whale-sighting guarantee.
“Be prepared for seasickness. We had a great time but had rough water. Madi, Trevor, and Diego were very knowledgeable and fun!”
Review of Waikoloa Deluxe Whale Watch on Hawaii’s Big Island, with whale sightings, coast views, practical tips, value, and booking advice.
“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…”
See humpback whales, spinner dolphins, and Kona’s coast on a small-group boat tour with guides, hydrophone, and seasonal whale watching.
“The small group size provided intimacy and personal interactions with Captain Shelley, who was friendly , welcoming and knowledgeable. Best moments: when Shelley put the hydrophone in the water and we heard humpbacks for the first time. And when we were headed back to shore, whales were breaching in the distance so Shelley turned the boat around and took us back out at full throttle to see the sight! Much appreciated”
Review of Kona’s 90-minute catamaran whale watch, with drinks, shaded seating, whale guarantee, pricing, timing, and practical tips.
“Great crew! The whales cooperated and the coastline was gorgeous! Stan, John and James took good care of us!”
Review of Ocean Sports’ Big Island whale watch, with catamaran comfort, hydrophone songs, drinks, pricing, logistics, and booking advice.
“Excellent experience -- the crew, the view, the boat. Everything was lovely and professional and nice”
Review of Ocean Sports’ Big Island sunset whale cruise, with sailing, cocktails, snacks, whale songs, practical tips, and honest value advice.
“We had a great time with Captain Adam and crew! They were so hospitable and knowledgeable! We can’t wait to sail with them again!!”
Review of Kona’s whale watch cruise, with seasonal tips, boat details, whale guarantee, value, safety, and honest booking advice.
“I was skeptical about booking since it was the end of the season, but glad I did. We saw pilot and humpback whales. The crew was awesome explaining so many facts. Would absolutely recommend.”
Review of Kawaihae Whale Watch on Hawaii’s Kohala Coast, with small groups, whale sightings, boat details, tips, value, and booking advice.
“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.”
Review of Kailua Kona’s 2.5-hour humpback cruise, with whale songs, dolphins, free parking, snacks, and practical booking tips.
“Really good boat with lots of views-plenty of drinks and excellent service.”
Pick a coast, a season or a boat.
