Best Big Island Whale Watching Tours (2024)
Ready to go on a whale watching tour on the Big Island? You’re in the right place.
During December to April, large humpback whales migrate from Alaska to breeding grounds in Hawaii, Japan, and Mexico.
Although Maui has the world’s densest concentration of Humpback whales, the Big Island is actually one of the best places to spot whales in Hawaii!
So, where’s the best place to spot whales on the Big Island?
Kohala and north Kona are the best places to spot whales on the Big Island. You can spot whales at a from the shore, or go on a boat tour to see them up close.
When it comes to whale watching tours on the Big Island, there’s everything from luxurious catamarans to speedboats and rafts.
To help you navigate through all your options, I’ve put together a review of the best whale watching tours on the the Big Island.
I’ll provide information on what each tour includes, so you can select one based on your budget and preferences!
Ready to find out the best whale watching tours on the Big Island? Let’s dive in!
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Best Time For Whale Watching On The Big Island
January and February are the best times to spot whales in North Kona and the Kohala coast.
The peak migration season for humpback whales is from December to March, where whales migrate from Alaska to Hawaii. Throughout the rest of the year, sightings will be more unpredictable.
Early morning or late afternoon is the most ideal time for whale watching since this is when whales are typically more active.
A boat tour, regardless of the season, will give you the best chance of spotting whales and dolphins on Kona’s coast.
Types Of Whales Found On The Big Island
- Humpback Whales: These are the most common species of whales spotted on the Big Island, especially during peak migration season between November and April.
- Short-Finned Pilot Whales: Following humpback whales, short-finned pilot whales are the next most spotted whale species on the Big Island. They’re distinguished by their large bulbous foreheads, and for traveling in groups of 25-50.
- Sperm Whales: Known for their distinctive square heads, these large deep diving whales can be spotted year round off Kona’s coast.
- Melon-Headed Whales: Known for their melon shaped foreheads, these whales are often mistaken for dolphins due to their shape and size. These whales were first identified in Hilo, Hawaii, but are more often spotted in Oahu.
- Pygmy Killer Whales: Often confused for melon–headed whales, these small toothed whales are one of the most rare species found off of Kona.
- False Killer Whales: False killer whales are an endangered species of large dolphins with black or dark gray bodies that resemble whales. With less than a population size of 200, these are one of the most rare whales to spot in Hawaii.
Where To See Whales On The Big Island
The best area to see whales on the Big Island is Kohala coast and Kona, on the northwest side of the island.
If you want to see them on your own, there are a few popular spots. The Pu’ukohola Heiau National Historic Site, or “Temple on Whale Hill” is a scenic spot on the top of the hill where you can get a clear view of whales in the ocean.
You’ll want to bring binoculars, since most sightings are far out in the distance.
To spot whales from the shore, here are some of the best beaches:
- Pu’ukohola Heiau National Historic Site or “Whale Hill” (north Kona)
- Kealakekua Bay State Park (south Kona)
- Spencer Beach State Park (north Kona)
- Māhukona Beach Park (Waimea)
- Lapakahi State Historical Park (Kohala coast)
- Kapa’a beach park (north Kohala)
How To Spot Whales On The Big Island
1. Go On A Whale Watching Boat Tour
To see whales up close, going on a boat tour is your best bet. There are catamarans, inflatable speed boats, rafts, and more depending on the level of comfortability you’d like.
Early morning boat tours and sunset cruises are the best for whale sightings, since that is when whales are most active.
2. Take A Snorkeling Tour To Kealakekua Bay
One of the best places to see whales other than Kona’s north coast is at Kealakekua Bay.
Kealakekua Bay is a deep sheltered water bay, located in South Kona. This bay is home to an incredible diversity of marine life, including spinner dolphins, green sea turtles, and whales.
The bay is only accessible by boat or hiking (a nearly 4 mile trail), so snorkeling tours are the best way to get there.
There are early morning and evening sunset cruises where you’ll get the best chance of spotting dolphins and whales.
3. Spot Whales Breach From the Shore
You can spot whales on many beaches in north Kona and the Kohala coast during peak migration season.
Some of the best spots for spotting humpback whales from the shore are Puʻukohola Heiau Historic Site (Temple on Whale Hill), Spencer Beach Park, and Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park.
Spencer Beach Park is one of the best places to see whales breaching from the shore, and it’s just down the street from Puʻukohola Heiau Historic Site.
Best Big Island Whale Watching Tours
Below is a list of the top 7 best Big Island whale watching tours, from speedboats to spacious catamarans.
1. Morning Catamaran Cruise To Kealakekua Bay
- Location: Kealakekua Bay (Kona coast)
- Type of tour: Morning catamaran sail and snorkel tour
- Length: 4 hr.
- Cost: ~$175 per person
- Highlight: Comfortable catamaran with continental breakfast and lunch included
This snorkel sail is one of the best whale watching experiences to have in Kona. This is an early morning sail to Kealakekua Bay, where you’ll get to spot spinner dolphins and whales.
You’ll be aboard a spacious 50-foot catamaran with a shaded cabin to cruise along the coast of Kealakekua Bay.
After your whale watching session, you’ll get to stop in Kealakekua Bay for snorkeling at the Captain Cook monument.
This is a great tour for spotting whales, as well as dolphins around Kealakekua Bay.
They provide a continental breakfast, lunch, and drinks, and the tours last around 4 hours.
2. Zodiac Raft Morning Boat Tour
- Location: Kona coast
- Type of tour: Morning boat tour
- Length: 3 hr.
- Cost: ~ $130 per person
- Highlight: High-speed raft tour along Kona’s coast with naturalist guide
The Zodiac Raft Whale Watching tour is the best tour if you want to spot whales and observe their natural behavior up close.
You’ll board a high–speed raft, and cruise along Kona’s coast to see everything from spinner dolphins to humpback whales. Plus, you’ll get to see caves, cliffs, and volcanic lava tubes along the way.
This is a great family-friendly tour to see whales up close, and learn about their behavior from a naturalist guide.
The tour includes snacks and beverages at the price, and lasts around 3 hours.
3. Navy boat Kealakekua Bay Morning Snorkeling Tour
- Location: Kealakekua Bay (Kona coast)
- Type of tour: Morning snorkeling tour
- Length: 2.5 hr.
- Cost: ~$85 per person
- Highlight: Small group speedboat tour with snacks and beverages
If you enjoy an adventure, this speedboat snorkeling tour is for you.
You’ll zip around in a speedboat, getting beautiful views of the scenic Kona coast, caves, cliffs, and marine life.
Then, you’ll stop by Kealakekua Bay to snorkel around the Captain Cook monument.
This is a small group tour of under 14 people, and the earliest tours start around 8am.
For the best chance of spotting whales, I recommend booking a tour early in the morning to avoid crowds from other snorkel tours.
Snacks, beverages, and snorkeling equipment is included in the price, and the tour lasts around 2.5 hours.
4. Sunset Catamaran Cruise On The Kohala Coast
- Location: North Kohala coast
- Type of tour: Sunset catamaran cruise
- Length: 1.5 hr.
- Cost: ~$150 per person
- Highlight: Sunset cruise along Kohala coast with whale sightings
Since whales are most active during the afternoon, sunset cruises are a fantastic way to spot whales.
This catamaran cruise departs from Anaehoomalu Bay, and cruises along Kohala coast during golden hour.
You’ll get to sip wine, enjoy unbeatable sunset views, and spot wildlife in the ocean.
With this sunset cruise sailing along Kohala coast, it’s in a great location for whale sightings. In fact, most people who’ve gone on this tour report spotting whales.
The tour includes unlimited nonalcoholic beverages in the price, and lasts 1.5 hours.
5. Inflatable Boat Kealakekua Bay snorkel Tour
- Location: Kealakekua Bay (Kona coast)
- Type of tour: Morning snorkeling tour
- Length: 4 hr.
- Cost: ~$110 per person
- Highlight: Early morning tour (7am) including snacks, and beverages
This small group snorkeling tour of the Captain Cook monument at Kealakekua Bay gives you the chance to snorkel and spot wildlife.
You’ll cruise along Kona’s north coast on an inflatable boat, giving you the chance to spot sea caves, lava tubes, dolphins, and humpback whales on the way to the snorkel sites.
They have one of the earliest start times (7am), so you’ll have a great chance of spotting whales while the ocean’s calm in the morning.
They provide all equipment to snorkel, as well as snacks and beverages included in the price.
6. Evening Catamaran Large-Group Whale Watching Tour
- Location: North Kona
- Type of tour: Afternoon (1pm) boat tour
- Length: 2.5 hr
- Cost: ~ $240 per person
- Highlight: Afternoon large-group boat tour with a naturalist guide
If you’re not a morning person, this whale watching excursion on a 65 foot catamaran is for you. This tour starts at 1pm, which is a bit later than most tours.
You’ll get to spot whales, hear them sing with a hydrophone, and learn about their behavior from a naturalist guide.
They provide snacks and beverages, and the tour lasts 2.5 hours.
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