Best Whale Watching Tours on the Big Island 2024

See humpback whales in Kona on their annual migration to Hawaii’s waters every winter. Dolphins are also likely to be seen during the tour. If no whales are spotted, customers can come back for another free tour. Morning tours operate on a fully shaded, spacious powerboat with onboard restrooms and seating for up to 34 passengers. Afternoon tours operate on a comfortable and stable catamaran with restrooms, shade, and seating for up to 49 passengers.

This popular whale-watching tour from Kona spots migrating humpback whales along the scenic coast while marine biologists provide commentary. Tour boats encounter frolicking dolphins, rare sea turtles, and other marine life like manta rays in addition to whales. Licensed captain and crew ensure a safe and smooth ride spotting whales and stunning panoramic ocean views from two spacious open-air decks. Ticket includes guaranteed whale sightings or a chance to return for free to spot the playful whales.

The Honi Olani, a 54-foot sailing catamaran, departs from Honokohau Harbor for a 90-minute Kona whale-watching tour in the afternoons. With a capacity of 49 passengers, it is manned by lifeguard-certified crew members and boasts amenities such as a full bar and enclosed cabin with seating, shower, restrooms, and surround-sound system. In case no whales are seen, customers can come back again for free. Complimentary water, soda, and juice are included on the cruise.

Witness the impressive migration of Humpback Whales from Alaska to Hawaii for breeding and giving birth. Small group tours on a boat equipped with a hydrophone system allow for hearing the whales’ songs and communication. The three available boats have capacities of 12 or 6 passengers and offer shade, dry storage, life jackets, and other flotation devices. These rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) provide high-speed rides while still ensuring comfort and fun.

Each winter, pods of humpback whales migrate from Alaska to Hawaii for breeding and calving. Aloha Kona Tours guides tours through the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary on its 26-foot boat Alcione.   The boat carries a maximum of six passengers with a lifeguard-certified crew to view whales in comfort. Guests can spot humpback whales up close in the warm coastal waters off the Big Island of Hawaii. Alcione features amenities like a swim deck and deck shower for passengers to enjoy views of the majestic marine mammals.