Big Island · KONA HUMPBACK WHALE CRUISES
20 reviewed
From December to April humpbacks calve in the warm water off Kona, close enough to hear. These whale cruises put you on the right boat: hydrophones to listen in, small raft versus steady catamaran, morning light versus afternoon, prices, and which ones promise a second trip if the whales are shy.
Kona’s humpback whale cruise from Hang Loose Boat Tours includes hydrophones, snacks, and expert spotting with a whale-view guarantee.
“Friendly staff, smaller boat made for an enjoyable trip. Saw many whales and a few dolphins. Very relaxing.”
Hunt Kona whales and dolphins from Honokohau Harbor on a comfy 3–4 hour pelagic catamaran tour with naturalists and refreshments.
“We saw tons of activity! The boat and crew were fantastic, and very knowledgeable of the marine life and explained what we were seeing well. I would recommend it!”
Small Zodiac Kona whale watch with hydrophone whale songs, 3 hours on the water, and possible humpbacks, dolphins, turtles, and rays.
“This was one of the best experiences of our lives - it was early December so we had low expectations - we saw whales galore - we were up so close there were groups of like 5 - so amazing and the crew was so great and they were just as excited as we were seeing all these whales so close - I did a snorkeling tour about 8 years ago and remembered this company and how good they were - if you get a chance do this tour!!!!”
2.5-hour humpback whale cruise from Honokohau Harbor, with hydrophones for whale songs, close sightings, and snacks included.
“Several great humpback whale sightings, including a massive breach right in front of the boat! 👍🏾”
Whale songs through a hydrophone on a Kona catamaran. NOAA-style viewing, snacks included, parking nearby, and a whales-seen promise.
“It was amazing!!! The captain knew exactly where to go and was great about making sure all the passengers got their pictures. The crew’s knowledge about whales was impressive and we all left knowing so much about the whales ourselves from them.”
Wake up early on the Big Island for a calm humpback whale watch from Anaehoʻomalu Bay with drinks, snacks, and a free return.
“Excellent tour with very knowledgeable and lively guides. The best part was that we were staying at Mariott resort and the tour starts from the beach that is adjacent to mariott. We were lucky to spot couple of whales although it wasn’t the peak migration season.”
See seasonal humpback whales from Kona aboard the 30-passenger Kibou. Snacks, water, and guided spotting on a 2-hour cruise.
“This was a great whale viewing trip. Both guides, Lena and partner were very knowledgeable about whale watching and whales. They dropped a listening devise in the ocean and we heard whales speaking. Loved their enthusiasm and knowledge.”
Waikoloa Deluxe Whale Watch cruises the Kona–Kohala coast in 90 minutes, with drinks and a whale-sighting promise or another cruise.
“We all had a great time. Everyone really enjoyed seeing the whales. Appreciate the extra time for some last minute whale watching as the trip ended.”
Kona’s 3.5-hour humpback and dolphin watch uses a small boat, live nature commentary, and an underwater hydrophone—Dec to Apr.
“This is a great tour - very manageable size of group and length of adventure. You will need transportation to the shopping center for check in and then down to the bay to get in the boat.”
Kona Deluxe Catamaran Whale Watch from Honokohau: 1.5-hour cruise with a premium bar, humpback whales, and a free return.
“The best part was seeing whales. The crew was very good. The weather was great. Would recommend to anyone.”
Late-morning Big Island whale watch on a stable power catamaran with marine naturalists, whale sounds via hydrophone, and included drinks.
“Saw 6 whales for over an hour. Awesome experience and the crew made it even better serving drinks and educating us on whales and Hawaii.”
Sunset whale watching on a sailing catamaran off Kohala Coast with open bar, snacks, naturalist talk, and hydrophone whale songs.
“Meeting great people. Crew very friendly & acomadating. Also celebrating our 61 wedding anniversary Beautiful sunset also saw several whales. Made it the best!”
Kona’s Guaranteed Whale Watch from Honokohau delivers a comfy 2.5-hour cruise in whale season, snacks onboard, and a no-whale backup plan.
“Great crew. Well-organized. Made good use of time. Successful in finding whales and manta rays. No dolphins this time.”
Kawaihae whale watching on the Big Island with a small-group boat ride along the Kohala Coast, snacks included, and seasonal sightings.
“Incredible! We got our original experience rebooked from Kawaihae and a small 6 person power boat to an experience in A-bay with a large catamaran since the original vessel was no longer available. I was a little disappointed, but the catamaran didn’t feel too crowded aRead more”
A 2.5-hour humpback whale cruise from Kailua Kona with underwater whale songs via hydrophone, plus chances for dolphins, rays, and turtles.
“We enjoyed our outing and seeing the whales was great!”
