Body Glove Hawaii – Super Raft Whale Watching Adventure
Climb aboard the 41-foot Super Raft Kona Explorer for a fast, agile ride into the winter playground of humpback whales. Cushioned seats,...
Winter Whales Around Hawaii Island
Big Island Whale Watching Tours
Big Island whale watching follows the winter return of humpback whales along the Kona, Kohala and Hilo coasts. Watch for blows, tail slaps, breaches and mothers with calves from a catamaran, raft or small-boat cruise during Hawaii’s whale season.
Your Big Island Whale Watching Cruise
Whale watching on the Big Island is a winter ocean tour with plenty of room for surprise. One minute the water may look quiet, and the next a blow appears on the horizon, a tail rises, or a humpback breaches far enough away to make everyone on deck point at once.
Big Island whale watching routes may leave from Kona, Honokohau Harbor, Keauhou Bay, Anaehoomalu Bay, Kawaihae Harbor or Hilo, depending on the tour. Some cruises use larger catamarans with more deck space, while others use rafts or smaller boats for a quicker, closer-to-the-water ride.
Humpback whale season in Hawaii generally runs through the winter months, with the source page describing December through April as the main Big Island whale watching period. Bring sun protection, a light layer, motion comfort if needed and patience, since whales are wild animals and every cruise has its own rhythm.
Big Island Whale Watching
Captain Zodiac – Whale Watch
Board a swift 24 ft Zodiac raft and skim low across Kona’s winter waters for an eye-level view of humpback whales. With...
Dolphin Discoveries – Whale & Dolphin Discovery Adventure
Kona’s offshore waters are alive with marine life throughout the year, making this a beautiful choice for guests who want to enjoy...
Hawaii Nautical – Mauna Kea Deluxe Whale Watch (Kawaihae Harbor)
Winter along the Kohala Coast brings the chance to watch humpback whales moving through Hawaii’s warm blue waters. Departing from Kawaihae Harbor...
Hawaii Nautical – Waikoloa Deluxe Afternoon Whale Watch
Afternoon light, open ocean views and the excitement of whale season come together on this 1.5-hour cruise from Anaeho’omalu Bay. Aboard Spirit...
Hawaii Nautical – Waikoloa Deluxe Morning Whale Watch
Morning on the Kohala Coast brings crisp ocean air, wide mountain views and the chance to see humpback whales at their most...
Hilo Ocean Adventures – Royal Humpback Whale Experience
Each winter, the waters off Hilo welcome thousands of North Pacific humpback whales after their long migration from Alaska. From mid-December through...
Big Island Whale Watching FAQ
What types of Big Island whale watching tours can I book?
Big Island whale watching tours may include catamaran cruises, raft rides, small-boat tours, morning cruises, afternoon cruises and sunset-style whale watches. Check the current tour list for available departure areas, boat styles and tour times.
When is whale watching season on the Big Island?
Big Island whale watching is a winter activity. The source tour page describes December through April as the main season, when humpback whales come to Hawaii’s warm waters to breed and give birth.
Where do Big Island whale watching tours depart from?
Big Island whale watching tours may depart from Kona, Honokohau Harbor, Keauhou Bay, Anaehoomalu Bay, Kawaihae Harbor or Hilo, depending on the operator and current tour schedule.
How long are Big Island whale watching tours?
Current Big Island whale watching tours are listed from about 1.5 to 3 hours. Shorter cruises may focus on one coastline area, while longer tours may allow more time searching for whale activity.
Will I definitely see whales on a Big Island whale watching tour?
Whale sightings are never guaranteed because humpbacks are wild animals. Winter is the right season to look, and crews watch for blows, tail slaps, breaches and mothers with calves when conditions are right.