Every year, the Big Island of Hawaii becomes an amazing place to watch whales. These huge animals visit the warm waters, giving people a chance to see them up close.
I want to help you find the best whale watching tours so you can experience these incredible sights for yourself. Watching whales in their natural habitat creates unforgettable memories, and many tours fit different needs and interests.
Body Glove Hawaii
I checked out Body Glove Hawaii’s whale watching tours recently. Spending a day on the water felt fun and relaxing.
Their boat felt safe and comfortable. The crew greeted everyone with friendly smiles and were helpful from the start.
I found plenty of space to sit and lots of shade. Getting a good spot for pictures was easy.
Body Glove offers more than just whale watching. They also run dolphin watching, snorkel trips, and dinner cruises.
Families, couples, and solo travelers all seemed to enjoy themselves. The catamaran had a water slide and a high jump platform, which added to the fun during breaks.
The guides talked about protecting the ocean, which made the experience feel meaningful. The staff shared interesting facts about the whales and other animals we saw.
Rating: 4.8 (1761 reviews)
Location: 75-5629 Kuakini Hwy, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Contact: (808) 326-7122
Website: Visit Website
Hawaiian Adventures Kona
When I visited Hawaiian Adventures Kona, I noticed right away how dedicated the team was to making the tour special. The crew had years of experience and shared many interesting facts about the different whale and dolphin species along the Kona Coast.
They made everyone feel comfortable and safe the whole time. The tours run year-round, and the guides explained that we could see many kinds of marine life, not just humpback whales.
I watched pilot whales, spinner dolphins, and even manta rays on my trip. The calm waters near Kona made it easy to spot animals almost the whole time we were out.
Their boats, Artemis and Callisto, were some of the nicest I’ve been on. They had comfy seats, clean bathrooms, and great space for viewing.
The group was small, so I got a lot of personal attention from the crew. The tour started at Honokohau Harbor, which gave us quick access to both shallow and deep water areas.
The crew knew the best spots, and every part of the trip felt organized. Hawaiian Adventures Kona stands out for its friendly staff and unique year-round wildlife experiences.
Rating: 4.9 (331 reviews)
Location: 247 Kealakehe Pkwy, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Contact: (808) 339-3604
Website: Visit Website
Captain Zodiac
I explored the Kona Coast with Captain Zodiac. The tour took me out on a small Zodiac raft, making it easy to get close to sea caves and lava tubes.
Only a few people joined me on the raft, so it felt like a personal adventure. The highlight was seeing pods of Hawaiian spinner dolphins up close.
I also spotted a few humpback whales since I went during the right season. The captain and crew knew a lot about the local animals and pointed out sea turtles and unique fish.
We stopped to snorkel at Kealakekua Bay, and I was amazed by the clear water and all the colorful fish and coral below. The guides shared stories about Hawaiian history and geology, which made the trip interesting.
Captain Zodiac cares about protecting the reefs. They offered reef-safe sunscreen and encouraged everyone to use reusable bottles.
Rating: 4.9 (579 reviews)
Location: 74-425 Kealakehe Pkwy #16, Kaiminani, HI 96740
Contact: (808) 329-3199
Website: Visit Website
Captain Dan McSweeney’s Whale Watching Adventures
I joined Captain Dan McSweeney’s Whale Watching Adventures and quickly saw why people say you get more than just a boat ride. Dan himself guided the tour and shared stories from his years studying whales around Hawaii.
I appreciated how much he knows about humpback whales and other sea mammals living in the area. Dan explained how the tours help with research and conservation, and I felt good knowing my visit supported their work.
The boat was comfortable, and I had clear views for watching whales and dolphins. During my three-hour cruise, we spotted several humpback whales and saw playful dolphins.
Dan pointed out details about their behaviors and answered everyone’s questions. His excitement about whales made the trip even more fun.
Rating: 4.5 (66 reviews)
Location: Kealakehe Parkway & Queen Ka’ahumanu Hwy, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Contact: (888) 942-5376
Website: Visit Website
Adventure X Boat Tours
When I went out with Adventure X Boat Tours, the captain and crew greeted everyone with warmth and friendliness. They made sure we all felt comfortable before heading out onto the water.
The boat ride was smooth and relaxing. The crew shared facts about the island and the ocean.
On my trip, we saw whales spouting in the distance, and the excitement grew as we got closer. The guides made sure we stayed safe and respected the wildlife.
They offer special tours like dolphin watching in the morning and the famous manta ray night snorkel. I joined a night snorkel, and seeing the manta rays glide under me was unforgettable.
The small group size and calm setting made it easy to enjoy everything. If you want to join more than one adventure, there’s a discount, so planning more than one ocean experience is simple.
Booking was easy, and the crew helped with everything, from giving us tips to making sure beginners felt at home in the water.
Rating: 4.9 (231 reviews)
Location: South Boat Ramp, Kawaihae Rd, Kamuela, HI 96743
Contact: (808) 937-7245
Website: Visit Website
Liquid Hawai‘i Charters
I enjoyed my time with Liquid Hawai‘i Charters. Their small group tours felt more personal and relaxed than bigger boats I’ve tried.
With only up to 12 guests, I could ask questions and really learn about the ocean and local wildlife. We left from Puako, which is close to Waikoloa and easy to find from the resorts.
The boat was clean and comfortable, and our guides were friendly and knowledgeable. I never felt rushed and got great photos of humpback whales in the calm waters.
Along with whale watching, they offer guided snorkel trips and night manta ray snorkeling. The tours are educational and safe, with clear instructions and hands-on help for beginners.
It’s great for families, couples, or anyone who prefers smaller groups. If you want something extra, they also have sunset cruises, private charters, and spearfishing trips.
The tour felt welcoming, and the owners, Matt and Christi, really care about giving guests a good experience out on the water.
Rating: 5 (237 reviews)
Location: Puako Beach Dr, Kamuela, HI 96743
Contact: (808) 854-5757
Website: Visit Website
Ali’i Ocean Tours
When I joined Ali’i Ocean Tours for a whale watching trip, I felt like I was in good hands from the moment I arrived at the marina. The staff greeted me warmly and made sure everyone on board felt comfortable and ready for the day.
The boat was clean and well-kept, which made the trip more relaxing. The crew shared lots of interesting facts about the whales, their habits, and the Kona coast.
I got to see whales up close and even spotted a few dolphins along the way. The guides patiently answered questions and pointed out wildlife that I might have missed.
What stood out most was how friendly and welcoming the crew was. They took time to make sure everyone was having fun.
Several people on my tour said they had gone on other boat trips before, but this one was their favorite. I appreciated that every detail was taken care of so I could just focus on enjoying the experience.
Rating: 4.8 (175 reviews)
Location: Honokohau Marina Slip #J-14, 74-429 Kealakehe Pkwy, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Contact: (808) 345-2787
Website: Visit Website)
Fair Wind Cruises
I had a great time with Fair Wind Cruises on my recent trip. Their boats are clean and comfortable, with shaded areas, restrooms, and showers.
These features made the whole experience relaxing. The crew was friendly and always ready to help, especially for beginners like me.
Most people come here for snorkeling, but I appreciated how much they care about the ocean. They use eco-friendly practices, and even serve plant-based meals on board.
The food tasted great and was a nice change from typical boat snacks. Fair Wind Cruises offers several tour options.
I took the morning snorkel tour to Kealakekua Bay. The water was clear, the sea life was colorful, and the staff made sure everyone felt safe.
Some people on my tour looked forward to seeing manta rays during the night snorkel. I want to try that next time.
The tours are family-friendly, and the crew goes above and beyond to make sure you have fun. They provide everything you need, from gear to reef-safe sunscreen.
If you want to get out on the water around Kona, this is a company worth checking out.
Rating: 4.9 (1780 reviews)
Location: 78-7130 Kaleiopapa St, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Contact: (808) 322-2788
Website: Visit Website
Hawaii Nautical – Kona
I recently took a boat tour with Hawaii Nautical in Kona, and I had a great experience. The crew was friendly and shared interesting facts about the ocean and animals we saw.
I felt safe and well cared for the whole time. The whale watching was the highlight for me.
We saw several whales and even some dolphins playing nearby. The guides made sure everyone had a good view and answered all our questions.
The boat was comfortable with plenty of space to move around. I liked how relaxed the atmosphere was and how the crew respected the animals, keeping a safe distance.
If you enjoy spending time on the water, this tour is a good choice.
Rating: 4.8 (232 reviews)
Location: 352-429 Kealakehe Pkwy, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Contact: (808) 234-7245
Website: Visit Website
My Kona Adventures
I joined a whale watching trip with My Kona Adventures and loved how welcoming the staff were from the start. The guides were knowledgeable and always answered my questions about the different kinds of whales and local marine life.
My tour was on a comfortable boat with a small group, so everyone had a good view. I felt safe the whole time, and the crew helped point out the best spots to look for whales and dolphins.
I learned that My Kona Adventures also offers their famous manta ray night snorkeling trips. Many people on my tour talked about how swimming with manta rays under the stars was the highlight of their trip.
What stood out most to me was how passionate the crew was about the ocean. They made sure everyone felt included and excited for the adventure.
Rating: 4.8 (971 reviews)
Location: Kaleiopapa St, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Contact: (808) 895-8951
Website: Visit Website
What to Expect During Whale Watching Tours
When I book a whale watching tour on the Big Island, I want to know exactly what the trip will feel like. These tours usually have clear schedules and let me see a variety of whale species up close.
Typical Itinerary and Duration
Most tours start with a safety briefing and a quick introduction to the whales I’m about to see. Naturalists onboard explain what to watch for and answer questions as the boat heads out to areas with whales.
The trips usually last from 2 hours to half a day. Shorter tours are good if I want a quick excursion, while longer trips give me more time on the water and a better chance to see whales.
Many tours provide snacks and water. I usually get a comfortable seat, and the crew points out whales when they spot them.
There are great spots for photos, so I always bring my camera. During the peak winter months, I have a high chance of seeing whales.
I try to dress in layers and bring sunscreen to stay comfortable. You can learn more about what the day is like on these Big Island whale watching tour experiences.
Types of Whales You Might See
On these tours, I often see North Pacific humpback whales. They come to Hawaii each winter to breed, give birth, and raise their calves.
I might spot them breaching, slapping their tails, or swimming with their young. Sometimes I also see other species like sperm whales, melon-headed whales, or even orcas, but those are less common.
Humpbacks are the stars, and their playful behaviors attract most visitors. The crew helps me identify the whales and teaches me facts about their habits.
During peak season, it’s common to see several whales at the same time. To find out which whales are in the area, I like checking guides for whale species on the Big Island.
Tips for a Memorable Whale Watching Experience
I want everyone to have the best whale watching adventure possible. Knowing when to go and what to bring helps me spot more whales and stay comfortable during the trip.
Best Time of Year for Whale Watching
I always plan my whale watching trip for winter or early spring. Humpback whales come to Hawaii from December to April, with most arriving between January and March.
Mornings are usually the best time to see whales because they’re more active and the ocean is calmer. If I go early, I also avoid the crowds.
From shore or on a boat, it’s easier to spot spouts and breaches before noon since whales tend to move deeper after midday. The timing of my visit matters if I want to see the most whales.
For more planning advice, I like to check guides about Big Island whale watching.
Essential Gear and Preparations
Comfort and safety shape how much I enjoy whale watching. Here is what I always bring:
Sunscreen: Hawaii gets a lot of sun.
Hat and sunglasses: These protect my face and eyes.
Binoculars: I use these to spot whales far from shore.
Reusable water bottle: I stay hydrated in the heat.
Camera with zoom: I take clear pictures from a distance.
Light jacket or rain poncho: The weather can change quickly.
When I go on a boat, I pack motion sickness tablets just in case. I reserve my spot early because trips fill up quickly.
I also bring a snack for longer outings. For more tips on what to bring, I check advice from local tour operators.
