7 Best Whale Watching Tours Big Island Hawaii (2025 Guide)
The Kohala and Kona coasts of Hawaii's Big Island transform into a breathtaking theater of nature every winter, as thousands of humpback whales arrive to breed, calve, and nurse their young. Choosing the right tour is key to witnessing this incredible spectacle. This guide cuts through the noise, detailing the 7 best whale watching tours Big Island Hawaii has to offer, from intimate zodiac adventures to comfortable family-friendly catamarans.
We'll explore departure locations, what to expect on each trip, and how to find an operator that matches your travel style. As Kona Snorkel Trips, the top rated & most reviewed snorkel company in Hawaii, we understand what makes a marine adventure unforgettable. We bring that expertise to help you plan the perfect whale watching experience.
This comprehensive roundup is designed to be actionable, helping you move from planning to booking with confidence. We’ll provide direct links and crucial details for each featured tour operator, so you can easily compare your options. Whether you're a family seeking a stable ride or an adventurer wanting a close-to-the-water encounter, this list has a tour for you. As you dive into our guide, you might also be inspired to share your own adventures; learn how to write a travel blog that people actually read to truly resonate with your audience. Let's find your perfect humpback encounter.
1. Kona Snorkel Trips: The Ultimate Combo Adventure
For travelers looking to maximize their marine adventures on the Big Island, Kona Snorkel Trips presents an exceptional and well-rounded option. While renowned for their world-class snorkeling excursions, their seasonal offerings provide a unique and compelling way to experience two of Hawaii's most incredible marine encounters in a single, streamlined trip. This makes them a definitive choice for those who want to blend the thrill of snorkeling in pristine bays with the awe-inspiring experience of a whale watching tour on the Big Island of Hawaii. Their commitment to small-group tours, safety, and environmental stewardship creates a premium and personalized adventure from start to finish.
Why It Stands Out: The Snorkel & Whale Watch Combo
Kona Snorkel Trips masterfully combines two must-do activities. During the peak whale season (typically December through March), their popular tours to destinations like Kealakekua Bay inherently become whale watching trips. The journey to and from the snorkel site is transformed into an active search for humpback whales. This dual-purpose approach is perfect for visitors with limited time who don't want to choose between seeing vibrant coral reefs and witnessing majestic whale breaches.
Their vessel, the 'Orca,' is a key part of the experience. It's a small, fast, and agile boat designed for intimate encounters. Unlike larger, crowded vessels, the 'Orca' can get you to the action quickly and offers excellent, unobstructed views for every passenger. Departing from a private dock also means you avoid the typical congestion of public boat ramps, translating to more time on the water enjoying the wildlife.
A Deeper Look at the Experience
Kona Snorkel Trips distinguishes itself through an unwavering focus on safety and guest comfort. This isn't just a basic boat ride; it's a fully guided tour led by a highly professional, lifeguard-certified crew.
- Safety First: Their boats are equipped with state-of-the-art rescue gear and unique propeller guards to protect marine life, a detail that showcases their deep respect for the ocean environment.
- Expert Guidance: The crew members are not only skilled mariners but also knowledgeable guides who provide fascinating insights into the behavior of humpback whales and other local marine species.
- Personalized Attention: The small-group format ensures that you receive individual attention, whether you need help with your snorkel gear or have questions about the whales you're observing.
This comprehensive approach has earned them a stellar reputation, making them the top-rated and most-reviewed snorkel company in Hawaii.
Key Details and Booking Tips
While primarily a snorkeling company, their seasonal integration of whale watching makes them a top contender. The combo trip to Kealakekua Bay (home of the Captain Cook Monument) is a flagship offering during whale season.
Pro Tip: Due to their immense popularity and small tour sizes, booking well in advance is essential, especially for travel between December and March. Their most sought-after tours, like the Captain Cook snorkel, often sell out weeks ahead of time.
Website: https://konasnorkeltrips.com
Pros:
- Efficient Combo: Perfect for experiencing both world-class snorkeling and seasonal whale watching in one tour.
- Intimate Experience: Small, fast boats with limited passenger counts ensure personalized attention and better viewing opportunities.
- Top-Tier Safety: Lifeguard-certified crew, propeller guards, and a strong safety-first culture provide peace of mind.
- Stellar Reputation: Overwhelmingly positive reviews across all major platforms highlight their consistent quality and customer satisfaction.
Cons:
- High Demand: Tours sell out quickly, requiring advanced booking to secure a spot.
- Activity Requirements: Snorkeling portions of the tour require basic swimming ability, and age minimums apply (e.g., ~3 years for Captain Cook).
2. Body Glove Hawai‘i
Body Glove Hawai‘i is a cornerstone of the Kona tourism scene, offering one of the most established and reliable whale watching tours Big Island Hawaii has available. Operating from the convenient Kailua Pier, they provide a comfortable, educational, and family-friendly experience aboard a large, modern catamaran. This tour is an excellent choice for travelers seeking stability, accessibility, and a wealth of interpretive information from professional marine naturalists.
The company's website is straightforward, allowing users to easily navigate to their seasonal whale watch cruise, which runs from December through March. The booking process clearly outlines the tour's inclusions, departure times, and policies, making it simple to plan your excursion.
Why Body Glove Hawai‘i Stands Out
The key differentiator for Body Glove is its blend of comfort, education, and accessibility. Their 65-foot catamaran, the Kanoa II, is designed for a smooth ride, minimizing the effects of seasickness and providing ample shaded seating. This makes it an ideal platform for families with young children (infants are welcome) and guests with mobility concerns. The lower deck and boarding ramp are wheelchair-accessible, a feature not commonly found on smaller vessels.
Another standout element is the onboard hydrophone. This underwater microphone is lowered into the ocean, allowing passengers to listen to the haunting and complex songs of the male humpback whales in real-time. This immersive audio experience, paired with narration from a certified marine naturalist, elevates the tour from a simple sightseeing trip to a profound educational encounter.
Tour Details and Booking
Booking directly through the Body Glove Hawai‘i website is the most efficient method. The tour has a fixed daily departure at 1:00 p.m. during the season, making it easy to schedule into an afternoon.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Tour Duration | 2.5 hours |
| Departure Location | Kailua Pier, Kailua-Kona |
| Vessel | 65-foot Catamaran (Kanoa II) |
| Inclusions | Snacks, water, educational narration, hydrophone use |
| Special Feature | Sighting Guarantee: If no humpback whales are seen, you can return for a free trip. |
| Accessibility | Wheelchair-accessible lower deck |
Pros:
- Large, stable catamaran is great for those prone to motion sickness.
- Excellent for families and travelers needing wheelchair access.
- Highly educational with naturalist guides and a hydrophone.
Cons:
- Less intimate than a small-boat tour due to a larger group size.
- Only one departure time per day, offering less flexibility.
Website: https://www.bodyglovehawaii.com/cruises/whale-watch/
3. Captain Zodiac (Kona)
Captain Zodiac (Kona) offers one of the most thrilling whale watching tours Big Island Hawaii has to offer, combining small-group RHIB rafts with naturalist-captain narration and onboard hydrophones. Their easy-to-navigate website highlights seasonal availability from December through March, optional sunset departures on select days, and clear pricing for adults and keiki. This platform caters to adventurous travelers and marine life enthusiasts seeking an intimate, close-up encounter with humpback whales off Kona’s coast.
Booking through Captain Zodiac’s site is straightforward. You can select from morning, midday, or sunset whale watching tours, view real-time availability, and reserve your spot in minutes. The interface clearly states group size limits (max 16 passengers), departure location at Honokohau Harbor, and cancellation policies, so you know exactly what to expect before stepping aboard.
Why Captain Zodiac (Kona) Stands Out
- High-Speed, Small-Group Raft – RHIB hull design allows quick repositioning and closer whale approaches than most catamarans
- Intimate Experience – Limited to around 16 guests for unobstructed views and personalized commentary
- Hydrophone & Naturalist-Captain – Listen to whale songs live while learning identification tips from your guide
- Sunset Departures – Optional golden-hour cruises add spectacular lighting for photographers
Tour Details and Booking
Captain Zodiac makes planning easy with clear tour specifics and transparent pricing.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3 hours |
| Vessel | 16-passenger RHIB raft |
| Departure Location | Honokohau Harbor, Kailua-Kona |
| Inclusions | Hydrophone use, snacks, bottled water, life jackets |
| Season | December–March |
| Special Option | Sunset whale-watch departures |
Pros:
- Highly adventurous, nimble vessel for thrilling chase
- Small groups ensure better photo angles and one-on-one narration
- Real-time whale song via hydrophone
Cons:
- Not recommended for pregnant guests or those with back/neck issues
- Limited shade and fewer amenities than large catamarans
Website: https://www.captainzodiac.com/big-island-excursions/whale-watching-tour/
Learn more about Captain Zodiac (Kona) on konasnorkeltrips.com: Learn more about Captain Zodiac (Kona) on konasnorkeltrips.com
4. Hawai‘i Ocean Sports (Kohala Coast)
Hawai‘i Ocean Sports brings convenient, short-form whale watching tours Big Island Hawaii right to the resort areas of Waikoloa and Kawaihae. Their “Wake Up with the Whales” and late-morning cruises run December through March, offering a quick 1.5-hour window to spot migrating humpbacks. Guests departing from Anaeho‘omalu Bay (A-Bay) or Kawaihae enjoy spacious catamarans, complimentary snacks and beverages, and a sightings guarantee that lets you sail again if no whales appear.
The website is clean and mobile-optimized, with an intuitive calendar for selecting morning or late-morning slots. Departure points, vessel specs, and NOAA-compliant approach regulations (minimum 100-yard distance) are clearly outlined. The booking flow shows real-time availability, transparent pricing, and easy cancellation or date-change options up to 24 hours before departure.
Why Hawai‘i Ocean Sports Stands Out
- Multiple early departures: Choose from 8:00 a.m. or 10:00 a.m. cruises
- Short duration: Ideal for families or guests with tight resort schedules
- Sightings guarantee: Return for free if no humpbacks are sighted
- Local focus: Operates directly from Kohala Coast bays, reducing drive time from Waikoloa resorts
- Safety and regulations: Adheres strictly to NOAA/US Whale Watch guidelines
Tour Details and Booking
Booking directly on their platform is straightforward. Select your date, departure bay, and party size, then check out with secure payment. You’ll receive instant confirmation and a digital ticket to present at boarding.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Tour Duration | 1.5 hours |
| Departure Times | 8:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m. |
| Locations | Anaeho‘omalu Bay (A-Bay), Kawaihae |
| Vessel | 40-foot spacious catamaran |
| Inclusions | Snacks, water, coffee, tea, life jackets |
| Special Feature | Sightings guarantee |
| Compliance | Follows NOAA 100-yard minimum approach regulations |
Pros:
- Convenient for Kohala Coast resort visitors
- Short, family-friendly itinerary
- Multiple morning slots
Cons:
- No afternoon departures
- Brief compared to full-day Kona whale-watch cruises
Website: https://hawaiioceansports.com/cruises/whale-watching/
Learn more about Hawai‘i Ocean Sports (Kohala Coast) on konasnorkeltrips.com
5. Mauna Lani Sea Adventures
Mauna Lani Sea Adventures is one of the top seasonal whale watching tours Big Island Hawaii operators, offering a compact and comfortable experience aboard the 55-foot Winona catamaran. Operating from the Mauna Lani and Kohala Coast area, they run 1.5-hour whale-watch cruises from December through April.
Their website is clean and mobile-friendly, with clear menus for selecting departure times, private charters, and group bookings. Guests can view availability by date and time, compare pricing, and complete secure checkout without hidden fees.
Why Mauna Lani Sea Adventures Stands Out
Mauna Lani Sea Adventures shines with its multiple daily departure times—commonly at 8:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m., and 1:00 p.m.—making it easy to fit a whale-watch into any Big Island itinerary. The smaller group size and snack-and-beverage service create a cozy, personalized outing.
Private charters are a major highlight, letting families or small groups customize the schedule and enjoy dedicated narration. Competitive pricing for guests staying on the Kohala Coast ensures you get more value without sacrificing comfort or service quality.
Tour Details and Booking
Booking directly on the Mauna Lani Sea Adventures website is straightforward. The site clearly displays seasonal rates, departure times, and tender-boarding requirements so you can plan ahead.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Tour Duration | 1.5 hours |
| Departure Times | 8:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m. |
| Departure Port | Mauna Lani Harbor, Kohala Coast |
| Vessel | 55-foot Winona catamaran |
| Inclusions | Light snacks, non-alcoholic beverages, marine narration |
| Special Options | Private charters available |
| Booking Minimum | 8 passengers (seasonal minimum on select sailings) |
| Boarding | Tender transfer, minimum age 3, mobility required |
Pros:
- Competitive pricing for Kohala Coast guests
- Multiple departures for itinerary flexibility
- Private charter option for families and groups
Cons:
- 8-passenger minimum on some sailings
- Tender boarding can be challenging for guests with mobility issues
- Weather and sea conditions may alter schedule
Website: https://maunalaniseaadventures.com/whale-watching.html
Learn more about Mauna Lani Sea Adventures on the Kona Snorkel Trips blog: Learn more about Mauna Lani Sea Adventures
6. Hawaiian Adventures Kona
Hawaiian Adventures Kona offers an all-season lineup of whale watching tours Big Island Hawaii, combining winter humpback cruises (December–March) with pelagic whale-watch adventures (April–November). Departing from Kailua-Kona Harbor aboard USCG-certified offshore vessels, they feature research-grade hydrophones and certified naturalist guides. Whether you’re chasing the massive tails of migrating humpbacks or seeking rare dolphin and pilot whale encounters, their new 46-ft catamaran Artemis ensures comfort with two viewing decks and onboard restrooms.
The Hawaiian Adventures Kona website is intuitive and mobile-friendly. A clear seasonal calendar highlights available dates, departure times, and pricing tiers. Advanced-booking discounts and private-charter options appear prominently, plus weight and mobility requirements are noted up front. You can filter trips by group size, vessel type, or custom requests, making it easy to plan for families or special occasions.
Why Hawaiian Adventures Kona Stands Out
- Year-round coverage – winter humpbacks and spring–fall pelagic species
- Offshore capability – deeper-water access increases sighting variety
- Research-grade hydrophone – listen to whale vocalizations live
- Certified naturalist guides – in-depth marine biology commentary
- New 46-ft catamaran Artemis – dual viewing decks and onboard restrooms
- Private tours available – customizable itineraries and group rates
This blend of seasonal flexibility and robust offshore vessels sets Hawaiian Adventures Kona apart. Most operators focus strictly on humpback migration; here you can track pilot whales, false killer whales, spinner dolphins, and sea turtles outside December–March. The intuitive booking interface clearly communicates policies on cancellation, weather contingencies, and safety gear, ensuring fewer surprises on tour day.
Tour Details and Booking
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Tour Duration | 2.5–5 hours (humpback vs pelagic) |
| Departure Location | Kailua-Kona Harbor |
| Vessel | 46-ft Catamaran (Artemis) with restrooms |
| Inclusions | Snacks, bottled water, hydrophone, guide narration |
| Special Feature | Offshore Access: deeper-water species encounters |
| Seasonal Availability | Winter (Dec–Mar) & Spring–Fall (Apr–Nov) |
Pros:
- Comprehensive seasonal schedule for year-round sightings
- Offshore vessels expand viewing beyond nearshore humpbacks
- Clean, two-deck catamaran with restroom facilities
- Naturalists and hydrophones add educational depth
Cons:
- Longer offshore rides can be rough for motion-sensitive guests
- Weight and mobility restrictions apply on smaller boats
Website: https://www.hawaiianadventureskona.com/
7. Viator (marketplace)
Viator is a leading online marketplace that aggregates whale watching tours Big Island Hawaii from multiple Kona and Kohala coast operators. Instead of visiting each tour company’s website, travelers can compare schedules, vessel types, price points, and traveler reviews all in one place. Viator’s intuitive interface and robust filtering tools help you pinpoint the perfect whale-watch cruise or combo snorkeling-and-whale-watching adventure for your family or group.
On the Viator site you can:
- Browse live availability calendars for December through March whale migration season
- View user-submitted photos and in-depth traveler reviews
- Filter for free cancellation, price range, departure time, and vessel size
- Purchase mobile tickets with clear, GPS-enabled meeting-point maps
Why Viator Stands Out
Viator shines as a comparison engine and booking hub for whale watching tours on Hawaii’s Big Island because it:
- Aggregates dozens of local operators in one searchable list
- Highlights traveler photos and ratings so you can preview real-world experiences
- Offers frequent promotions and exclusive Viator-only discounts
- Provides easy-to-use filters (free cancellation, wheelchair access, family-friendly)
- Delivers instant mobile vouchers and location pins via the Viator app
These features save time and reduce uncertainty when planning a whale watching outing. Instead of clicking through individual sites, you can verify which departure times still have seats, which boats include hydrophones or naturalist commentary, and which tours guarantee sightings.
Tour Details and Booking
Booking on Viator is straightforward. Select your preferred date, apply filters for price or cancellation policy, and confirm with a secure checkout. You’ll receive an e-ticket instantly via email or the Viator mobile app, with a map to your vessel’s meeting point.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Platform Type | Online marketplace listing 30+ Big Island whale-watch tours |
| Availability | Real-time calendar with seasonal dates (Dec–Mar) |
| Filters | Free cancellation, price range, vessel type, time of day, accessibility options |
| Inclusions | Varies by operator: snacks, water, naturalist guide, hydrophone on select boats |
| Extras | Photo galleries, traveler badges, “least expensive” label |
| Mobile App | Instant e-tickets, GPS meeting-point maps, customer support chat |
Pros:
- Comprehensive side-by-side comparisons of operators and vessel features
- Consolidated traveler feedback and high-resolution photos
- Frequent flash deals and lowest-price guarantees on select listings
Cons:
- Prices include a Viator service fee, slightly higher than booking direct
- All changes and cancellations must go through Viator, not the tour operator
Website: https://www.viator.com/Big-Island-of-Hawaii/d669-ttd
7-Operator Comparison: Big Island Whale-Watching Tours
| Operator | 🔄 Booking & Requirements | ⚡ Logistics & Vessel | ⭐ Experience Quality | 📊 Typical Results / Guarantees | 💡 Ideal Use Cases |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kona Snorkel Trips | High demand — book early; age/swim limits; private charters available | Small, fast Orca from private dock; masks/fins/wetsuits included; lifeguard-certified crew; propeller guards | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — Immersive reef and unique Manta Night encounters; safety-focused | 📊 Strong review volume and high satisfaction; close wildlife encounters common on night tours | Families and snorkelers wanting intimate, safety-first reef & manta experiences |
| Body Glove Hawai‘i | Seasonal (Dec–Mar) whale watch; fixed midday departure; advance booking recommended | Large, stable catamaran; wheelchair-accessible deck/ramp; hydrophone and snacks | ⭐⭐⭐ — Comfortable, educational experience with naturalist narration | 📊 Sightings guarantee (return if no whales); good for reliable viewing in season | Families, accessibility needs, travelers wanting narrated, comfortable cruises |
| Captain Zodiac (Kona) | Seasonal small-group tours; limited capacity (~16); not suitable for pregnant/back issues | Small RHIB/Zodiac — fast, nimble, limited shade and amenities | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — Very up-close, adventurous viewing and excellent photo angles | 📊 High likelihood of close approaches due to agility; more variable comfort | Photographers and adventure-seekers who want intimate, close-up whale encounters |
| Hawai‘i Ocean Sports (Kohala Coast) | Multiple morning departures; short duration (1.5 hr); sightings guarantee | Spacious catamarans from Kohala Coast; snacks/beverages included | ⭐⭐⭐ — Short, convenient trips with family-friendly setup | 📊 Sightings guarantee; convenient for resort-area guests and tight schedules | Resort guests on Kohala Coast seeking short, reliable morning whale watches |
| Mauna Lani Sea Adventures | Seasonal 1.5‑hr cruises; multiple daily times; some minimums and tender boarding | Winona catamaran with snacks; tendering may require mobility | ⭐⭐⭐ — Good value and local access for Mauna Lani area | 📊 Competitive pricing and multiple departures; weather/party-size dependent | Guests staying at Mauna Lani/Kohala looking for affordable, nearby options |
| Hawaiian Adventures Kona | Offers winter humpback and pelagic (offseason) options; advanced-booking discounts | USCG offshore-capable vessels; research-grade hydrophones; 46-ft catamaran with restrooms | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — Broader seasonal coverage and offshore variety | 📊 Greater encounter variety year-round; offshore trips may be longer/rougher | Travelers seeking year-round/pelagic trips or offshore-capable boats with research gear |
| Viator (marketplace) | Aggregated listings — easy comparison/booking; marketplace fees and Viator-handled changes | Varies by operator; provides mobile tickets, maps and filters | ⭐⭐–⭐⭐⭐⭐ — Quality varies by selected operator; consolidated reviews help evaluate | 📊 Good for finding availability/promotions and comparing reviews; fees possible | Comparing operators, finding last-minute availability or promotional deals |
Maximize Your Marine Adventure: Combining Snorkeling and Whale Watching
Embarking on one of the many exceptional whale watching tours Big Island Hawaii has to offer is an unforgettable experience, a chance to witness the awe-inspiring power and grace of humpback whales in their natural winter sanctuary. Throughout this guide, we've explored the best operators from Kona to the Kohala Coast, each providing a unique window into the world of these magnificent cetaceans. From the nimble rafts of Captain Zodiac that put you right at the water level to the spacious catamarans of Body Glove offering comfort and amenities, your perfect tour is waiting.
We've detailed the crucial timing of the whale season, typically running from December through April, with the peak months of January, February, and March offering the highest chances of spectacular sightings. Understanding the logistics of departure ports, like Honokohau Harbor in Kona and Anaehoʻomalu Bay on the Kohala Coast, is the first step in planning your seamless adventure. The key takeaway is that the ideal tour aligns perfectly with your travel style, budget, and desired level of intimacy with the marine environment.
Synthesizing Your Options for the Ultimate Ocean Day
Choosing the right vessel and tour operator is a critical decision. Are you seeking a small-group, intimate encounter, or a larger, family-friendly boat with extensive amenities? Your choice will shape your memories.
- For Intimate, Adventure-Focused Trips: Operators like Kona Snorkel Trips and Captain Zodiac offer smaller vessels that provide a more personal and exhilarating experience. These are ideal for avid photographers and those wanting to feel closer to the action.
- For Family Comfort and Amenities: Companies such as Body Glove Hawai‘i and Hawai‘i Ocean Sports utilize larger, stable catamarans. These are often equipped with restrooms, shaded seating, and snack bars, making them a great choice for families with young children or anyone prioritizing comfort.
- For Luxury and Resort-Based Convenience: If you're staying on the Kohala Coast, Mauna Lani Sea Adventures provides a high-end, convenient option that departs directly from the resort's beach, blending luxury with adventure.
A powerful strategy for maximizing your time on the water is to select a tour that combines whale watching with another iconic Big Island activity: snorkeling. During the peak whale season, many operators integrate both experiences into a single, value-packed excursion. This approach allows you to marvel at the immense scale of the humpbacks and then immerse yourself in the vibrant, colorful world of the coral reefs at Kealakekua Bay, home to the Captain Cook Monument.
For those seeking the ultimate marine life combination, we highly recommend the Captain Cook Snorkeling Tour. This excursion not only takes you to one of the most pristine snorkeling spots in Hawaii but also provides ample opportunity for whale watching en route during the winter months. If you're looking for an exceptional alternative for this specific adventure, Captain Cook Snorkeling Tours is an excellent choice: https://www.captaincooksnorkelingtours.com/captain-cook-tour.
Ready to explore the vibrant reefs and witness the whales? You can book this incredible combo tour here:
No matter which of the whale watching tours Big Island Hawaii you select, remember that advance booking is not just a recommendation; it's a necessity, especially during peak season. Prepare for your day with reef-safe sunscreen, polarized sunglasses to cut the ocean glare, and a camera with a zoom lens. Your journey to witness these gentle giants is more than just a tour; it’s a profound connection to the heart of the Pacific Ocean and a memory that will resonate long after you've returned to shore.
When you're ready to book an adventure that combines the thrill of whale watching with world-class snorkeling, look no further than Kona Snorkel Trips. Our expertly guided tours are designed to provide intimate, memorable encounters with the Big Island's diverse marine life. Explore all of our award-winning ocean adventures at Kona Snorkel Trips and let us show you the best of Hawaii's underwater world.