12 Best Whale Watching Tours Kona Hawaii (2025 Guide)

Witnessing a 40-ton humpback whale breach the surface is an unforgettable experience, and the waters off the Big Island are one of the best places on Earth to see it happen. From December through March, these gentle giants migrate to Hawaii's warm, sheltered waters to breed and give birth, creating a spectacular natural display. To help you plan the perfect adventure, we've compiled a definitive guide to the best whale watching tours Kona Hawaii offers. We'll explore everything from peak viewing times and whale behaviors to what you should bring on your trip. As the top-rated and most-reviewed snorkel company in Hawaii, Kona Snorkel Trips is dedicated to providing safe, respectful, and awe-inspiring marine encounters. Let's dive into the top options.

1. Whale Watching Kona Big Island Tours | Kona Snorkel Trips

Kona Snorkel Trips stands out as a premier choice for whale watching tours in Kona, Hawaii, offering a comprehensive and intimate experience. Their tours are strategically scheduled during the peak humpback whale season, from late December to mid-March, maximizing your opportunity to witness these magnificent creatures. Departing from the easily accessible Honokohau Harbor, the logistics are straightforward, allowing you to focus on the adventure ahead.

Key Differentiators

What truly sets this tour apart is the small-group format on their vessels. This approach ensures a more personal and less crowded experience, providing unobstructed views and direct access to lifeguard-certified guides. Their expertise not only enhances safety but also enriches your understanding of whale behaviors like breaching and tail slapping. To better understand the ideal times to see these displays, you can learn more about the whale season on the Big Island.

Unique Tour Combination

For the ultimate marine adventure, Kona Snorkel Trips offers a unique tour that combines whale watching with their renowned manta ray night snorkel. This allows you to experience two of the Big Island’s most iconic marine encounters in one incredible outing, making it a highly efficient and memorable choice for travelers.

• Best For: Enthusiasts seeking an intimate, educational, and safe whale watching experience with the option to add on another world-class marine adventure.
• Availability: Seasonal tours operate from late December through mid-March.
• Website: https://konasnorkeltrips.com/snorkel-tours/whale-watching-kona/

2. Body Glove Hawaii

Body Glove Hawaii's website is the go-to platform for travelers seeking a well-established, comfortable, and reliable whale watching tour in Kona. Its primary strength lies in its straightforward booking process for their large, 65-foot catamaran, the Kanoa II. This makes it an ideal choice for families and larger groups who prioritize stability, ample shade, and onboard amenities like restrooms and snacks. The site clearly outlines its seasonal operation (December through March), daily departure times, and pricing, removing any guesswork from the planning process.

What truly sets their platform apart is the transparency around their whale sightings guarantee. The website explicitly states that if you don't see whales during peak season, you can ride again for free, a policy that provides significant peace of mind for visitors.

• Best For: Families, large groups, and anyone seeking a comfortable, stable ride.
• Key Feature: Their peak-season whale sightings guarantee and the use of a hydrophone to listen to whale songs.
• Price: Around $135 for adults, with discounts for children.
• Limitation: The larger boat size can feel less intimate compared to smaller zodiac-style tours.

You can book their seasonal cruises directly on their website: https://www.bodyglovehawaii.com/cruises/whale-watch/

3. Hawaii Nautical

Hawaii Nautical's website offers an excellent platform for families and those looking for a relaxing afternoon whale watching tour in Kona. Their site clearly presents the "Spirit of Aloha" catamaran cruise, which is perfect for visitors who want a stable and comfortable vessel with full amenities. The booking process is straightforward, detailing the single daily 2:15 pm departure from Honokōhau Harbor during the December to March season, making it easy to schedule an afternoon on the water.

What makes their online booking system particularly appealing is the transparent, family-friendly pricing structure. The website clearly states that infants are free, providing great value for those traveling with very young children. This focus on a comfortable, amenity-rich experience combined with inclusive pricing makes it a standout choice for a laid-back whale watching excursion.

• Best For: Families with young children and those seeking a comfortable afternoon catamaran cruise.
• Key Feature: Convenient 2:15 pm departure time and inclusive family pricing with free fares for infants.
• Price: Approximately $115 for adults, with discounts for children and free for infants.
• Limitation: The single afternoon departure can sell out quickly, and the 1.5-2 hour duration is shorter than some other tours.

You can book this afternoon whale watch directly on their website: https://www.hawaiinautical.com/whales-konahanakohau-215-pm/

4. Ocean Sports

Ocean Sports provides an excellent website for travelers staying on the Kohala Coast, north of downtown Kona. Their platform is specifically tailored for those looking to book convenient morning whale watching tours without a long commute, offering departures from both ‘Anaeho‘omalu Bay and Kawaihae Harbor. The site clearly lists its seasonal schedule (December 15 to March 31) and the two morning departure times, making it simple for visitors at nearby resorts to plan their day.

The website's primary appeal is its straightforward presentation of what this long-standing operator (since 1981) offers: reliable, accessible tours with a strong sightings guarantee. While the tours are shorter, they are perfect for those who want a great whale watching experience in Kona without dedicating a full half-day to the activity. Safety is paramount on any ocean tour; for more information, you can review essential snorkeling safety tips which are also applicable to general ocean awareness.

• Best For: Visitors staying in Waikōloa or other Kohala Coast resorts.
• Key Feature: Convenient morning departures from two locations north of Kona.
• Price: Around $119 for adults, with discounts for children.
• Limitation: The 1.5-hour tour is shorter than others, and departures are not in central Kona.

You can find their tour details and book directly on the Ocean Sports website: https://hawaiioceansports.com/cruises/whale-watching/

5. Dolphin Discoveries

Dolphin Discoveries' website is tailored for those who desire a more intimate and nimble marine wildlife adventure. The platform specializes in small-group tours on faster, low-to-the-water vessels, creating an experience that feels much closer to the action. It clearly presents its seasonal (December-March) whale watching tours, which uniquely emphasize encountering a variety of cetaceans, not just humpbacks. The booking interface is simple, allowing visitors to easily select their 2.5-hour tour and see availability for their desired dates.

What sets this platform apart is its focus on a holistic wildlife experience, leveraging the expertise of its local crew to find both whales and the playful dolphins that frequent the Kona coast. This blended approach makes it a standout choice for one of the best whale watching tours in Kona, Hawaii for those who want to see a bit of everything.

• Best For: Adventurous couples, small groups, and anyone seeking a close-to-the-water experience with a mix of whale and dolphin sightings.
• Key Feature: Small-boat tours that offer a more personal and intimate feel, with a focus on multiple marine species.
• Price: Approximately $115 per person for the whale watch tour.
• Limitation: Smaller boats offer fewer amenities like restrooms and may not be suitable for those prone to seasickness or with mobility issues.

You can explore their tours directly on the Dolphin Discoveries website: https://www.dolphindiscoveries.com/

6. Kona Ocean Experience

Kona Ocean Experience's website is the perfect portal for adventurers looking to maximize their time on the water by combining activities. Their platform excels at presenting a clear, high-value proposition: a 3-hour tour that blends premier whale watching with snorkeling at two different coastal sites. This makes it an outstanding choice for travelers who want to see humpbacks but are equally excited about exploring Kona's vibrant reefs, all in a single, efficient excursion. The site transparently details the tour's inclusions, like snacks and gear, ensuring there are no hidden costs.

What makes their online presence effective is the focus on this combination tour. The website makes it easy to understand that while it's one of the best whale watching tours Kona Hawaii has to offer during the winter, you also get a fantastic snorkeling experience year-round. This dual-focus approach appeals to those seeking variety and a comprehensive marine adventure.

• Best For: Visitors who want a combination of whale watching and snorkeling in one trip.
• Key Feature: Small-group tours that offer both whale watching and a two-stop snorkel adventure.
• Price: Around $159 for adults, with all taxes and fees included upfront.
• Limitation: As a combo tour, dedicated whale-watching time is less than on specialized trips.

You can book this multi-activity tour directly on their website: https://konaoceanx.com/

7. Big Island Divers

Big Island Divers’ website offers a unique hybrid experience for adventure seekers: combining a vibrant coral reef snorkel with a seasonal search for humpback whales. The platform clearly markets this as a "Coral Reef & Whale Watch," making it a great choice for those who want more than just whale watching. The site emphasizes that this is a tour run by professional dive staff, highlighting their commitment to safety and marine expertise. This is less of a dedicated whale tour and more of a comprehensive marine life excursion.

What sets their platform apart is its focus on active participation. It's tailored for strong swimmers aged 10 and up, positioning the tour as a more engaging and physical adventure. The website details the small-group charter atmosphere, appealing to visitors who prefer a more intimate and hands-on experience on the water, guided by a highly respected local dive operator.

• Best For: Active snorkelers and marine enthusiasts who want to see both reefs and whales.
• Key Feature: A combination tour offering both world-class snorkeling and seasonal whale watching.
• Price: Around $149 for adults, with gear rental often being an additional cost.
• Limitation: Not a dedicated whale watching tour; a strong swimming ability is required for the snorkel portion.

You can book this combination charter directly on their website: https://bigislanddivers.com/charters/snorkeling/coral-reef-whale-watch/

8. Kona Diving Company

Kona Diving Company’s website offers a dedicated and straightforward option for those who want a focused whale watching experience without the extra frills. The platform clearly details their 2-hour afternoon charter, which is specifically designed for observation, making it an excellent choice for non-swimmers or those with limited time. The site is easy to navigate, with essential details like the 2:30 pm departure time, pricing, and tour inclusions like snacks and hydrophone use readily available.

What makes this platform stand out is its commitment to an educational, no-swim format. This appeals directly to visitors whose sole interest is observing humpback whales in their natural habitat, guided by a knowledgeable crew. The smaller boat provides a more intimate setting for one of the most budget-friendly whale watching tours Kona Hawaii has to offer.

• Best For: Budget-conscious travelers, non-swimmers, and anyone seeking a short, dedicated whale watching tour.
• Key Feature: The use of a hydrophone on a focused, swim-free charter that emphasizes education.
• Price: Competitively priced for a 2-hour tour.
• Limitation: The vessel is smaller with fewer amenities than large catamarans and does not offer a sightings guarantee.

You can book their dedicated whale watch tour directly on their website: https://konadivingcompany.com/snorkeling-charters/whalewatch/

9. Hawaiian Adventures Kona

Hawaiian Adventures Kona's website is an excellent resource for visitors seeking scheduling flexibility and a broader marine wildlife experience. The platform clearly details their year-round whale and dolphin watching tours, with a special emphasis on humpbacks from mid-December to mid-March. Its main advantage is the sheer number of daily departure times during peak season, making it easy to fit one of their fantastic whale watching tours in Kona, Hawaii, into any vacation itinerary. The site highlights their 46-foot catamaran, which offers a comfortable, small-group setting ideal for viewing marine life in both nearshore and deeper pelagic zones.

What makes their online presence stand out is the straightforward presentation of tour options, from 2.5 to 4-hour trips, allowing users to easily choose an adventure that fits their schedule and interests. This focus on year-round opportunities makes them a solid choice even outside the primary humpback season.

• Best For: Travelers with tight schedules, and those interested in seeing more than just humpback whales.
• Key Feature: High frequency of daily departures in winter and a focus on diverse marine life year-round.
• Price: Varies by tour type and date; final pricing is shown during the booking process.
• Limitation: The catamaran has certain age and weight restrictions, and pricing isn't immediately visible on the main page.

You can explore their diverse tour schedule on their website: https://www.hawaiianadventureskona.com/

10. Viator

Viator serves as a comprehensive online marketplace for travelers looking to compare and book various whale watching tours Kona Hawaii from multiple operators in one place. Its main appeal is the ability to easily view different tour types, schedules, prices, and user reviews side-by-side, simplifying the decision-making process. The platform is especially useful for last-minute planning, thanks to features like instant confirmation, free cancellation on many bookings, and "Reserve Now & Pay Later" options.

The platform’s strength lies in its user-generated content, including detailed reviews and photos, which provides valuable insight into the real-world experience offered by different local companies. Clear meeting point maps and mobile tickets also streamline the logistics on the day of your tour, making it a convenient one-stop-shop for organizing your adventure.

• Best For: Travelers who want to compare multiple tour operators, prices, and reviews in a single search.
• Key Feature: The "Reserve Now & Pay Later" option and free cancellation policies that offer maximum booking flexibility.
• Price: Varies widely depending on the operator and tour selected.
• Limitation: Prices can sometimes be higher than booking directly with the tour operator due to marketplace fees.

You can browse and compare a wide range of Kona whale watching tours on their website: https://www.viator.com/tours/Big-Island-of-Hawaii/Kona-Whale-Watch-from-Honokohau/d669-2774P36

11. GetYourGuide

GetYourGuide serves as a convenient online marketplace for travelers looking to compare and book various whale watching tours in Kona Hawaii from a single platform. Its strength is offering a broad overview of available operators, complete with recent user reviews and transparent pricing. The platform simplifies the booking process with features like free cancellation and "Reserve Now, Pay Later" options, providing flexibility for those finalizing their travel plans. It clearly details what each tour includes, from hydrophone usage and snacks to meeting points.

What makes this platform particularly useful is its mobile-friendly interface and the ability to instantly secure a spot on a tour with just a few clicks. It’s an efficient tool for comparing multiple options side-by-side, which is ideal for visitors who value convenience and want to leverage the experiences of past travelers to make an informed decision.

• Best For: Travelers who want to compare multiple tour operators and value flexible booking policies.
• Key Feature: User reviews and ratings displayed for each tour, plus "Reserve Now, Pay Later" options.
• Price: Varies by operator, but often competitive.
• Limitation: Doesn't list every local tour company, and service fees may sometimes apply.

You can browse and book various Kona whale watching cruises on their website: https://www.getyourguide.com/kailua-kona-l2966/kailua-kona-whale-watching-cruise-t76840/

12. Expedia Activities

Expedia Activities serves as a broad marketplace for travelers, particularly those staying on the Kohala Coast north of Kona. Its strength lies in aggregating various whale watching tours, like those from Adventure X Boat Tours and Mauna Lani Sea Adventures, into one searchable platform. This is highly convenient for guests at resorts in Waikōloa or Mauna Lani who want to find a tour departing nearby. The site allows users to bundle activities with flights and hotels, potentially earning OneKeyCash rewards.

The platform's key advantage is its powerful filtering system, enabling users to sort the many available whale watching tours kona hawaii offers by duration, time of day, and user ratings. Most listings provide instant confirmation, simplifying last-minute planning for a complete Hawaiian vacation package.

• Best For: Travelers staying north of Kona or those booking a complete flight, hotel, and activity package.
• Key Feature: Extensive filtering options and the ability to bundle tours with other travel bookings.
• Price: Varies by operator, but generally competitive.
• Limitation: Fewer tour options departing directly from the main Kona pier compared to other dedicated tour sites.

You can browse their Kohala Coast whale watching options on their activities page: https://www.expedia.com/things-to-do/whale-watching-on-the-kohala-coast.a388436.activity-details

Whale Watching Tours Kona: 12-Option Comparison

Making Your Kona Whale Watching Dream a Reality

Navigating the diverse options for whale watching tours Kona Hawaii offers is the first step toward an unforgettable marine adventure. As we've explored, your ideal experience depends on a variety of factors. These include the time of year, your group size, and whether you prefer an intimate small-boat setting or the amenities of a larger vessel. From the specialized eco-tours offered by local experts like Kona Snorkel Trips to the broad marketplaces of Viator and Expedia, the right tool is available to match your specific needs and budget.

The key takeaway is to align your choice with your personal travel priorities. Are you an avid photographer needing stability and clear sightlines? A larger catamaran might be best. Are you a family seeking a close-up, educational encounter? A smaller raft or zodiac could be the perfect fit. Remember to book well in advance, particularly for travel between January and February, to secure your spot. To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience on your whale watching tour, you might find valuable tips on how to prevent motion sickness to prepare for your day on the water.

Ultimately, choosing a reputable operator with experienced guides and a commitment to responsible wildlife viewing is paramount. By using this guide, you are now equipped to make an informed decision and embark on a truly spectacular journey. Witnessing the awe-inspiring breach of a humpback whale against the stunning Kona coastline is a powerful experience, creating memories that will resonate long after you've returned to shore.

Ready to experience the magic of Kona's humpback whales with a top-rated, eco-conscious guide? Kona Snorkel Trips offers intimate, small-group seasonal whale watching tours that prioritize both guest experience and the well-being of the marine life. Book your adventure today and create lasting memories on the beautiful waters of the Big Island.