BIG ISLAND
Ranked by traveller popularity
The 10 most popular whale watching on the Big Island. What they actually deliver, who runs them, and what they cost.
Whale watching from Kona aboard a small catamaran, with narration and hydrophones. Snacks included, plus a free-trip sighting guarantee.
“We were in port for only the day off a cruise ship. The last tender was at 4pm and we needed private transportation back to the tender port (just over 3 miles away). The tour was at 12:30 and advertised at being 2 1/2 hours. When we asked about the return time it would be…”
Sail off Kona on a 3–4 hour pelagic whale watch with a naturalist crew, drinks onboard, and a big shot at whales and dolphins.
“The trip was very nice . We did get to see dolphins and sharks.There were some rude birdwatchers who hogged the view in the front of the boat and stood in front of everyone while moving through the water.”
Kona zodiac whale watch with a small 16-passenger crew, naturalist spotting along the coast, snacks, drinks, and whale song via hydrophone.
“The captain was excellent. Well worth it! Whales where very helpful. They put on a show for us. Best whale trip”
Kailua-Kona whale watching cruise from Honokohau Harbor. Hear humpback songs on a hydrophone, spot mothers and calves, with snacks.
“The guide worked hard to make sure we saw anything that was out and about”
Hear whale songs with a hydrophone on a Kona whale watch from Kailua Pier, with a naturalist, snacks, and a whale-sighting guarantee.
“Excellent tour, well organised, made even better by the fact that whales swam directly underneath and alongside the boat. Absolutely brilliant !”
Ride the 30-person Kibou along Kona, with snacks and expert crew spotting tips for humpbacks, dolphins, and whale songs.
“Was awesome! The crew Lena, Diego, Mitch and Tamao were awesome! They made the experience fun and exciting! They took us out and we counted at 11 to 12 whales!”
Small-group Waikoloa whale watch along the Kona-Kohala coast, with humpbacks and calves, sea turtles, and tall-peak views if skies cooperate.
“If you’ve used Triology nothing like it. Cost should be cheaper due to no food nor drinks served. Whale sighting of a blow or a tail over 100 yards for the price is not a whale sighting. Very disappointing .”
Kona catamaran whale watch with humpbacks, premium drinks, and a free return if you miss sightings, sailing from Honokohau.
“Great crew! The whales cooperated and the coastline was gorgeous! Stan, John and James took good care of us!”
Late-morning Big Island humpback whale watch on a stable power catamaran with snacks, drinks, and live hydrophone whale songs.
“Excellent experience -- the crew, the view, the boat. Everything was lovely and professional and nice”
Kona guaranteed whale watch from Honokohau Harbor with snacks, cabin comfort, and a free return voucher if you see nothing.
“I was skeptical about booking since it was the end of the season, but glad I did. We saw pilot and humpback whales. The crew was awesome explaining so many facts. Would absolutely recommend.”
