The only Hawaiian island with year-round whale watching — humpbacks in winter, pelagic species all year.
Whale watching on Hawaiʻi Island runs December through April from the Kona and Kohala Coasts — and, uniquely, year-round. From April through November, offshore-certified operators run deep-water pelagic tours for pilot whales, sperm whales, false killer whales and other resident species rarely seen elsewhere in Hawaiʻi. The Big Island sees fewer humpbacks than Maui, but it is the only Hawaiian island where meaningful whale encounters are possible in any month.
Hawaiʻi Island pairs humpback season with year-round dolphins and pelagic species. Here's how to match the experience to when you visit.
Overall experience
Kohala Coast — 2–3× more whale activity than other Big Island locations.
Year-round encounters
A pelagic tour with Hawaiian Adventures Kona — pilot whales, sperm whales, false killer whales.
Whale watching from shore
Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site — 'Hill of the Whale,' a cultural site with prime views.
Beach + whale watching combo
Hapuna Beach — one of Hawaiʻi's best beaches, with distant whale views.
Shore watching (East Side)
Hilo Bay or the Hawaiʻi Magic Skies B&B Farmstay.
Sighting guarantee
Hawaiian Adventures Kona — guarantees a whale or dolphin sighting on every tour.
Family tour
Body Glove Hawaii — catamaran cruise with kid pricing (from $49.99, children 5 and under).
Small-group premium tour
Kohala Divers — a 46-foot custom boat, max 24 guests, with a sunset option.
Time of day
Early morning (before noon) — up to 50% higher sighting rates.
Kohola Whale Watching Excursion
Humpback Whale Watch Tour
Zodiac Raft Whale Watching Adventure
Guaranteed Dolphin/Whale Watch
Whale Watching Tour - Big Island, Hawaii
Whale Watching On The Big Island
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The Kohala Coast on the west side sees two to three times more whales than anywhere else on the island, but Kona and Hilo are solid too.
Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site — its name means 'Hill of the Whale,' and this restored temple built by Kamehameha I offers panoramic ocean views over Kawaihae Harbor, plus exhibits and parking (it gets hot and windy). Lapakahi State Historical Park, a 600-year-old fishing village just north, has elevated views and fewer crowds — bring water and sun cover. Kapaʻa Beach Park near Pololū is a mellow picnic-and-watch stop; grab a pizza from K.O. Pizza or a sandwich from Kohala Grown Market in Hāwī on the way. And Hapuna Beach — one of the island's best — lets you scan the horizon between swims; stay at the Westin Hapuna for direct access.
Any sandy-bottom bay between Kailua-Kona and Keauhou offers shore spotting in humpback season, and Kona's flat, calm water makes spouts easy to see. The Four Seasons Resort Hualālai sits above waters where humpbacks pass just 300 yards offshore.
Hilo Bay has several vantage points to watch whales cruise past the breakwall, with parking and shade at the northern point (no facilities). Just north of town, the Hawaiʻi Magic Skies B&B Farmstay offers elevated second-floor views, binoculars and chairs — a peaceful farm perch. Whales are less frequent on this side than the west.
The Big Island runs more specialized tours than Maui, and several go beyond humpbacks. Most depart Honokohau Harbor in Kona. Hawaiian Adventures Kona is the standout — its offshore-certified vessels reach the deep pelagic zone most operators can't, with a naturalist and research-grade hydrophone aboard and a whale-or-dolphin sighting guarantee (humpback tours December–March; pelagic tours April–November). Body Glove Hawaii runs family-friendly catamaran cruises with kid pricing and a 100% sighting guarantee. On the east side, Hilo Ocean Adventures is Hilo's only commercial whale boat; on the Kohala Coast, Kohala Divers offers an intimate 24-guest sunset cruise. The booking grid above shows current availability.
This is what sets the Big Island apart from Maui, Oʻahu and Kauaʻi: meaningful whale watching outside humpback season. The pelagic zone off Kona is home to more than a dozen cetacean species year-round — short-finned pilot whales, false killer whales, sperm whales, melon-headed whales and, occasionally, orcas. Hawaiian Adventures Kona's weekly sighting logs are a credible reference for which species are around.
Humpback season is December through April, peaking January–February on the Kohala Coast. From April through November, pelagic tours cover resident species. Go early — before noon — for up to 50% higher sighting rates, since Kohala Coast whales tend to go deeper after midday. Aerial surveys show the Kohala Coast sees 2–3× the whale activity of other island locations.
Big Island pelagic tours may encounter pilot whales, sperm whales, false killer whales and other resident mammals year-round — not just humpbacks. Reputable operators follow strict federal guidelines. If you plan to watch from your own kayak, paddleboard or private boat, see our statewide Hawaiʻi Whale Watching Guide for the rules and best practices.
Hawaiʻi IslandFree cancellationThe Kohala Coast is a whale breeding sanctuary and the best area on the big Island to encounter whale activity. The Namaka is a spacious boat with 3 amazing viewing decks. A marine head and shaded seating areas make the boat a comfortable experience. Our knowledgable marine naturalist crew are professional and fun!
Hawaiʻi IslandSells out fastFree cancellationHawaiʻi’s Kona Coast offers exceptional opportunities to experience marine life, dramatic coastal landscapes, and rich Hawaiian history. Join us on a relaxed coastal cruise with opportunities to observe dolphins, sea turtles, and, during the winter season, migrating humpback whales. This 2.5 hour tour also provides close-up views of sea caves, lava tubes, and breathtaking volcanic scenery, along with access to areas reachable only by boat. Important: The listed start time is the check-in time, not the departure time. Please do not arrive early. This tour has two designated meeting points. Carefully review all tour details prior to booking, as this experience may not be suitable for all guests. This is a non-snorkeling tour. Generally suitable for ages 5 to 70. Tour time is 2.5 hrs.
Editor's Pick
The Big Island trades Maui's sheer humpback numbers for something no other island has — whales every month of the year. If you're visiting outside of winter, this is the only place in Hawaiʻi to reliably see them.
— Sarah Burchard
Insider Tips
Editor · Oʻahu
Sarah Burchard has called Oʻahu home since 2017. com, Hana Hou, FLUX Hawaiʻi, Forbes, Hawaiʻi Magazine and Honolulu Magazine.
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