Whale Watching Tour - Big Island, Hawaii
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
It is finally that time of year where the beautiful humpback whales make their return to the Hawaiian islands after migrating from Alaska! Step aboard the Kibou and explore the incredible Kailua-Kona coast while searching for our seasonal humpback whales! Learn about the majestic creatures and the local area with our experienced and knowledgeable crew! Bring your own beverages, sit back, and enjoy the view with Iruka Hawaii Dolphin!
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Whales are wild animals, so the sighting is not guaranteed. In case of no whale, we will put you on a next available tour as a rain check for free of charge.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Travel along the beautiful Kona coast and search for our seasonal humpback whales as they have made their annual return after migrating from Alaska. Explore beautiful blue waters and see mountainous views on the best whale watching boat tour in Kona!
What‘s Included
Bottled water
Snacks
Bathroom onboard
Gratuities
Options
Whale Watching Tour - Big Island, Hawaii
Reviews
94 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Overpriced boat ride
Emily K,,Dec 25, 2025
- Review from Viator
3.00We saw no whales but that is not why I do not recommend this tour. This is a small motor boat like boat. It was a two hour very rough boat ride with no amenities-no bathroom, no snacks, I heard sodas were passed out in the last 20 minutes. There are better boats to go whale watching on.
Wonderful experience excellent experience with Lena, Madi and Deagho. We saw about 9 whales and many spinner dolphins!
CindyW955,,Dec 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent experience. Highly recommend! Very enthusiastic and attentive. Saw about 9 whales including at least three tails and a whole school of spinner dolphins that put on quite a show!
Finally saw a whale in the wild!
kennedym674,,Dec 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Incredible experience! Whales and dolphins! The friendliest crew with lots of knowledge about all things Hawaii. Would absolutely recommend and come again!
Whale watch:)
s0ye0mk,,Dec 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The whale watch was so good! We will come again next time! We were able to see the whales several times! We really enjoyed it!<3
Whale watching tour with Lena, Madi, and Nick
Xi L,,Dec 20, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Today’s tour with Lena, Madi, and Nick was wonderful and memorable, and overall I had a very positive experience. Even though my group arrived a bit late, the team kindly waited for us without any complaints, which made us feel very welcomed and cared for. The guide was very patient and attentive, sharing helpful information along the way and making sure everyone was comfortable. The schedule was well organized, relaxed but not boring, so we could really enjoy the experience, and the highlight of the day was seeing whales in the ocean, which was absolutely breathtaking and unforgettable. The boat was clean and comfortable, and the staff were friendly and professional, so we felt safe the whole time. I also have a small suggestion regarding the meeting time information. When I booked the tour, the website did not mention that the meet-up/check-in time was 30 minutes earlier, so we arrived according to the time shown on the website, and only later received a message with a link where the earlier meet-up time was specified. It would be very helpful if the 30‑minute early check-in requirement could be clearly stated directly on the booking page, so future guests know in advance that they need to arrive 30 minutes early when they make the reservation. Overall, I would still highly recommend this tour to anyone who wants a relaxing trip and a chance to enjoy nature, and I would love to join their tours again in the future.
THRILLED! so much more than we expected.
Kay J,,Apr 1, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00It was the last day of the season, and our expectations were low. It began with a dolphin following the boat and playing in the wake. Then, Brice, the captain, spotted a spout heading toward it. We saw one, then two, three, and finally a pod of four. Delighted, we headed back toward port when the crew spotted a giant pod of melonhead whales. They came and surrounded us. It was like the water was boiling with the motion of so many whales. Crew member Diego was a fount of knowledge, explaining to us about whales and dolphins. Another crew member, Taimea, took amazing videos that she shared with us at the end of our adventure.
Great time!!
Chris Z,,Mar 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Great experience!! The crew was awesome, respectful, and polite. Seen whales and dolphins. It was a great experience.
North Carolina Travelers
MANUEL D,,Mar 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00It's guaranteed you will see dolphins. Whales on the other hand are harder to spot. We got lucky and saw one from about 1000 yards as it dove under and we were able to see its fluke.
If you are Japanese, please come and visit with a Japanese guide!
911hitomid,,Mar 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I chose a day with a Japanese guide and booked it. That was very nice of me! I enjoyed the tour many times because they told me about whales and Hawaii in detail! Thank you very much. And if I had any advice for anyone who was going to join us… the Japanese translation of the tour preparation was made in the same way for all tours, they asked us to bring swimwear and towels, but we didn’t need them at all for whale watching. You can participate lightly!
Whale watching in Kona
pamelaaL8807FV,,Mar 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was fantastic- these guys know their science and what to look for so we found a baby whale with his mother even though it was late in the season! Highly recommend!
Related Experiences
Operated by Iruka Hawaii Dolphin