Whale Watching On The Big Island

Recommended by 94% of travelersBadge of ExcellenceBig Island of Hawaii, USA

2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

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Overview

Hawaii’s Big Island is home to migrating pods of humpback whales, which often breach as they build up energy for their northward migration. This narrated tour brings you to some of the best viewing grounds via 24-person catamaran. You’re able to hear the whales singing through the provided hydrophones. The tour provider guarantees whale sightings or the next trip is free.

View humpback whales in prime breaching season
Enjoy expert narration and listen to whales singing through provided hydrophones
Take in Big Island views aboard a small catamaran
Bottled water, light refreshments, and snacks provided

What's Included

Bottled water
Snacks
Professional guide

Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop-off

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

Hang Loose Boat Tours
74-381 Kealakehe Pkwy, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA
After turning into the harbor, TAKE the very first road to the RIGHT. Follow the road, pass Gentry's Kona Marine and a small gas station -Sea Store and Deli on the left, then TURN LEFT. As you drive in, you will see a small brown roof building to the right (restrooms). Meet crew under the pavilion.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not recommended for travelers with back problems
May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
Not wheelchair accessible

Not recommended for pregnant women in advanced pregnancy
Most travelers can participate
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 48 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Featured review

April_R

This was such an amazing adventure to take! The staff were so friendly and fun to be around! I would definitely recommend this tour to anyone!

Reviews

4.8

427 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travelers.

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Showing 1-10 of 427 reviews

We saw whales!!

Sandy_T, Jan 2025

Wonderful experience! Whales. Whales. Whales. Lots of info and a fun time as well. Snacks and cold drinks available. Highly recommend!

We saw 2 different...

Jennifer_E, Jan 2025

We saw 2 different species of dolphins and so many whales! It was a really fun experience for the whole family!

One of my top 5

Meredith_C, Jan 2025

I was looking for a great whale watching trip, and this was it. The staff was awesome and they took us to great spots for whales and dolphins. They were attentive and funny. This was a great trip for a solo traveler or group.

Multiple whale sightings...

Venky_S, Dec 2024

Multiple whale sightings and watching spinner dolphins play up close. Captain and crew were awesome.

This was such an amazing...

April_R, Dec 2024

This was such an amazing adventure to take! The staff were so friendly and fun to be around! I would definitely recommend this tour to anyone!

An awesome experience for the whole family

Alexander_K, Aug 2024

The boat staff were super friendly and very determined to find the whales for us to see. And the staff definitely delivered as we were able to see more than a few whale sightings... We were even able to see the whales up close and only a few feet away from us. The kids enjoyed it and the staff even made it enjoyable for the kids by playing with them and showing them where the whales were. She even made sure the kids had snacks and drinks. Definitely worth the experience and highly recommend for the whole family to experience, especially if you haven't done it yet and are thinking about it. 😊

Whale tale

Paul_S, Mar 2024

Crew made sure we found some whales and shared their knowledge about the whales as well. Also shared some Hawaiian folklore.

Whale watching

Karen_R, Mar 2024

Family of three - had a really fun time. The crew was attentive, snacks and cold drinks included. We were very happy to spot 2 whales. Didn’t get to see come out of the water but did see tails

Great time

Traci_H, Mar 2024

The crew was super friendly and great! The boat was very comfortable. We spotted the three whales and tracked them. The boat captain knew a lot and was able to answer your questions. Good snacks and they kept making sure you had a drink and got some snacks.

Great Time

Joshua_S, Mar 2024

Great trip! We saw several whales and the guide an crew were awesome. Very comfortable boat with shade and seating. They provided sandwiches and drinks. Enjoyed it!

So awesome

Ashley_Y, Mar 2024

The water was rough! We were headed to a certain spot that had lots of whales the day before. Halfway there we had to turn around because the wind was up to 50mph. We ended up going to the south end and saw a mama and baby. It was so amazing!! The little baby was having a great time and breeched so many times. A couple of people were sea sick and I even felt a little sick but it was worth the experience.

Whale tail

Nancy_C, Mar 2024

Lovely boat ride. Great crew. Saw several whales. Captain was knowledgeable about whales which is always a plus.

The day spent well

Luba_K, Mar 2024

It was one of the gorgeous days with unforgettable moments!!!! We enjoyed whale sightings as well dolphins with a nice crew and guests on the water on the beautiful catamaran. Breathtaking experience, highly recommend.!!!

Best ever whale experience.

Kenneth_L, Mar 2024

When we seen 2 tales at once. The information that was given to us was absolutely awesome. Good freaking job!!

Perfect Whale Watching Experience

David_S, Mar 2024

Truly an amazing and unforgettable experience! Crew was first rate. Great knowledge of whales, ecosystem and a good sense of humor. As the pictures show the whales cooperated too.

Professional crew with a...

Alyssa_W, Mar 2024

Professional crew with a great sense of humor. They were committed to us having a wonderful time and some amazing whale watching.

Super trip

Walter_C, Mar 2024

Great everything! Convenient, safe, informative, safe, and fun. Staff were informative, funny, and skillful.

Awesome

Sheryl_G, Mar 2024

Got to see baby whales breaching!!! Great crew. Very knowledgeable. Saw lots of whales. Nice boat ride

February is good whale-watching season.

Marlene_H, Feb 2024

We saw several whales. Two pairs of mother and baby to watch. The crew was experienced, knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful.

Great experience whale watching!

Mary_J, Feb 2024

We thoroughly enjoyed our whale watching trip! The crew were friendly, funny, and informative and we won't forget the experience of seeing the whales as close as possible. Highly recommend.

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