Are you interested in the best whale watching Kona Hawaii offers? If so, you’re in the right spot! During the winter months, many people travel to the Aloha State just to see the beautiful whales that migrate here to mate and raise babies. And while Maui and Oahu get more attention for their winter whale population, you can still spot the majestic creatures on The Big Island.
Keep reading for everything you need to know about whale watching in Kona Hawaii!
6 Things to Know About Whales in Kona
Before we give you the best tips and tours for watching whales in Kona, let’s get you up to speed with 10 things you should know.
- The Kohala Coast is Fantastic for Whale Watching
Hawaii Island’s Kohala coast is north of Kona, and it’s the ideal area for whale watching. Many whale watching tours that depart from Kona, Hawaii will head northward to the Kohala Coast.
- Whale Watching Season Runs From November to April
Whales migrate to Hawaii during the winter months, so you’ll likely see them in the waters between November and April. However, January and February are peak months for whales in Kona and throughout Hawaii. So if you are traveling to the area to witness these beauties, those are the times of year you should aim for.
- You’ll Learn About Humpback Whales
When people talk about whale watching in Kona, Hawaii, they’re talking about humpback whales. These endangered animals can grow up to 60 feet long, weigh 40 tons, and live 80 or more years.
A guided tour will give you fantastic insight and fun facts about whales in Hawaii. But if you choose a DIY whale-watching adventure from shore, you can still learn about humpback whales from various online sources, like NOAA’s special humpback whale site.
- Whales Aren’t the Only Marine Animals You’ll Watch in the Waters of Kona, Hawaii
Humpback whales get a lot of attention in Hawaii during the winter months. But there are even more sea creatures to admire while you’re here. Kona is a great place to see dolphins playing in the water. If you book a whale watching tour, there’s a good chance you’ll also see dolphins.
During your vacation, you’ll also be able to see green sea turtles in and near Kona. They often come to shore at Kiholo Bay and Kahalu’u Beach Park, among other beautiful beaches.
Kona is also famous for its Manta Rays. A Manta Ray night snorkel is a unique thing to do in Hawaii that’s also super memorable.
- Whales Can Come to You, But You Can’t Approach a Whale
When you’re on a whale watching tour in Kona or anywhere in Hawaii, your boat crew has to follow special rules. Most importantly: the boat cannot approach a whale.
Your captain will use radio communication and good-old-fashioned eyesight to find out where whales are congregating, and then they’ll head in that direction.
Then they’ll stop once they’re 100 yards away from a whale (about a football field’s length). This is the closest you’re allowed to get to a whale, and it’s probably closer than you’ll be at shore.
But, whales are playful and curious creatures who have no rules about how close they can come to you. And that’s when the magic sometimes happens onboard a whale watching tour.
Sometimes, the 100-yard distance is as close as you’ll get to a whale in Kona. But, very often, the whales will slowly move in your direction. OR, they’ll quickly come over, eager to play with the bottom of your boat. These are the experiences that transform a Kona whale watching tour from “a nice day out on the water” to “an unforgettable experience well worth the money.”
- You Don’t Have to Pay to See Whales
Booking a guided boat tour is the best way to see whales up close. It’s also lots of fun to be out on the water, and the thrill of finding the whales and seeing if they approach your boat is unbeatable.
But you don’t have to pay for a boat ride to see whales. They come close enough to shore that you can see them breach and jump out of the water, even without binoculars.
Keep reading to discover the best ways to whale watch in Kona, Hawaii – whether you want to pay for a boat trip or do a DIY adventure from shore.
How to Whale Watch in Kona, Hawaii
Now that you know the kind of whales you see and when to see them, it’s time to go out and have your very own Hawaii whale watching adventure.
Kona is a fantastic spot to see whales in Hawaii, both right in town, or in Kohala, where the water is teeming with them.
Here are your options for whale watching in Kona. Take a look and see what adventure is right for your Hawaii vacation!
Large Catamaran Tours
One of the most popular ways to go whale watching in Kona is on a large catamaran. These vessels hold many guests and offer lots of room to move around. There will be restrooms on board, and shade, and many tours offer complimentary refreshments along with alcohol for sale.
If you’re looking for a relaxing day out on the water, a large boat tour is the way to go.
You’ll also be high up, able to see farther out over the ocean for any whales that might be in the distance.
The downside of these large boats is that they aren’t very speedy and nimble, so they can’t race to whale hubs as quickly. Also, the crowds may become an issue if you’re trying to look off the side of the boat at a whale.
Zodiac Raft Whale Watching Tours in Kona, Hawaii
Do you want to be able to zoom to the closest whales? Zodiac style rafts are fast, nimble, and loads of fun.
If you choose to go whale watching on a raft, you’ll be with a smaller group and close to the water. So you won’t be able to see as far. But if a whale gets close, you’ll be really close.
I’ve always opted for Zodiac raft tours when I’ve gone whale watching in Hawaii. They feel adventurous – perfect for a Kona vacation. But they do have their downsides.
There aren’t bathrooms onboard these small vessels. Also they are worse for anyone prone to seasickness. This isn’t a relaxing snacks-and-drinks outing. You’re out on the open sea, going fast and having fun.
Whale Watching & Snorkel Combo Trips
If you want to do some top-notch snorkeling AND whale watching in Kona, then you can book a two-in-one trip. Many tour operators offer excursions that include stops at top snorkel spots, and you’ll also spend time onboard the boat looking for nearby whales.
These can happen on both raft and catamaran tours. Be prepared for a longer day out at sea and lots of fun memories.
See Whales On a Sunset Sail
Kona offers a variety of sunset sails that feature appetizers, cocktails, and gorgeous ocean views. Most of these are relaxing excursions that follow a set route. So you won’t be changing directions based on where the whales are breaching.
But, if you book during whale season – especially January and February – chances are good you’ll see a whale from the boat.
Whale Watching From Shore in Kona, Hawaii
Like we mentioned, you don’t have to pay for a boat trip to see whales. You can likely spot breaching humpbacks from shore during winter. Sure, you can’t get as close as a boat will take you, but it’s still a lot of fun to look out and see them popping out of the water.
Bring binoculars if you want to see even better! A higher vantage point will give you a better view, so getting (literally!) high is a great plan. Just don’t whale watch and drive. There are lots of places to pull over and safely enjoy the view.
Here are some top whale watching spots near Kona, Hawaii:
- Kapa’a Beach Park on the very northern point of the Big Island
- Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site in Waimea
- Lapakahi State Historical Park in Waimea
- Kealakekua Bay along the Kona coast
- Puako Bay near Waikoloa resort area
Tips for Whale Watching in Kona (And Throughout Hawaii!)
Seeing humpback whales in person is such a memorable experience. They’re larger than you imagine, and the thrill of catching sight of them is so unique.
If you want to make the most of your Hawaii whale watching vacation, you’ll want to follow a few tips. Here is what we suggest for the best experience possible:
- Book a boat tour if it’s in your budget. If not, plan for some stops at scenic overlooks to watch from the shore.
- Bring binoculars!
- Don’t give up too fast. If you’ve been recommended a good spot for whale watching, stick around for a while to get a good spotting.
- Work with a local Hawaii travel agent to plan your tour, hotel stay, and other details. Hawaii Aloha Travel loves planning trips for whale watching travelers.
Kona is truly a paradise for marine animal enthusiasts. See spinner dolphins, go whale watching, swim with manta rays, and snorkel in gorgeous reefs. Plus, there is so much to do in Kona beyond whale watching.
We can’t wait to see you on the Big Island for a fantastic Hawaii vacation!
