Kona Whale Watching Cruise Big Island

Humpback Whales in Hawaii

Hawaii is the only US state where humpback whales mate, give birth and nurse their calves. Each year they travel about 4,800 kilometres from Alaska to the warm shallow waters around the islands, which suit calving and have few natural predators. Adult humpbacks can reach about 15 metres and weigh as much as 40 tonnes.

On a whale watching cruise in Kona you may see mothers with calves, males competing for females, tail slaps and full breaches. The boat keeps a respectful distance, as boats must stay about 100 yards from whales. Sightings cannot be guaranteed, which is why we offer another cruise if none are seen.

The Whale Season and the Best Time to Go

Humpbacks arrive from about December and stay until around mid-April, with the peak between January and March. These months are the best time for whale watching in Kona, and the cruises are best booked early in the season. Outside this window you can still enjoy the ride, but whale sightings are not expected.

If you are wondering whether a whale watching tour in Hawaii is worth it, the Big Island offers calmer seas than many other places, because the Kona coast is sheltered from the wind. The cruise lasts 2.5 hours and leaves at 12:30 pm, a good fit for a relaxed afternoon after a morning on the beach.

The Hydrophone and the Whale Songs

A hydrophone is an underwater microphone, and the cruise includes one that plays the sound through speakers. Only male humpbacks sing, and their songs can last for many minutes and change from year to year. Listening to this while seeing the blow and the tail makes the trip much more memorable.

Your guide explains what the sounds mean and what the whales are doing below the surface. Even if a whale is not visible, the hydrophone can pick up songs from some distance, which makes the cruise worthwhile for people who enjoy sound as much as sight. Ask questions, as the guide shares what is known about these animals.

The Kona Coast Cruise and Practical Tips

The cruise leaves from the Kailua-Kona coast and heads offshore through calm blue water, with the volcano slopes of Hualalai and Mauna Loa behind. You may also see spinner dolphins or sea turtles. Snacks and drinks are included, and the boat has room to move around and watch from different sides.

Wear sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses, plus a light long-sleeved top, since the wind offshore can feel cool. Motion sickness medicine is a good idea if you are prone to it; take it the night before and an hour before the cruise. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan how to reach the meeting point.