Best Whale Watching in Waikoloa: Boat Tours and Beaches
Some of the best whale watching on the Big Island is in Waikoloa during humpback whale season from December to April. This is when they migrate to the warm Hawaiian waters for breeding and calving from the cold Alaskan waters up north.
Waikoloa whale watching tours depart from:
- Anaehoomalu Bay (aka A-Bay)
- Kawaihae Harbor
Or, if you’re like me and prone to seasickness, you can stay on dry land and often spot humpback whales from a beach as they breach and play near the coastline, thanks to the steep drop-off of the seabed close to shore.
In this post I’ll show you:
- Which tour companies to book with in Waikoloa
- Where you can search for whales from land
Top 3 Waikoloa Whale Watching Tours
Here are three whale watching tours in Waikoloa I think you should consider joining, each with their own different amenities and experience types.
1. Hawaii Nautical
⏳ Tour Length: 1.5hrs | ⭐ Star Rating: 4.5/5 | 📍 Departure: Anaehoomalu Bay | ✅BOOK IT HERE!
With Hawaii Nautical you’ll search for whales along the scenic Kona-Kohala coast in a 34-passenger, 40ft powerboat, so you get to the whales fast.
The tour departs from Anaehoomalu Bay (A-Bay), which is super convenient if you are staying at the Waikoloa Beach Resort.
Board the boat from the beach via ramp and take your shoes off once onboard. You’ll also want to wear clothes you don’t mind getting “a bit” of ocean on!
The vessel has shaded seating (thank goodness!) and they provide cold drinks to keep you hydrated.
The crew is enthusiastic and knowledgeable, making sure you have a good time!
You’re guaranteed to spot humpback whales, or you can come back for another cruise free of charge.
2. Ocean Sports
⏳ Tour Length: 1.5hrs | ⭐ Star Rating: 5/5 | 📍 Departure: Anaehoomalu Bay | ✅BOOK IT HERE!
Ocean Sports has been the go-to for whale watching out of A-Bay since 1981, offering the best Whale Watch Guarantee on the island—if you don’t see a humpback whale, you can ride again for free until you do.
Board their stable and spacious catamaran, with enough space for everyone to find a great whale spotting vantage point.
Marine naturalists provide expert insights into whale behaviors, answering all your questions and their onboard hydrophone allows you to listen to the whales’ songs.
The tour includes soft drinks, granola bar snacks, and complimentary beer, wine, and mai tais.
photo credit: Fareharbor
⏳ Tour Length: 1.5hrs | ⭐ Star Rating: 5/5 | 📍 Departure: Kawaihae Harbor | ✅BOOK IT HERE!
Captain Chad’s Charters is a veteran-owned company that offers an incredibly personalized opportunity to watch for humpback whales.
With Captain Chad, you charter your own tour for up to six people on an immaculate 32ft luxurious boat. Complimentary water, juice, fresh fruit, and snacks, like fresh pineapple and banana bread, are provided, with special food and drinks available upon request.
If you have 6 people in your group, chartering a private boat is surprisingly cost-effective compared to group boats. It also allows for a tailor-made tour designed just for you.
The crew is experienced and will keep you safe while you search the Kohala Coast for these giant mammals.
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Where to See Whales from Land in Waikoloa
Any beach in Waikoloa and up and down the coast has the opportunity to spot whales from land during the winter months.
The ocean floor drops off relatively close to shore, so humpbacks are often seen surprisingly close to land.
Popular beaches to see humpbacks around Waikoloa are:
- Kua Bay – I’ve seen them a few times here
- Hapuna Beach – a great way to keep an eye out is from the upper lounge balconies at the Westin next door
- Pu’ukoholā Heiau National Historic Site – Puʻukoholā translates to “hill of the whale” in Hawaiian, so…yeah
- Kiholo Bay – bonus freshwater pool to cool off after searching
Again, these are just a few places to look for whales. Really, anywhere there’s ocean views, there’s a chance to see them.
🐳 Whale watching tips:
- Bring binoculars – while whales are often seen close to shore, binoculars will catch the whales when they’re further out
- Search in the mornings – whales are active throughout the day, but during the mornings the waves are calmer, making it a bit easier to spot them
- Don’t give up – patience is key when whale watching; you might not see any right away but keep your eyes on the horizon and you might just get a show of lifetime!
Staying elsewhere? Try Kona Whale Watching Tours or Hilo Whale Watching Tours instead!
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