Dolphin & Whale Watching Kailua Kona

• 2-hour whale watching excursion on the Kona Coast
• Open-air boat designed for optimal wildlife viewing
• Onboard naturalist crew providing expert commentary throughout
• Front-row views of humpback whale breaches, spy hops, and more
• Small group setting for an intimate, up-close experience
• Scenic cruising along the stunning Kailua-Kona coastline

Whale Watching Kailua Kona: Discover the Magic of Dolphins and Humpback Whales

Tour Highlights:

• See wildlife such as Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins, Humpback Whales (seasonally), Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle, Monk Seals, Bottlenose Dolphins, Manta Rays, Sharks, and many species of seabirds
• Listen to whale vocalizations with our underwater microphone
• Visit Sea Caves, Sea Arches, and Lava Tubes
• Captain narration and interactive program
• Binoculars available to use while onboard
• Complimentary island juices and bottled water for all guests

What Makes Our Kona Dolphin and Whale Watching Tours Special

Witness the Magic of Dolphins and Humpback Whales in Kona

While we are conducting our search for marine life, we'll stop at several locations to discuss Hawaiian history, the geology of the Big Island, or just something fun and unique to Kona. Big Island is believed to be the first Hawaiian Island populated by its indigenous people the Kanaka 'Oiwi/Kanaka Maoli and is teeming with their history. Hawaii Island is home to some of the most unique geological features on the planet and hosts almost every ecosystem on the planet. Oh, did we mention it also has dolphins and whales!

Speaking of dolphins, the Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins are one of the most common sightings on our Dolphin and Whale Watch tour. These nocturnal feeders often rest in shallow coastal bays before heading offshore at night to hunt and forage. While they're in the resting bays, we may see them conduct aerial stunts and gymnastics as they interact with each other.

While we have some whale species that choose Kona's coastline to live all year round, many people will travel to the Hawaiian Islands specifically to see the Humpback Whale population that comes to visit. We will go into more detail on why these whales make the journey and what their significance is in Hawaii's marine ecosystem, later on.

When you book your dolphin and whale watching tour with us during peak Humpback season (January and February), you are in for a real treat! The new mothers, male whales (also known as "escorts"), and the new baby whale calves are known to put on a show.

From fin and tail slaps to close encounters with our idle boat, to even full breaches out of the water, there are few things on the planet more magical than being out on the water with these creatures. There is no better seat than aboard a Dolphin Discoveries Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour boat. Few people in the world will ever be able to see these creatures as up close, as responsibly, and with such a beautiful backdrop.

Explore Marine Life and Scenic Views While Dolphin and Whale Watching in Kona

When you embark on a Dolphin Discoveries Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour in Kona, you're not only treated to the breathtaking sight of majestic dolphins and humpback whales but also the opportunity to explore the incredible aquatic sites and see the wondrous Big Island from a unique perspective.

The waters off the Kona Coast are teeming with marine life, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts. While observing humpback whales is undoubtedly the highlight of the tour, it's not uncommon to encounter other fascinating creatures from your spot aboard the boat. Keep an eye out for playful reef manta rays, graceful sea turtles (Honu), and a variety of colorful reef fish that call these waters home.

Additionally, the scenic beauty of Kona's coastline is a feast for the eyes. The rugged lava rock formations, incredible beaches, and lush landscapes that line the shore create a dramatic backdrop for your trip.

Choose Dolphin Discoveries for Your Kona Dolphin and Whale Watching Experience

Allow Our Experienced Crew and Marine Enthusiasts Take You On A Whale Tour in Kona

When it comes to embarking on a dolphin and whale watching tour in Kona, entrust your adventure to the hands of our experienced crew and passionate marine enthusiasts. We prioritize your safety and ensure that your encounter with these magnificent creatures is not only thrilling and held at a safe distance for both our guests and the animals, but also educational and memorable.

Our crew members at Dolphin Discoveries are not just your guides. They are seasoned local professionals with a profound passion for not only dolphins and whales, but all of Kona's marine life. They bring their extensive knowledge of the ocean and its inhabitants, good nature, and humor to every tour that we hold.

Allow our expert crew and passionate marine enthusiasts to guide you on this incredibly intimate and unique experience that is a Kona dolphin and whale watch tour. By choosing us, you're choosing an experience that is both unforgettable and respectful of the ocean's magnificent mammals.

Enjoy the Best Kona Whale Sightings with Dolphin Discoveries

The biggest rule when it comes to dolphin and whale watching in Hawaii is to make sure that you are safe and respectful towards the marine life who call the Kona tropical waters home. This means that when we are near a dolphin or whale pod, we will turn off our engines and remain idle as they may choose to interact with our boat.

This is no cause for alarm! The dolphins and whales that inhabit and visit Hawaii will not cause a "Moby Dick" scenario. However, this does mean that sometimes we might not be able to kick it into high gear back to the shore. If anything, being caught in the midst of a dolphin and whale pod that decides to check out our boat means being able to see these beautiful creatures so close that you can make out every spout, every barnacle, scrape, and pattern of the mammal. Truly, at Dolphin Discoveries, our dolphin and whale watching tours are an experience of a lifetime.

The captain and guides of Dolphin Discoveries have placed the safety of our guests and the safety of these magnificent animals as the top priority for these intricate tours. Your responsibility is to sit back and enjoy, all with the confidence that you have secured your spot on a boat that is committed to the preservation of Hawaii's incredible marine life.

Reserve Your Spot for Dolphin and Whale Watching in Kona

The most unique thing about Hawaii's Humpback Whale population is that they are not a year-round inhabitant of the islands. The whales travel from the brisk Alaskan waters to Hawaii from around December to late March in order to mate, give birth to their young, and raise those young calves before returning to Alaskan waters.

The Pacific Ocean water surrounding each Hawaiian Island is much warmer than the cold Alaskan coast. Newly born whales do not yet have the blubber, or insulation, to survive Alaska's frigid temperatures, which explains why the mother whales make the six to eight week journey down to the tropics. When you book a whale watching tour in Kona you are strapping in for an adventure where you might see full breaches out of the ocean, day-old humpback whale babies learning to flip over and slap their fins against the water, and the exciting meeting of a competition pod!

Because of the limited time frame that you are able to book this adventure, make sure to secure your spot well in advance. Our tours run 2.5 hours and they are great for all ages (participants must be ages 5 and up). This is a wonderful family adventure, especially for those that aren't as keen getting into the water as they are on it.

Whale season in Hawaii typically ranges from November to March, which is also the height of tourism season on the islands. To secure your spot, be sure you book as soon as possible and well in advance, or you may have to wait another year! Read our Know Before You Go guide to come prepared, read our reviews, or contact our team with any questions. Book your spot today using the calendar on this page.