Whale Watch Excursion from the Big Island in Big Island of Hawaii
Big Island of Hawaii, United States

Whale Watch Excursion from the Big Island

Outty Ranking 63 4.4 · 264 traveler reviews2.5 hoursFrom $151

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September 2026

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Adults

Age 13 and over

2

Children

Age 12 and under

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From, per person$151
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Outty Ranking

63/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.4/5

Based on 264 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Whale Watch Excursion from the Big Island worth booking?

Whale Watch Excursion from the Big Island is a 2.5-hour experience in Big Island of Hawaii, United States, from $151 per person. It scores 63 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice, based on a 4.4/5 rating across 264 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
63 / 100
Rating
4.4/5 (264)
Duration
2.5 hours
From
$151 per person

This two-and-a-half hour whale watch tour with a certified naturalist departs from the Kailua-Kona pier during whale season (December to April). Hear singing males on the PA system through a hydrophone and take photos of

What you get

    About this experience

    This two-and-a-half hour whale watch tour with a certified naturalist departs from the Kailua-Kona pier during whale season (December to April). Hear singing males on the PA system through a hydrophone and take photos of whales up-close. Snacks and beverages are included (no-host bar also available). Whale sightings are guaranteed, or you can come again free!

    What's included

    Included

    • Beverages (alcoholic drinks available for purchase)
    • All taxes, fees and handling charges
    • Professional guide
    • Snacks and light refreshments
    • Free parking 75-5629 Kuakini Hwy., Kailua Kona, HI 96740-about a one block walk away from the pier.
    • Live commentary on board

    Not included

    • Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
    • Guests must provide their own transportation to the Kailua Kona Pier.
    • Gratuities

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Big Island of Hawaii

    All cruises board 30 minutes prior to departure. 75-5629 Kuakini Hwy, Kailua Kona, HI 96740 (Ilima Court Shopping Center) is the address for Body Glove Cruises main office where the closest free parking is located. Guests must walk one block to the Kailua Kona Pier for boarding.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    All cruises board 30 minutes prior to departure. 75-5629 Kuakini Hwy, Kailua Kona, HI 96740 (Ilima Court Shopping Center) is the address for Body Glove Cruises main office where the closest free parking is located. Guests must walk one block to the Kailua Kona Pier for boarding.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Body Glove Cruises

    Know before you go

    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
    • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Children must be accompanied by an adult
    • Wheelchair accessible via a customize boarding ramp with portable extensions that accommodates manual and electric wheelchairs and scooters. Please include in Special Requests at the time of booking if wheelchair assistance is required
    • Boarding 30 minutes prior to scheduled departure time
    • This adventure is on Hawaii Island in Kailua Kona.
    • Liability waiver must be completed by all guests prior to boarding.
    • Hotel pick-up is not available.

    Photos

    Whale Watch Excursion from the Big Island in Big Island of Hawaii, photo 2Whale Watch Excursion from the Big Island in Big Island of Hawaii, photo 3Whale Watch Excursion from the Big Island in Big Island of Hawaii, photo 4Whale Watch Excursion from the Big Island in Big Island of Hawaii, photo 5Whale Watch Excursion from the Big Island in Big Island of Hawaii, photo 6

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 264 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    5 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Traveler reviews

    264 verified traveler reviews for Whale Watch Excursion from the Big Island. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    184
    4 star
    31
    3 star
    24
    2 star
    11
    1 star
    14
    Sort
    Kristin_T · February 2026

    Crew was very friendly...

    Crew was very friendly and knowledgeable about whales. Learned a lot, saw dolphins and whales, and listened to whales do quite a while. My husband has mobility issues and walks with a cane and they were very accommodating and made it easy for him to get on and off the boat. Really appreciated them calling ahead of time since they knew he had a wheelchair to assess his needs and make sure he could safely board.

    Response from the operator: Aloha Kristin, Mahalo for taking the time to share your experience with us. We’re so happy to hear you enjoyed seeing the whales and dolphins and that you were able to listen to the whales for an extended time — those moments are truly special. It also means a great deal to us that you felt well cared for. Ensuring all of our guests feel safe and comfortable is incredibly important, and we’re glad our crew was able to assist your husband and communicate ahead of time to make boarding smooth and stress free. We truly appreciate your kind words about our team and are grateful you chose to join us. We hope to welcome you both back out on the water again soon.

    via Viator

    Mickey J · February 2026

    Whale watching

    We took the whale watch tour today It was the best whale watching cruise I have ever had. We hade whales right next to the boat for at least 30 minutes. The naturalists commentary was great. Enjoyed it emensely. Saw lots of whales and some spinner dolphins.

    Response from the operator: Aloha Mickey Mahalo for taking the time to share your experience We’re thrilled to hear this was the best whale watch you’ve ever had and what an incredible compliment that is Having whales right alongside the boat for that long is always a magical experience and we’re so glad you were able to enjoy it It’s wonderful to hear you appreciated the naturalists’ commentary as well as our crew loves sharing their knowledge and passion for these amazing animals We’re so glad you were able to see lots of whales and spinner dolphins as well Thank you for joining us and we hope to welcome you back out on the water again soon

    via Tripadvisor

    jennylO1224NO · January 2026

    WOW, so many active whales. Bottlenose and spinner dolphins, flying fish!

    This was amazing. We saw 3 very active whales who breached more times than you could count, mama and baby plus companion. Saw over 12 whales plus spinner dolphins putting on a show as well as bottle nose dolphins and flying fish. Boat was comfortable upper and lower deck, shade or sun options. Staff was friendly and knowledgeable, parking just a few blocks from pier, easy checkin!

    Response from the operator: Aloha Jenny! Thank you for the five star review and for choosing Body Glove Cruises. We are thrilled you experienced such an active day on the water with humpback whales, spinner and bottlenose dolphins, and even flying fish. It is always special to witness a mama and calf with a companion, especially when the whales are breaching so often. We are glad you enjoyed the comfort of the vessel, the deck options, and the ease of check in and parking. Mahalo for the kind words about our crew and we hope to welcome you back aboard again soon.

    via Tripadvisor

    Deleane_M · January 2026

    A great experience

    It was amazing!!! The captain knew exactly where to go and was great about making sure all the passengers got their pictures. The crew’s knowledge about whales was impressive and we all left knowing so much about the whales ourselves from them.

    Response from the operator: Aloha Deleane, Mahalo for the wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear you had such an amazing experience and that our captain and crew helped make it so memorable. Making sure guests have great viewing opportunities while sharing knowledge about whales is something our team truly loves to do. Thank you for joining us, and we hope to welcome you back aboard again soon!

    via Viator

    vickyfV2716CF · January 2026

    Take this Body Glove whale watch cruise!

    This whale watch excursion was awesome! We saw so many whales. Two whales really put on a show for us. The captain said it’s the 1st time in 13 years he has seen what we saw today. Caroline was super informative and sweet! The Farmer’s from Texas

    Response from the operator: Aloha Vicky, Mahalo for the wonderful review! We’re so happy to hear your whale watch was such a memorable experience. We love that you witnessed such an amazing Whale Watch! We’ll be sure to share your kind words with Caroline! Thank you for joining us! We hope to welcome you back aboard again someday!

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    2.5 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    92
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Why this scores 63

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)59
    Review evidence (18% weight)71
    Booking momentum (14% weight)67
    Value for money (12% weight)62
    Listing quality (10% weight)66
    Local standing (8% weight)8
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Whale Watch Excursion from the Big Island: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Big Island of Hawaii.

    How much does Whale Watch Excursion from the Big Island cost?

    +

    Prices start at $151 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Big Island of Hawaii usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Whale Watch Excursion from the Big Island take?

    +

    Plan for about 2.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Big Island of Hawaii is not rushed.

    Is Whale Watch Excursion from the Big Island worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 63 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.4/5 across 264 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Big Island of Hawaii, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Whale Watch Excursion from the Big Island?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Whale Watch Excursion from the Big Island suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Whale Watch Excursion from the Big Island?

    +

    Around 92 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Big Island of Hawaii can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Big Island of Hawaii and add a light layer if any part of the 2.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Whale Watch Excursion from the Big Island start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Big Island of Hawaii within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Big Island of Hawaii?

    +

    The Big Island is volcano country: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park tours, Mauna Kea summit stargazing, night manta ray snorkels off Kona, Waipio Valley lookouts and coffee farm visits. Summit tours have real altitude rules, so we weight safety detail. On Outty we rank every Big Island of Hawaii experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include KONA Manta Ray Night Snorkel - FREE re-ride if no Sightings, Big Island in a Day: Volcanoes Waterfalls Sightseeing and History, Big Island: Captain Cook Snorkel On A Power Catamaran With Lunch. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Big Island of Hawaii?

    +

    April to October, though the island runs year round. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Big Island of Hawaii?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

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