Where to see whales on the Big Island
Prices and details checked on October 22, 2026How we compare tours
Humpback whales can be seen from shore and from boats on the Big Island, and the season that matters runs November through April. Hawaiian Adventures' Humpback Whale Watch starts at $99 per person and runs 2.5 hours.
Humpback whales can be seen from shore and from boats on the Big Island, and the season that matters runs November through April. Hawaiian Adventures' Humpback Whale Watch starts at $99 per person and runs 2.5 hours.
Humpback Whale Watch
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Where can you see whales on the Big Island?
The humpback whale sanctuary lists Hoʻokena Beach Park, Ka Lae (South Point) and Onekahakaha Beach Park on Hilo Bay on its whale-counting map. Whales are often seen outside Waialea Bay in winter. From the Place of Refuge, you can watch for the spout of vapor a whale makes when it surfaces.
| Place | What you can do | Good to know | Getting there | Hours or entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hookena Beach | The humpback whale sanctuary lists Hoʻokena Beach Park as one of its Sanctuary Ocean Count whale-counting sites on Hawaiʻi Island (2026 site map). | The county lists hazardous footing, currents and waves. | The county lists the park on Ho'okena Beach Road in Ho'okena, South Kona. | The park parking lot is open from 6:30 A.M. to 8:45 P.M. |
| Waialea Bay | Humpback whales are often seen outside the bay in winter. | The bay is somewhat sheltered, but high surf occurs in winter. | Waialea Bay is in the southern part of Kawaihae Bay, on the west coast of Hawaii Island. | The Waialea Section is closed due to fallen trees (State Parks notice, checked 2026-10-14). |
| Place Of Refuge | From shore, watch for the spout of vapor a whale makes when it surfaces and exhales. | Snorkeling is at Two Step, outside the sacred grounds; no ocean access is allowed within the park. | From Kailua-Kona, take Highway 11 south, turn toward the ocean onto Highway 160 at the Hōnaunau Post Office, and follow the park sign. | Park gates are open daily from 8:15am until sunset. |
| South Point | The humpback whale sanctuary lists Ka Lae Park (South Point) as one of its Sanctuary Ocean Count whale-counting sites on Hawaiʻi Island (2026 site map). | Hurricane Lala caused significant damage across Kaʻū, and visitors are asked to avoid non-essential travel into affected communities while recovery continues in Nāʻālehu, Pāhala and Waiʻōhinu. | The South Point Complex is at the southern tip of the Island of Hawaiʻi on Ka Lae, south of the town of Nāʻālehu. | - |
| Hilo Bay | Hawaii's official visitor site says Hilo Bay, on the east side, is a popular place for whale sightings. | Bayfront Beach Park has hazardous waves and currents (the County lists it with the canoe hale on its west side). | - | Bayfront Beach Park (County) is open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and has hazardous waves and currents. |
The island's official visitor site says Hilo Bay is a popular place for whale sightings. Shore watching costs you only the time it takes, so it works well as a first stop before you book a boat. Whales can still be hard to spot from land on any given day.
How do you get to each place, and where do you park?
Hoʻokena Beach is on Hoʻokena Beach Road in Hoʻokena, South Kona. The park parking lot is open from 6:30 AM to 8:45 PM.
Waialea Bay sits in the southern part of Kawaihae Bay on the west coast. The State Parks notice says the Waialea Section is closed due to fallen trees, so check the current status before you drive there.
The Place of Refuge is south of Kailua-Kona. From Kailua-Kona, take Highway 11 south, turn toward the ocean onto Highway 160 at the Hōnaunau Post Office, and follow the park sign. Park gates are open daily from 8:15 AM until sunset.
South Point is at the southern tip of the island, on Ka Lae, south of Nāʻālehu. Hilo Bay's Bayfront Beach Park is open from 7 AM to 6 PM.
What rules and hazards should you know about?
Hoʻokena Beach has hazardous footing, currents and waves. Bayfront Beach Park in Hilo has hazardous waves and currents. Waialea Bay is somewhat sheltered, but high surf occurs there in winter. Waialea Bay is also a Marine Life Conservation District under HAR 13-35.
At the Place of Refuge, snorkeling is at Two Step, outside the sacred grounds, and no ocean access is allowed within the park. Stay on marked trails and paths, and take only photographs.
Visitors are asked to avoid non-essential travel into affected communities while recovery continues in Nāʻālehu, Pāhala and Waiʻōhinu.
Which tours go to these places?
Each tour below links to its tour page, where you can book it.
- Humpback Whale Watch from Hawaiian Adventures includes a professional onboard naturalist and complimentary cold beverages.
- Kona Whale Watching from Iruka Kona: from $99 per person, 2 hours, with check-in at 1 PM and departure at 1:30 PM.
- Whale Watch from Kona Snorkel Trips: from $109 per person, 2 hours.
- Humpback Whale Watching from Hawaii Oceanic: from $125 per person, 2 hours, with departures at 6:45 AM or 10:15 AM.
- Super-Raft Whale Watch from Body Glove Hawaii: from $125 per person, 2.5 hours.
- Kona Deluxe Whale Watch Sail from Hawaii Nautical Big Island: from $99.95 per person, 1.5 hours, leaving at 2:15 PM.
- Mauna Kea Deluxe Whale Watch Cruise from Hawaii Nautical Big Island: from $99.95 per person, 2 hours.
- Royal Humpback Whale Experience from Hilo Ocean Adventures: from $139, 1.5 hours, leaving from Hilo.
- Whale Watch and Sunset Cruise from Kohala Divers: from $159 per person, 2.5 hours, based in Waimea.
- Whale Watch Adventure from Kona Ocean Adventures: from $250 per person, 2.5 hours.
Hawaiian Adventures' cancellation policy allows cancellation up to 24 hours ahead for groups up to ten, and 48 hours for groups of ten or more.
Frequently asked questions
When is whale season on the Big Island?
Visitors can see humpback whales from shore and at sea from November through April. From the Place of Refuge, whales are generally visible from November through March.
Can you see whales from shore?
Yes, the sanctuary's whale-counting map also lists Hoʻokena Beach Park, Ka Lae and Onekahakaha Beach Park on Hilo Bay.
How close can you get to a whale?
Federal law prohibits approaching within 100 yards of a humpback whale in Hawaii.
Is it safe to swim at these beaches?
Not at Hoʻokena Beach or Hilo's Bayfront Beach Park, which both have hazardous conditions. Respect the currents and waves listed above before you enter the water.
