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What To Expect From A Late-Season Whale Watching Tour

Side view of a whale shark swimming with a baby shark on its back.

If you’re looking to check a fantastic whale watching experience off your vacation bucket list, Kona, Hawaii, is definitely the place to do so. Located on the western coast of the Big Island, whale watching in Kailua-Kona has become one of the very best in the world. Each year, from December through April, thousands of beautiful humpback whales migrate to Hawaii to mate, give birth, and raise their young in the island’s warm and calm ocean waters. While peak season for whale watching in Kona is generally from mid-January to mid-March, there’s still plenty of amazing sights to be seen in the later season. Here’s what you can expect:

The Best Time of Year to Go Whale Watching on the Big Island

If you’re looking for whale watching tours in Kona and wondering what the best time of year to visit is, you’re in luck! That’s because the whale watching season lasts for several months, so you have lots of opportunities to see them. At Kona Ocean Adventures, we offer top-rated Kona whale watching tours throughout the entirety of the humpback whale migration so you can enjoy an unforgettable experience out on the water during your winter or spring vacation in Hawaii. Here’s more info about whale watching season in Kona:

  • Early Season: The early whale-watching season lasts from December through early January. This is when the first humpback whales start arriving after their long migration from Alaska. While their numbers are not at their peak, you can still expect to see whales off the coast, especially during a private Kona whale watching tour.
  • Mid-Season: The peak whale-watching season in Kona runs from mid-January to mid-March. During this time, you’ll see plenty of whales as more arrive, plus their social behavior gets a bit more exciting! Watch for powerful tail slaps and breaches as males compete for female attention. You may even start to see some newborn whales in the water!
  • Late Season: From mid-March to mid-April, whale numbers begin to decrease as adult males start making their northbound journey. However, there’s something that makes late-season whale watching in Kona truly spectacular… the calves! Baby whales and their mothers can be seen off the Kailua-Kona Coast as the babies grow in size and stamina, preparing for their long voyage home. 

While peak season is a great time to take a Big Island whale watching cruise, there’s no denying how special it is to have the unique opportunity to see their youngest residents in action! Plus, the late season often brings fewer tourists, so you can expect a more peaceful and quieter encounter with the whales when compared to peak season. Immerse yourself in the beauty of these majestic animals, and don’t worry about researching the best locations. When you take a cruise in Kona, HI, your captain can take you to some of the best spots to watch humpback whales up close. 

About Our Kona Whale Tours 

While you can sometimes spot them from the shore, especially if you have binoculars and a lot of patience, a whale watching cruise is definitely one of the best ways to see Kona’s humpback whale migration. At Kona Ocean Adventures, we offer dedicated morning whale watching tours from December through April, so whether you’re visiting in the early, peak, or late season, we’ve got you covered. Choose our popular 7 a.m. whale-watching tour, or if you like to sleep in just a little bit more, our 9 a.m. whale-watching tour is a great choice as well. Each tour departs from the Honokohau Harbor and lasts 2.5 hours. Looking for family-friendly cruises in Kona? Don’t stress! Our Big Island Whale Watching Tours are great for kids of all ages. We also offer fun snorkeling cruises in Kona, if you want to explore the underwater world Hawaii has to offer, in addition to your whale watching cruise.

If you’re looking for a more tailored experience, we also offer private whale-watching tours that can be customized to your exact preferences. These are a great option if you’re celebrating a special occasion like a honeymoon, milestone birthday, anniversary, or even proposing. There’s nothing quite like planning a surprise morning or sunset cruise for your loved one with the bonus of seeing these mesmerizing animals out on the water! 

See Humpback Whales in Hawaii on an Unforgettable Kona Whale Watching Tour

For our team at Kona Ocean Adventures, no holiday or spring trip to Hawaii would be complete without experiencing some of the world’s best whale watching right here in Kailua-Kona! Whether you’re traveling with the kids or planning your dream romantic getaway, seeing these gentle giants during their once-a-year migration feels like a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Witness the magic for yourself! Book online today.

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