When can you see whales in Kona, Hawaii?

Humpback whales are visible in Kona waters from December through April, with peak sightings in January and February. The same population that winters in Maui's Au'au Channel also frequents the Big Island's Kohala Coast and Kona waters, though in smaller numbers than Maui. Body Glove Cruises (9–140) runs occasional whale watching sightings during their morning snorkel tours when whales are present — their Kona departure sees opportunistic whale encounters during the winter months. Dedicated whale watching tours are more common from Maui; Kona's prime attraction is year-round manta ray diving and snorkeling. For guaranteed whale sightings, Maui offers more consistent encounters and dedicated operators. If you're on the Big Island in January or February, keep an eye on the ocean from the Kohala Coast — breaching humpbacks are visible from shore on many winter mornings.