Best of · OAHU WHALE WATCHING TOURS

The 15 Most Popular Oahu Whale Watching Tours

34 tours  ·  from $29 a head

The 15 best oahu whale watching tours you can book today, with the price on the ticket, how long the crossing runs and which animal you are going out for. Number one is top for a reason; start there.

2-Hour Oahu Whale Watch from Ala Wai Harbor, Waikiki - Humpbacks arrive from Alaska each winter
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2-Hour Oahu Whale Watch from Ala Wai Harbor, Waikiki

1.2-Hour Oahu Whale Watch from Ala Wai Harbor, Waikiki

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,929 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $49Our pick

Set out from Ala Wai Harbor with Captain Logan and crew for a two-hour whale watch along Oahu’s coast. From December to May, look for humpbacks, dolphins, turtles, and flying fish while guides explain whale behavior. Use the open upper deck, shaded cabin, or onboard hydrophone, and bring your own snacks and drinks.

“The captain and crew were super knowledgeable about whales and whale watching. They took us to several different locations and while we were unable to see any wheels near Oahu, we did receive a free pass to go well watching in Maui… Where we saw many, many whales! It was phenomenal and we were happy that we did try again in Maui.”

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Waikiki, Oahu 2-Hour Whale Watching: Guaranteed Sightings - A two-hour search for humpbacks
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Waikiki, Oahu 2-Hour Whale Watching: Guaranteed Sightings

2.Waikiki, Oahu 2-Hour Whale Watching: Guaranteed Sightings

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,064 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $45

Set out from Pink Sails Waikiki for a two-hour winter whale watch from December through April. Captain Jamie and crew members such as Alex, Peter, Tyler, and Ryan explain whale behavior while you scan for humpbacks, dolphins, turtles, and other marine life. If no whale appears, you can ride again free.

“Waikiki Pink Sails is great! Lots of whales, spouts, tails, deep dives. Capt Jamie knows whales, Ryan and Tyler were great crew.”

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Waikiki Deluxe Catamaran Whale Watch - Leaving Kewalo Basin for the open water
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Waikiki Deluxe Catamaran Whale Watch

3.Waikiki Deluxe Catamaran Whale Watch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 638 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $89

Cruise from Kewalo Basin toward Waikiki for about two hours of humpback watching, guided by an experienced captain and crew. Look for breaches, tail slaps, and blowholes while enjoying snacks, nonalcoholic drinks, or the full premium bar. A return ride is offered if no whales appear.

“The boat is just lovely. There is lots of room for passengers. And drinks are provided. Whales were non existent unless passengers found the spouts. The crew never found a whale it was always the passengers and they were so far away that it was pretty much not a whale watching trip.”

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Early Bird Whale Watching Cruise from Waikiki - What the two-hour cruise actually feels like
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Early Bird Whale Watching Cruise from Waikiki

4.Early Bird Whale Watching Cruise from Waikiki

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 202 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $68

Sail from Honolulu’s Aloha Tower at 9:15 a.m. aboard the large Star of Honolulu for about two hours of humpback whale watching. A naturalist provides live narration, while four walk-around decks, stabilizers, restrooms, and indoor seating make this a steady, family-friendly outing. Pineapple banana bread and Kona coffee or tea are included.

“We were so lucky to have had a great whale watching experience with the Star of Honolulu crew. Captain Wade was extremely friendly and welcoming!”

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Whale Watch Cruise Aboard The Majestic - Diamond Head and Waikiki from the water
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Whale Watch Cruise Aboard The Majestic

5.Whale Watch Cruise Aboard The Majestic

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 193 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $85

Board Atlantis Adventures’ Majestic at Pier 6 for a 2.5-hour whale watch through Maunalua Bay. A naturalist, including guides such as Bill on some departures, explains humpback behavior while you search for whales, turtles, and spinner dolphins. The large boat offers air-conditioned seating, outdoor decks, food, drinks, and wide views of Diamond Head and Waikiki.

“Of course the whales, but honestly Everything's, thank you for your Kind hospitality. The staff was very attentive, and we really enjoyed the live music. Well done, hope we will be coming back soon..”

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Honolulu, Oahu: Waikiki Whale Watching Cruise - Why the Ocean Intrigue works for whale watching
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Honolulu, Oahu: Waikiki Whale Watching Cruise

6.Honolulu, Oahu: Waikiki Whale Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★3.5 · 166 reviews · 1h 30m · from $39

Join E Sea Diver’s 90-minute cruise aboard the Ocean Intrigue, a 65-foot double-decker catamaran departing Kewalo Basin. From December through April, you’ll search for humpback whales with help from the crew, binoculars, snacks, and open views from both decks. Dolphins, turtles, and flying fish may appear too.

“Driver was perfectly on time on the right and agreed location. Whales were approaching and we had a nice experience. I would recommend this company! Everything went well and smooth.”

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Whale Watching & Late Breakfast Cruise in Honolulu - How whale watching actually works
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Whale Watching & Late Breakfast Cruise in Honolulu

7.Whale Watching & Late Breakfast Cruise in Honolulu

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 161 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Start from Honolulu at 9 a.m. aboard the Prince Kuhio for a two-hour cruise toward Lēʻahi, or Diamond Head. You’ll have Kona coffee and a choice of taro French toast or loco moco while the crew searches for humpback whales, dolphins, and sea turtles. Captain Phil and crew members such as Lily have been praised for friendly service, but sightings and breakfast service can vary.

“Such a great and beautiful experience to have breakfast on a boat and look for whales!! The water was so blue and to see the island from the water was incredible! The crew was so welcoming and interactive with everyone! Great tour!!”

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2 Hour Waikiki Whale Watching Cruise from Oahu - Waikiki Beach from offshore
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2 Hour Waikiki Whale Watching Cruise from Oahu

8.2 Hour Waikiki Whale Watching Cruise from Oahu

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 139 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $40

Cruise from Ala Moana Harbor along Waikiki, Diamond Head, and Ala Moana Beach Park for about two hours. You’ll watch from upper and lower decks, an underwater viewing room, or the open-air boat. The crew serves light snacks and refreshments, and if whales do not appear, you can rebook within five days.

“Starting seeing whales like 5 min after we left harbor. Crew made the trip fun and educational. Great job guys.”

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Sea Safari, Dolphins, Turtles and Waikiki Cruise - What the one-hour route really includes
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Sea Safari, Dolphins, Turtles and Waikiki Cruise

9.Sea Safari, Dolphins, Turtles and Waikiki Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★3.5 · 124 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $46

Cruise from Kewalo Basin along Waikiki’s coast aboard the 50-foot Haleiwa Queen. Captain Austin, Casey, Jason, Ford, and other crew members have been praised for friendly commentary and local insight. Look through four underwater viewing ports for reef fish and turtles, while dolphins and seasonal whales remain possible, not guaranteed.

“As most of the other comments say, this is NOT a whale watching trip. But unless you check reviews and not just stars, youre likely to be disappointed. The boat doesn't even go into deeper waters where a whale might be, unless the capt. spots something worth the detour. I absolutely would've paid more for the proper longer tour if I'd known.”

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Oahu: Waikiki Eco-Friendly Morning Whale Watching Cruise - A smooth ride along the Waikīkī coast
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Oahu: Waikiki Eco-Friendly Morning Whale Watching Cruise

10.Waikiki Eco-Friendly Morning Whale Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 119 reviews · 2 hours · from $99

Sail from Kewalo Basin aboard the Honu Lani for two hours of humpback watching along Waikīkī. The English-speaking crew shares whale facts while you scan for spouts, tails, and breaches. Enjoy a full bar, shaded or open-air seats, restrooms, and views of Diamond Head. No whale means a free re-ride, not a refund.

“We loved Joey, Sabrina and Flinn! No whales but we are trying again Friday!!”

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1.5-Hour Guided Whale Watching Tour - Why Waimea Bay adds more than scenery
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1.5-Hour Guided Whale Watching Tour

11.1.5-Hour Guided Whale Watching Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 92 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $99

Join Ocean Outfitters Hawaii at Hale‘iwa Boat Harbor for a 90-minute, English-language wildlife trip with up to 18 passengers. Kevin and his crew use a fast Zodiac-style boat to search the North Shore for humpback whales, dolphins, turtles, sharks, and seabirds. Expect open-air seating, spray, wind, and a lively ride.

“Amazing experience. It was super fun and our crew were knowledgeable. We were able to see turtles, sharks, and dolphins. Definitely worth the money.”

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Sunset Whale Watch in Waikiki, Whales Guaranteed or Free Return - A short Waikiki boat ride with a real wildlife payoff
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Sunset Whale Watch in Waikiki, Whales Guaranteed or Free Return

12.Sunset Whale Watch in Waikiki, Whales Guaranteed or Free Return

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 84 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours (approx.) · from $54Top rated

Set out from Ala Moana Harbor with Living Ocean Tours for a 1.5 to 2-hour sunset search for humpback whales. You’ll view Diamond Head from offshore, hear whale facts from the crew, enjoy complimentary soda, snacks, and water, and ride on a double-decker boat with room to spread out. If no whales appear, you can return on another tour at no extra charge.

“The boat was spacious, clean, and sturdy. There were free snacks, soda, and water for all guests. There was also a bathroom. The crew was friendly and knowledgeable. We saw a mother whale and her calf. We even caught a glimpse of her tail going down into the depths. While I understand it’s for safety reasons, it was disappointing to have to see the whales from such a far distance. I recommend you bring binoculars if you want a good view. Overall, it was a great experience!”

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1.5 Hour Waikiki Whale Watching with E Sea Diver (Shuttle Option) - What happens once you board the catamaran
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1.5 Hour Waikiki Whale Watching with E Sea Diver (Shuttle Option)

13.1.5 Hour Waikiki Whale Watching with E Sea Diver (Shuttle Option)

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 70 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours (approx.) · from $29Best value

Join E Sea Diver’s 90-minute winter cruise from Pier E near Ala Moana. Captain Chad and crew members such as Isaiah, Marlee, Rylee, and Clint may help you spot humpback whales, dolphins, turtles, and flying fish. The boat has several decks, bathrooms, drinks, snacks, binoculars, and optional Waikiki transportation.

“No whales to be seen. We were told this could happen but unsure where we should go to rebook as promised.”

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West Oahu Deluxe Whale Watching Sail - Setting out from Waiʻanae Small Boat Harbor
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West Oahu Deluxe Whale Watching Sail

14.West Oahu Deluxe Whale Watching Sail

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 69 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $89

Set out from Waiʻanae Small Boat Harbor on a two-hour catamaran cruise along Oahu’s Waianae Coast. Guides such as Jessie, Quin, SeaAnna, Nick, Caden, and Sienna have led trips with whale and dolphin sightings, coastal views, drinks, and useful local knowledge. Shaded seats, open-air space, restrooms, and a free whale-watching re-ride are included.

“A lovely cruise with a small group of people. Everyone had a beautiful view, and could spot the whales. Staff was excellent, two drinks complimentary.”

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Sunset Cruise & Whale Watching from Oahu - The first part of the two-hour ride
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Sunset Cruise & Whale Watching from Oahu

15.Sunset Cruise & Whale Watching from Oahu

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 62 reviews · from $61

Meet Pink Sails Waikiki at 1 Holomoana Street for a two-hour evening cruise along Oahu’s coast. Guides Jamie, Alex, and Alexio help spot whales and dolphins, while Big Mike may help capture photos. Expect sunset colors, open-water views, and a boat carrying up to 100 people.

“Weather wasn't the best it was a rocking ride but the captain has no control over that! He was able to get leads on whales and we saw 4!”

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New in Oahu Whale Watching Tours

★ 3.0Whale Watching and Sunrise Breakfast Cruise in HonoluluFrom $9113 reviews
★ 5.0Whale Watching Sail in Honolulu with Open BarFrom $499 reviews
★ 5.0Private Whale Watching Safari from North Shore Oahu3 reviews
★ 4.5Whale Watching Adventure -Speed Boat & Small GroupFrom $10520 reviews
★ 3.5Whale Watching Cruise in HonoluluFrom $4523 reviews
★ 4.0Waikiki Whale Watching CruiseFrom $9416 reviews
★ 5.0Oahu Whale Watch Tour & Waikiki Sunset Boat TourFrom $809 reviews
★ 3.5Private Whale Watching and Dolphin ExcursionFrom $2654 reviews
★ 5.0Private Whale Watching and Coastal Swimming Tour Honolulu3 reviews
★ 5.0Private Whale Watching Activity: 6 passengers max10 reviews
★ 3.5Private Whale Watching Sailing Adventure2 reviews
★ 4.9Waikiki Whale Watching Tour-Donut and Coffee IncludedFrom $10013 reviews
★ 4.0Seasonal Whale Watch CruiseFrom $8513 reviews

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