14 Unmissable Whale Watching Cruises in Oahu

1.Early Bird Whale Watching Cruise from Waikiki

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

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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2.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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3.Honolulu, Oahu: Waikiki Whale Watching Cruise

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

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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4.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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5.2 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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6.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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7.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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8.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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9.Waikiki Whale Watching Cruise with Snack & Trolley Transportation

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 62 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $90Top rated

Set out from Kewalo Basin Harbor for a roughly two-hour search for humpback whales and dolphins near Diamond Head. Your crew may include Captain Zack, Captain Jeremy, Rachel, or others. Expect a hula performance, an E Ho Mai ceremony, underwater whale songs, drinks, snacks, and trolley pickup from selected Waikiki stops.

“The crew were really knowledgeable and kind. We saw a couple of whales, a mother and calf. The only part I didn't enjoy was the boat rocking.”

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10.West Oahu: Eco-Friendly Whale Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 40 reviews · 2 hours · from $89

Sail from Waiʻanae Small Boat Harbor at 1:30 PM for two hours along Oʻahu’s west coast. Watch for breaching humpback whales, tail slaps, and spouts while the crew explains whale behavior and migration. You get shaded or open-air seating, restrooms, free harbor parking, and a full bar with cocktails, beer, wine, soda, and juice.

“No pickup available for this tour. Seeing the whales do their tail popping out and anticipate where they appear is exciting. Not a lot of snack option but it’s okay. Staffs are amazing. Boat is fantastic. Felt a little bit sea sick, it would have been better if they have meds that we can purchase on board. All in all, it was a great day.”

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11.Whale Watching Cruise in Honolulu

★★★★★★★★★★3.5 · 23 reviews · 1 hour 45 minutes (approx.) · from $45

Set out from Honolulu at noon aboard the Prince Kuhio for a 1-hour-45-minute whale-watching cruise along Waikiki and Diamond Head. The open upper deck gives you a broad view of the water, while the captain and crew watch for humpbacks, dolphins, and sea turtles. Whale sightings are never guaranteed, and recent cancellations make checking operations wise.

“Showed up 30 mins prior to our time to get on the boat. Stayed until 15 mins after and no boat ever showed up. We called the number for the operators but it went to voicemail. Very disappointing.”

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12.Waikiki Whale Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 16 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $94

Set out from Ala Moana for a two-hour whale watching cruise along Waikiki. A licensed guide helps you watch for whales, while the view may also include Diamond Head, dolphins, turtles, and fish near the surface. The boat carries up to 40 people and includes a complimentary mai tai, restroom, and mobile ticketing.

“The tour was advertised with welcome drinks, none was offered. The crew was good and we saw whales, dolphins, turtles and tons of beautiful fishes were also visible on the surface”

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13.Seasonal Whale Watch Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 13 reviews · 2h 30m · from $85

Spend 2.5 hours aboard Atlantis Adventures’ Majestic, watching seasonal humpback whales off Oahu’s south shore. An onboard naturalist explains whale behavior in English or Japanese, while three decks, panoramic windows, and air-conditioned viewing areas give you several ways to look for breaches, mothers, and calves.

“Very informative!! Got to see mama and calf breach..very lucky”

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14.Whale Watching and Sunrise Breakfast Cruise in Honolulu

★★★★★★★★★★3.0 · 13 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $91

Leave from 1009 Ala Moana Blvd for a 90-minute sunrise cruise along Waikiki and Oahu’s south shore. You’ll have breakfast, coffee, soft drinks, water, restrooms, and a chance to spot humpback whales and dolphins. Crew members, including Phil on some departures, work from the boat to find wildlife. Upper-deck seating depends on capacity.

“This boat is a scam and doesn’t exist. Don’t book. It needs to be taken down off of this site and others. We showed up at 6am and other boat captains laughed because the boat supposedly went out of business 6 months ago due to scams. So don’t book. It shouldn’t even be on this site. Trying to get money back.”

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