OAHU · HAWAII
Oahu’s best days out.
The 15 most popular whale watching on Oahu. What each one is really like on the day, what it costs and who runs it.
2-hour humpback whale watch from Waikiki’s Ala Wai Harbor with live narration, underwater hydrophone, and BYOB snacks.
Most Popular“We were able to see whales from a very far distance, which was not what we expected. service is okay There were no snacks or drinks provided, so we had to buy them I don’t think it was worth the money.”
3.5-hour Ko Olina catamaran cruise with dolphin and whale viewing, one-hour snorkel stop, Hawaiian buffet, drinks, and Waikiki pickup.
“This was a lot of fun. Took the family for my daughter’s bday. Crew was great, saw humpback whales and dolphins. Snorkeling was great but did get a little chilly in December. Food was good/solid, not the best but oh well”
2-hour Waikiki whale watching with humpback mothers, coastal views, and a free re-ride if you miss the whales.
“This was an amazing experience. Captain Jamie & his crew Alex & Peter were so friendly and helpful. Captain Jamie was very knowledgeable regarding the whales & orcas. It was so much fun. We saw whales as we were leaving the harbor. They were off the bow of the boat. Then Captain Jamie found us…”
Waikiki catamaran whale watch with a premium bar and expert narration, plus a free re-ride if no humpbacks show.
“I’ll start off by saying that the crew was extremely friendly and knowledgeable! We didn’t have a horrible time by any means and saw some whales far off in the distance but it felt more like a party cruise than a whale watching excursion.”
Morning whale watch from Waikiki on the Star of Honolulu, with breakfast, a naturalist, and lots of deck space for spotting humpbacks.
“Beautiful ocean & island views! The shop crew were very courteous & knowledgeable and the ship was clean.”
Guaranteed whale watching off Waikiki on a roomy trimaran. BYOB, bottled water, small groups, and a free return if whales miss.
“Crew was personable and easy to approach and ask questions. Saw lots of whale and dolphin activity. Very concerned with safety first and making a “Whaley” good day.”
Whale watch from Waikiki on the Majestic by Atlantis Cruises, with humpback search in Maunalua Bay, naturalist commentary, and free return if none.
“You will definitely see lots of whales and other marine life and get a great view of the harbour as well”
Join the Ocean Intrigue catamaran for Waikiki whale watching. 90 minutes, snacks and binoculars, plus a free return if needed.
Honolulu’s whale watching breakfast cruise pairs a sunrise sail past Waikiki and Diamond Head with Kona coffee and chef-made local favorites.
“Did not see a whale in sight . They kept driving us around in circles by beach . Did not go out far just kept circling in one spot. Never again. Saw a family at dock they just got off a catamaran they saw a lot of whales from the catamaran. Not this cruise. I…”
2-hour Waikiki whale watching cruise with open-air decks, underwater viewing room, and free rebooking if no whales.
“Crew was energetic always had a smile, you could tell they Loved their job had awesome play list and free drinks”
A 2-hour eco-friendly catamaran whale-watch from Waikiki with guaranteed humpbacks, Diamond Head views, and a full premium bar.
90-minute Oahu whale watching cruise with humpback sightings common in winter-spring, sunset views of Waikiki and Diamond Head.
“This was a great tour! We were able to see whales and dolphins. Highly recommend Captain Kevin and the crew Haley and Taylor!”
1.5-hour small-group whale hunt on Oahu’s North Shore from Haleiwa. Zodiac-style speed, wildlife spotting, and close-up thrills.
“Excellent tour, super fun, perfect Zodiac-style boat to best see and experience the whales and other lovely creatures. Crew is knowledgeable, but not overly chatty so you can just enjoy the experience. Kevin, the owner/ operator, has been doing this for years and grew up in the area. The crew was chill, the boat was…”
Sunset Whale Watch in Waikiki with whales guaranteed or free return, Diamond Head views, double-decker boat, and free soda.
“Had a great sail and saw a couple of whales! No breaching but a couple of tails. It was really choppy and the crew was great checking on everyone to make sure they were doing ok. Always nice to spend time on the water with knowledgeable people!”
A 1.5-hour whale watch off Honolulu on a multi-deck catamaran with snacks and binoculars, plus a revisit option if whales don’t show.
“It was an absolutely wonderful experience! The crew and captain went above and beyond to help us see the whales, and the music on the boat was fantastic. I couldn’t recommend it more!”
Waikiki to the North Shore, and the whole loop in between.
