7 Oahu Whale Watching Tours to Build a Morning Around

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

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

Join Captain Logan and the crew at Ala Wai Harbor for a two-hour whale watch from Waikiki. From December through May, you’ll scan for humpbacks, dolphins, turtles, and flying fish while learning about whale behavior through live narration and an onboard hydrophone.

“Captain and crew were great, very accommodating, knowledgeable and fun! We saw a sea turtle, and monk seal! No whales, but we did get a voucher to go back anytime! Will be back!”

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

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

Cruise from Pink Sails Waikiki between December and April for a two-hour search for humpback whales. Captain Jamie and crew members such as Alex, Peter, Ryan, and Tyler share facts about whale behavior while you watch for blows, tails, dolphins, and turtles. If no whale appears, you can return for another ride at no charge.

“We didn’t see a whale, but that’s nothing that can be humanly controlled. We did see a turtle. We do get another trip for free whenever we want. It was a nice boat riding nonetheless, and the crew were cool.”

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3.Waikiki Deluxe Catamaran Whale Watch

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

Cruise from Kewalo Basin with Hawaii Nautical for about two hours of whale watching near Waikiki. Your captain and crew explain humpback migration while you watch for breaches, tail slaps, and spouts. Guides such as Chris, Joey, and Keoni may lead the trip, with drinks, snacks, restrooms, and a re-ride if no whales appear.

“When the guys show up just on time, don't worry, even tho you've been there 30 min. The whales did not cooperate, so didn't see anything. They guarantee you see whales so we were given a voucher for a future cruise. Staff was very nice and the drinks were good if a little sweet. Just be aware that the "guaranteed whales" isn't. This boat is also very rocky if there are any seas so don't go if you're prone to seasickness.”

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4.Early Bird Whale Watching Cruise from Waikiki

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

Cruise from Aloha Tower aboard the Star of Honolulu for about two hours of humpback whale watching. A naturalist provides live narration while you use four walk-around decks, indoor seating, and steadying stabilizers. The trip includes pineapple banana bread plus Kona coffee or tea.

“Obviously it was magical seeing the whales, but in addition, the crew was professional and knowledgeable, the boat was clean and spacious, plenty of options to watch for whales, and I like that it is handicapped accessible, even though we didnt personally need that. Really glad we made the time to do it. Very well worth it!”

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5.Whale Watch Cruise Aboard The Majestic

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

Cruise from Honolulu’s Pier 6 aboard the spacious Majestic for about 2.5 hours. A naturalist explains humpback behavior while you watch for whales, turtles, and spinner dolphins in Maunalua Bay. You get indoor air-conditioned seating, outdoor decks, food and drinks for purchase, and a free return cruise if no whale is sighted.

“Casey made us feel very good and welcome. The naturalist identifying the whales was extremely knowledgeable and so much fun. The whole experience was absolutely wonderful.”

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6.Honolulu, Oahu: Waikiki Whale Watching Cruise

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

Join E Sea Diver aboard the 65-foot Ocean Intrigue for a 90-minute whale-watching cruise from Kewalo Basin. Between December and April, look for humpback whales, dolphins, turtles, and flying fish while enjoying open views from the double-decker catamaran. If no whales appear, you can book another trip free.

“The entire team was incredibly welcoming, and we were even lucky enough to spot a family of whales! This experience offers fantastic value for the price—I highly recommend it.”

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7.2 Hour Waikiki Whale Watching Cruise from Oahu

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

Cruise from Honolulu’s Ala Moana Harbor along Waikiki, Diamond Head, and Ala Moana Beach Park. You’ll watch for humpback whales from open-air upper and lower decks, with an underwater viewing room, snacks, drinks, restrooms, and a free rebooking option if no whales appear.

“If you have time, call ahead to see how many passengers will be on the trip and get a whale status update.”

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