The 10 Whale Watching Cruises in Oahu That Earn Their Price

1.Early Bird Whale Watching Cruise from Waikiki

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

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!”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.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.”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.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.”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.2 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.”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Oahu: Waikiki Eco-Friendly Morning Whale Watching Cruise

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

Spend two hours aboard the Honu Lani, a stable catamaran sailing from Kewalo Basin Harbor. Your English-speaking crew, including guides such as Joey, Sabrina, Flinn, or Julia on some departures, watches for humpback whales, dolphins, and turtles while you enjoy Diamond Head views and drinks from the premium bar.

“We got to go twice because the first time we went we didn’t get to see any whales up close, we did get to see a turtle and dolphins who were doing tricks, the second time we got to see dolphins and a whale and it’s baby, the staff were also great on both trips”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Waikiki Whale Watching Cruise with Snack & Trolley Transportation

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

Join Dolphins and You for a two-hour cruise from Kewalo Basin Harbor, with select Waikiki pickup, whale and dolphin searches, hula, an E Ho Mai ceremony, underwater whale songs, drinks, and snacks. Crews may include Captain Zack, Rachel, Rob, or Mark, but wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

“Great tour, well organised and everything ran on time. We were given coffee and doughnuts on the boat, but there is also a bar where you can also purchase beverages. The team were fantastic and we got to see dolphins and a killer whale!”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.West Oahu: Eco-Friendly Whale Watching Cruise

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

Meet at Waiʻanae Small Boat Harbor for a two-hour afternoon cruise along West Oahu. Watch for breaching humpbacks, tail slaps, and spouts while the crew explains whale behavior. Enjoy open-air or shaded seating, mountain views, restrooms, and a full premium bar.

“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.”

Check availability →Read our full review

8.Whale Watching Cruise in Honolulu

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

Join Prince Kuhio Tours at noon for a 1-hour-45-minute cruise from Honolulu along Waikiki and Diamond Head. You’ll watch for humpback whales from a spacious upper deck, with possible sightings of dolphins and sea turtles. Crew member Jaedyn has helped make some departures especially memorable.

“Great food, saw alot of whales. The captain and crew were excellent. I would do it again definitely.”

Check availability →Read our full review

9.Waikiki Whale Watching Cruise

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

You’ll cruise from Waikiki with a licensed English-speaking guide, watching for whales against views of Diamond Head and Waikiki Shore. The two-hour outing includes a restroom, a complimentary Mai Tai, and room for up to 40 people. Dolphins, turtles, and surface fish may also appear.

“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”

Check availability →Read our full review

10.Oahu: Seasonal Whale Watch Cruise

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

Join Atlantis Adventures aboard the Majestic from Honolulu’s Pier 6 for a 150-minute search for humpback whales. An English or Japanese-speaking naturalist explains whale behavior, while three decks, panoramic windows, and a no-sighting return offer make this a practical winter outing.

“Quick and easy to book. Parking nearby. Friendly and knowledgeable staff. Bar and snacks available on this medium size boat with excellent visibility from the top deck.”

Check availability →Read our full review