OAHU
Oahu’s best days out.
The 15 most popular whale watching tours on Oahu. A short list of the ones worth building a day around, with prices, run times and where to book.
A 2-hour Waikiki whale watch from Ala Wai Harbor, with live narration, big viewing windows, a hydrophone, and BYOB for $49.95.
Most Popular“We saw Humpback whales, spinner dolphins, and a turtle. The captain and crew were kind and knowledgeable”
Waikiki 2-hour whale watching from Pink Sails Waikiki. Winter humpback sightings, coastal sail, and a free return if none.
“It’s a bumpy ride but you likely won’t get wet. Beautiful scenery and a few whales but you gotta be patient. Also really appreciated LD being on the boat.”
Waikiki Deluxe catamaran whale watch from Kewalo Basin with a full bar, guided humpback spotting, and a free re-ride if whales don’t show.
“TOURIST TRAP. They put in zero effort to actually spot a whale or even take you out far enough to where it's remote. Took us a mile or two out, next to some cargo ships and took us right back. The crew were just chilling/ talking to each other in the front of the boat…”
Whale watch from Aloha Tower on Star of Honolulu. Pineapple banana bread breakfast, live naturalist narration, four-deck viewing.
“You’ll definitely see whales here! We were able to see everything they said through the introduction of the trip.”
Honolulu whale watch on The Majestic by Atlantis Cruises: humpback spotting with naturalist narration, plus a free return if none seen.
“This tour was a great experience. We saw alot of whales, especially given it was the last day of the "season".... the staff was knowledgeable and friendly and the service was great. The boat was much larger than we expected so but ended up being one of the better whale watching experiences we have had…”
Waikiki whale watching on the Ocean Intrigue catamaran. 90 minutes at sea with binoculars, snacks, and a free resail guarantee.
“It was awesome we saw a family of whales. Thank you so much.”
Honolulu whale watching with breakfast on board: Kona coffee, Kona-plantation taste, Diamond Head and Waikiki views, plus chances at dolphins.
“beware seasickness! otherwise Phil and Lily and cook were great. for us, saw 6plus whales and a couple of dolphin too!”
Two-hour Waikiki whale watch on a modern trimaran with shade, BYOB snacks, and a free trip if whales don’t show.
“It's nature so keep your expectations realistic. The crew can't make whales appear. My trip was great. I saw a mama whale and her calf.”
A 2-hour Waikiki whale watching cruise with open-air decks, an underwater viewing room, and a whale guarantee or free rebooking.
“When I arrived, I was told I owed a $7.00 fuel surcharge which Viator does not collect. Parking in the area was limited and cost $24.00. You could not hear the information about the whales if you were outside and not in the cabin area.”
Oahu whale watching cruise with humpbacks in season, sunset views of Waikiki and Diamond Head, live guide talk, snacks onboard.
Small-group North Shore whale watch from Haleiwa: fast boat, Waimea Bay swells, and a chance at whales, sharks, turtles.
“Loved the set up of the boat. It was fun, interactive, easy to see sea life, and helped minimize sea sickness. Our tour guides were fun and knowledgeable. We saw tons of dolphins, several sea turtles, and even sharks. Great experience.”
Sunset Whale Watch in Waikiki: double-decker Diamond Head views, snacks and soda, and a free return if no whales are spotted.
“Nice sunset boat tour but didn’t see any whales The crew is amazing Whale watching felt a bit random”
1.5-hour Waikiki whale watching cruise from Pier E with E Sea Diver. Helpful crew, snacks, binoculars, and a whale rain-check plan.
“We enjoyed this little excursion. We didn’t get to see many whales, but we did get to see some wildlife.”
West Oahu Deluxe whale watching from Waianae: roomy catamaran, premium bar, guided humpback spotting, and a free re-ride if no whales.
“This is a wonderful experience from every angle. The crew was friendly and helpful, you get two free drink tickets per person and the drinks were great, and they really work at getting a good view of the whales while also respecting their space (I believe it’s the law, but still important). We had the…”
A 2-hour sunset cruise from Waikiki to look for whales and dolphins, led by a fun crew and timed for Hawaii’s golden hour.
“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!”
From Waikiki to the North Shore, and every way to spend a day on the island.
