OAHU
Oahu’s best days out.
The 15 most popular whale watching 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“A fun experience with great crew members! Obviously you are not expecting to see a ton of whales not on Maui, but going and seeing a few, for a cheap price, and not significant travel time is very nice.”
Luxury catamaran off Oahu: whale and dolphin watching, guided snorkel at a secret spot, Hawaiian buffet with drinks, and hotel pickup.
“There is no snorkeling, we didn’t see any whales or dolphins. We were very disappointed. I would not recommend this trip.”
Waikiki 2-hour whale watching from Pink Sails Waikiki. Winter humpback sightings, coastal sail, and a free return if none.
“The staff were knowledgeable, entertaining, and very helpful. One of our party became seasick, and they were attentive and kind.”
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.
“The crew was amaizing, really awesome guys. Friendly and fun and made the boat ride a great experience. We didn’t see any whales and they did give us a return voucher. However, when I went to reschedule everything I tried to reschedule for that fit into our vacation schedual was an up charge.. it would…”
Whale watch from Aloha Tower on Star of Honolulu. Pineapple banana bread breakfast, live naturalist narration, four-deck viewing.
“I feel a little deceived because reviews on this cruise said we would have to get briefly in the water to get on and off making me think it was a different cruise and smaller boat. I have already been on the star of Honolulu and thought it was quite boring. Didn't see any whales…”
Honolulu whale watch on The Majestic by Atlantis Cruises: humpback spotting with naturalist narration, plus a free return if none seen.
“While we enjoyed being on the water and the staff taking good care of us, we saw a lot of whale activity but it was all too far away to appreciate. No fault to the crew... We were supposed to be on a small craft out of the North Shore. It unfortunately canceled due to…”
Waikiki whale watching on the Ocean Intrigue catamaran. 90 minutes at sea with binoculars, snacks, and a free resail guarantee.
“Very friendly staff. Found us a momma whale and a baby! Excellent life experience.”
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.
“This was a very relaxing and enjoyable experience. The waters were rough today, so take motion sickness meds just in case, we received ice cold water upon arrival. The crew is nice and attentive but not intrusive. No whales today ( if they don't show you get a free pass for another reservation), we did…”
A 2-hour Waikiki whale watching cruise with open-air decks, an underwater viewing room, and a whale guarantee or free rebooking.
“I was not happy. There was no communication with me of where to meet. No text no email. Until I got back from the tour. Then I found the email. A little late!”
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.
“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: double-decker Diamond Head views, snacks and soda, and a free return if no whales are spotted.
“Exactly as described. Easy access and parking. Fantastic whales-sighting 5 minutes off shores. Very laidback crews and BYOB as you like with your own plastic glass. Totally enjoyable 1.5 hours.”
1.5-hour Waikiki whale watching cruise from Pier E with E Sea Diver. Helpful crew, snacks, binoculars, and a whale rain-check plan.
“Crew very nice and fun. We only saw a whale in a distance but just being out on the water was worth it”
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…”
From Waikiki to the North Shore, and every way to spend a day on the island.
