Oahu · WHALE WATCHING
Humpbacks are in these waters roughly December to April and most operators guarantee a sighting inside that window. The 9 below compare departure harbours, boat size, trip length and what the guarantee gets you if it fails.
Watch for humpback whales from Waikiki, hear them underwater, and enjoy Diamond Head views on this affordable two-hour Oahu cruise.
“Great tour of the bay and seeing whales. Saw a bunch of spouts and a couple of tails. The weather was perfect, the captain, and crew were friendly and helpful with sightings.”
Cruise Oahu’s west coast for dolphins, whales, turtles, snorkeling, a Hawaiian buffet, drinks, and hotel pickup from Waikiki.
“The hospitality was 11/10, food and beverages amazing, snorkeling was well organized and it was fun having a photographer take amazing shots without having to fiddle with our iPhones all day! The weather was 5/10 and the whales were hiding but not their fault. Boat was super comfy and we just might go again tomorrow!”
Review of Pink Sails Waikiki’s two-hour whale watch, with seasonal sightings, free repeat trips, Oahu views, pricing, tips, and honest drawbacks.
“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.”
See humpback whales from Waikiki on a two-hour catamaran cruise with drinks, snacks, expert narration, open-air seating, and a free re-ride if needed.
“It was a nice boat. The crew were awesome. We didnt see any whales on our trip. Would do it again...”
Review of Oahu’s $68 Star of Honolulu whale cruise, with open decks, naturalist narration, breakfast, whale sightings, and practical booking tips.
“I get sea sick easily so this bigger boat was just the right thing. I took some Dramamine and I wasn't sick at all. Everyone on board was very nice and the naturalist was very knowledgeable. We saw some amazing whales that kept following our boat, and had some great views of their dorsal fins and flukes. It was really great and relaxing adventure! Thank you team!”
Review of Oahu’s Majestic whale watch cruise, with Diamond Head views, naturalist commentary, onboard comfort, whale guarantee, and practical tips.
“We loved the large boat, the extended time on the sea, the live Hawaiian music, and the detailed information from the guide. And the whale pods "cooperated" very nicely.”
A 90-minute Waikiki whale-watching cruise on a double-decker catamaran, with snacks, binoculars, ocean views, and a whale-sighting guarantee.
“The crew was fantastic! Friendly, knowledgeable, informative and fun. We got super lucky to see so many whales. It was beautiful!”
Review of Honolulu’s whale watching and breakfast cruise, with Diamond Head views, Kona coffee, meal details, whale odds, and practical booking advice.
“We didn’t see any whales but the food was delicious and the staff was wonderful! They worked hard to make the best out of a bad situation.”
See humpback whales from Waikiki on a comfortable two-hour trimaran cruise with naturalists, open views, shade, and a whale-sighting guarantee.
“Wonderful boating experience. Plenty of good seating and great views. Friendly crew. No whales but still a very enjoyable trip”
Pick a coast, a harbour or a trail.
