7 Whale Watching Tours in Honolulu Worth Booking

1.Best Waikiki Whale Watching in Honolulu: Whales Guaranteed

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 196 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $79Our pick

Set out from Honolulu for a two-hour Waikiki whale-watching cruise aboard a 35-passenger trimaran. Captains and naturalists help you spot humpbacks, dolphins, turtles, and other marine life, with Diamond Head in view. Bring your own snacks and drinks, and receive a free return trip if no whales appear, subject to availability.

“They canceled my trip on the day me and my family were waiting by the dock, and we received a call that the boat broke down and couldn’t reschedule till next week. I’m back home and they still haven’t reimburse me. Very disappointed.”

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2.Honolulu, Oahu: Waikiki Whale Watching Cruise

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

Join a 90-minute whale-watching cruise from Kewalo Basin aboard the 65-foot double-decker catamaran Ocean Intrigue. You’ll scan Oahu’s coast for humpback whales, dolphins, turtles, and flying fish, with water, juice, snacks, binoculars, and a second trip offered if no whales appear.

“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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3.Whale Watching & Late Breakfast Cruise in Honolulu

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 161 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Start at 9 a.m. from Ala Moana for a two-hour cruise toward Diamond Head and Waikiki. Enjoy Kona coffee and a choice of taro French toast or loco moco while guides such as Captain Phil explain whale behavior. Expect open-air viewing, possible dolphins and turtles, and choppy water.

“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.”

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4.Whale Watching Cruise in Honolulu

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

Set out from Ala Moana on the Prince Kuhio for about 1 hour 45 minutes along Waikiki and Diamond Head. From the spacious upper deck, you may spot humpback whales, dolphins, or sea turtles. The crew serves drinks, but sightings and departure reliability can vary.

“The activity had to get moved two different times, but that didn’t honestly matter that much. We ended up going on the whale watching breakfast cruise. Jaedyn made this an activity to remember. Super helpful crew and overall had a blast. The food was really good. It doesn’t matter if you get the French toast or the loco moco”

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5.Whale Watching and Sunrise Breakfast Cruise in Honolulu

★★★★★★★★★★3.0 · 13 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $91

Meet before sunrise at 1009 Ala Moana Blvd for a 90-minute English-language cruise with breakfast, coffee, soda, and water. You may see humpback whales, calves, dolphins, blows, and flukes. Phil and the crew have been praised for their warm service, but early departures can be canceled if too few people sign up.

“Phil and crew were great! We saw a Mother and Calf. Saw the humps, blowholes and Flukes. Unfortunately, not breaches or anything but had a great time. Breakfast was delicious also.”

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6.Whale Watching Sail in Honolulu with Open Bar

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 9 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $49Top rated

Join Holokai Catamaran at 3 PM for a 90-minute beach-boarding sail off Honolulu. You’ll have an open bar, views of Oahu, and a chance to spot humpback whales, dolphins, and sea turtles. Whale sightings are not guaranteed, but a repeat 3 PM sail is available in season if no whale appears.

“Amazing hospitality from the captain and the bartender, drinks were amazing and we got to see a bunch of whales.”

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7.Private Whale Watching and Coastal Swimming Tour Honolulu

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews

Set out from Ala Moana on a private power catamaran with an expert crew. Cruise past Waikiki and Diamond Head, watch for humpback whales, then swim or snorkel with turtles and fish. Bring food, drinks, and music for a relaxed two-hour outing.

“What an amazing experience. By far the best boat tour we have ever taken. We chartered the private catamaran. The boat was beautiful and crew even better. They went out of their way to accommodate us and guide us. We were taken to Read more”

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