The 15 Whale Watching Tours in Waikiki That Earn Their Price

1.2-Hour Oahu Whale Watch from Ala Wai Harbor, Waikiki

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,929 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $49Our pick

Set out from Waikiki with Captain Logan and crew for a two-hour whale watch from Ala Wai Harbor. Hear live commentary, listen for whales through an underwater hydrophone, and choose the open upper deck or shaded cabin. Bring your own snacks and drinks, with sightings most likely from December through May.

“The staff were amazing and knowledgeable! They were so kind, funny, and caring the entire time. It was a 2 hour ride, but they have a stand for snacks and motion sickness medicine on the boat. Me and my boyfriend went on January 2nd and had a great experience because there was a handful of whale sightings! We would definitely book again if we come back during whale season💕”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Waikiki, Oahu 2-Hour Whale Watching: Guaranteed Sightings

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,064 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $45

Cruise from Pink Sails Waikiki for about two hours during Oahu’s December to April whale season. Captains such as Jamie explain whale behavior while you watch for blows, tails, dolphins, and turtles. If no whale appears, you can ride again free, though the ocean can be bumpy.

“Captain was great, crew very friendly. Captain gave facts about whales that was very interesting. Quite a few of us did not feel good though because we sat in the swells while we were trying to watch the whales surface so it makes you just a little bit queasy. Be prepared for that, maybe not eat a big breakfast.”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Waikiki Deluxe Catamaran Whale Watch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 638 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $89

Cruise from Kewalo Basin for about two hours on a catamaran or monohull, watching for humpbacks, tail slaps, and breaches. Your crew explains the whales’ migration, serves snacks, drinks, and premium bar options, and provides a return ride if no whales appear.

“We had a great time. Staff were awesome. We actually only had 6 ppl on our 3pm tour. It was giving private charter but that’s random don’t expect that. We saw several whales, tail slaps, pectoral slaps, sprays, and my fav a breach. It was brilliant.”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Early Bird Whale Watching Cruise from Waikiki

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

Board the Star of Honolulu at Aloha Tower for a two-hour morning whale watch with four viewing decks, stabilizers, live naturalist narration, and pineapple banana bread with Kona coffee or tea. You may spot humpbacks, dolphins, and turtles, though whale sightings and viewing time can vary.

“There was def enough space on the ship and everything was clean and the crew was awesome. I loved the "dad" jokes and little bits of fun information about the whales as we were on the tour.”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Best Waikiki Whale Watching in Honolulu: Whales Guaranteed

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

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.”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Honolulu, Oahu: Waikiki Whale Watching Cruise

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

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.”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.2 Hour Waikiki Whale Watching Cruise from Oahu

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 139 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $40

Cruise from Ala Moana Harbor along Waikiki, Diamond Head, and Ala Moana Beach Park aboard an open-air boat with upper and lower decks, an underwater viewing room, snacks, drinks, and two restrooms. Captain Jack is one crew member praised by name, though the lineup can vary. Whale sightings are backed by free rebooking within five days.

“The crew was great! Definitely would go on this cruise again and again. Saw dolphins, a whale and manta ray! Very exciting- the life guard jumped into the ocean with camera and got great video and pictures. Highly recommend.”

Check availability →Read our full review

8.Waikiki Eco-Friendly Morning Whale Watching Cruise

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

Sail two hours from Kewalo Basin aboard the Honu Lani, watching for humpback whales from December through April. Your crew explains whale behavior and marine life while you enjoy Diamond Head views, shaded or open-air seating, restrooms, and a full bar. No whale means a free re-ride, not a refund.

“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

9.Sunset Whale Watch in Waikiki, Whales Guaranteed or Free Return

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 84 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours (approx.) · from $54Top rated

Sail from Ala Moana Harbor for 1.5 to 2 hours of sunset whale watching, with two decks, soda, snacks, and views of Diamond Head. Crew members such as Captain Kevin, Katie, Jarett, and Nick have helped make recent trips safe, friendly, and informative. No whales? You receive a free return tour.

“Great crew. Saw a baby humpback breach over and over again. Incredible. Also saw spinner dolphins. Very rare event.”

Check availability →Read our full review

10.1.5 Hour Waikiki Whale Watching with E Sea Diver (Shuttle Option)

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 70 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours (approx.) · from $29Best value

Cruise from Honolulu’s Pier E on E Sea Diver’s multi-deck catamaran for about 90 minutes. In whale season, the crew searches for humpback whales and may spot dolphins, turtles, and flying fish. Captain Chad and crew members such as Isaiah and Marlee are known for lively commentary. Select Waikiki hotel pickup costs extra.

“Wonderful time, crew was so friendly and fun, found whales on the way out and coming back. Also saw dolphins and turtles.”

Check availability →Read our full review

11.Waikiki Whale Watching Cruise with Snack & Trolley Transportation

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

Cruise from Kewalo Basin around Diamond Head for humpback whales, dolphins, and sea turtles. Your crew may include Captain Zack, Jeremy, or Mark, with hula, an E Ho Mai ceremony, whale songs by hydrophone, trolley pickup, coffee, poi donuts, and soft drinks.

“It's a great time. A light rain coat is a good idea. Zack, Bennett and Kendrick were an awesome crew.”

Check availability →Read our full review

12.Waikiki Eco-Friendly Afternoon Whale Watching Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 60 reviews · 1h 30m · from $89

Join Hawaii Nautical aboard the catamaran HONU LANI for a 90-minute afternoon sail from Kewalo Basin Harbor. Watch for humpback whales from shaded or open-air seats, hear marine-life facts from the crew, and enjoy cocktails, beer, wine, juice, or soda. If no whale appears, return for another trip free.

“We went out for a second time for free as we didn't see any whales on the first trip and it didn't disappoint! We were able to see several whales which was amazing unfortunately none of them wanted to put on too much of a show and fully breach but still fantastic anyway. The staff were super welcoming and friendly and very knowledgeable too. Thanks Kia, Lisa and Don you made it a great afternoon for us! Mahalo”

Check availability →Read our full review

13.Moana’s Waikīkī Whale Watching Exploration

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 49 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $154

Join Moana Sailing Co. at 8:00 am for a roughly 2.5-hour catamaran cruise from Kewalo Basin Harbor. Captain Johnny and the crew search Oʻahu’s south shore for winter humpback whales, while you enjoy views of Diamond Head, Koko Head, and the Koʻolau Range. Water and restrooms are provided.

“We were cancelled without notice 3 hrs before a 8 am tour from the tour operator. They DID not contact viator to get in touch with us. Totally irresponsible. We spent $ 46.00 on cab fair. Which was NOT refunded by Viator. We're going to take this further. We will never trust Viator again. Watch for a negative review.”

Check availability →Read our full review

14.Sunset Whale Watching with 2 Drinks (BYOB-Friendly)

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 34 reviews · 2 hours · from $52

Set out from Honolulu for a two-hour sunset whale watch with English-speaking guides, two complimentary cocktails, water, and lemonade. You can bring your own drinks and snacks. Crew members such as Chad, Dillion, and Eve may be aboard, with whale watching focused on the December to April migration.

Check availability →Read our full review

15.Waikiki Whale Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 27 reviews · 2 hours · from $57

Spend two hours aboard Go Hawaii Watersports’ double-decker glass-bottom catamaran, watching for humpback whales above and below the surface. You’ll have two viewing decks, a shaded cabin, restrooms, snacks, drinks, and naturalist guides, with free rebooking within five days if whales stay out of sight.

“The trip was great. We were able to enjoy the view, see some whales and enjoy some drinks. The captain and the crew were the absolute best! Definitely recommend booking this cruise!”

Check availability →Read our full review