The 9 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💕”

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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.”

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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.”

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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.”

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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.”

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6.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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7.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!”

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8.Waikiki Whale Watching Tour-Donut and Coffee Included

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 13 reviews · 2 hours · from $100Top rated

Cruise from Kewalo Basin Harbor toward Diamond Head on a stylish two-deck boat with a bathroom, surround sound, and an underwater hydrophone. You’ll join an E Ho Mai ceremony, watch for humpback whales, enjoy coffee and a poi mochi donut, then watch the crew perform hula before returning to Waikiki.

“We had a wonderful time. Got to see whales and dolphins. Crew was great.”

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9.Whale Watching Cruise in Waikiki Oahu – SEE THE HUMPBACKS!

★★★★★★★★★★3.9 · 6 reviews · 2h 30m · from $80

Cruise from Kewalo Basin aboard Island Princess for 2.5 hours of whale watching off Waikiki. Captain Ryan and crew member Wylie have been praised for their whale-finding skills, but sightings are never guaranteed. Bring food, drinks, sunscreen, and a jacket.

“Hawaii peak whale season and no whales to be found. The boat hardly ventured 5 miles out off the coast line no whales come that close and none use any sonar or drone to spot them beyond ridiculous. In Norway we went 1 hour into the ocean to see sperm whales and they tracked them… you have the navy and so many resources here and you can’t spot a whale that’s a sham or a scam. I don’t even want to try again just wasted 2.5 hours of my life driving along the coast of Waikiki…. Also the boat crew said the whales don’t even breach here so take off…”

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