15 Whale Watching Tours on Oahu to Build a Day Around

2-Hour Oahu Whale Watch from Ala Wai Harbor, Waikiki - Waikiki Beach from the ocean

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

Watch humpback whales from Waikiki, hear them by hydrophone, and enjoy Diamond Head views on this affordable two-hour Oahu cruise.

“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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Buffet Experiences, Cruises & Boat Tours, Dolphin Watching, Oahu Snorkeling Tours, Tour Reviews, VIP, Whale Watching

Luxury Snorkel Cruise, Local Buffet with Whale & Dolphin Watch

2.Luxury Snorkel Cruise, Local Buffet with Whale & Dolphin Watch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,334 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $174

Cruise Oahu’s west coast for dolphins, whales, turtles, snorkeling, a Hawaiian buffet, drinks, and hotel pickup from Waikiki.

“There is no snorkeling, we didn’t see any whales or dolphins. We were very disappointed. I would not recommend this trip.”

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2-Hour Experiences, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching

Waikiki, Oahu 2-Hour Whale Watching: Guaranteed Sightings

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

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

A practical review of Pink Sails Waikiki’s two-hour whale watch, with seasonal sightings, free rebooking, coastal views, and useful tips.

“Captain Jamie, Peter and Alex are funny, entertaining yet really knowledgeable about the whales and ocean. They have great chemistry together and make a great team. They do guarantee to see whales, if not your next trip us on them. We did see seals, turtles, spinner dolphin 🐬 and whales. I would recommend The sunset cruise.”

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Cruises & Boat Tours, Sailing, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching

Waikiki Deluxe Catamaran Whale Watch

4.Waikiki Deluxe Catamaran Whale Watch

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

Review of Waikiki Deluxe Catamaran Whale Watch, with whale sightings, drinks, crew tips, pickup details, seasickness advice, and re-ride policy.

“It was a nice boat. The crew were awesome. We didnt see any whales on our trip. Would do it again...”

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Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching

Early Bird Whale Watching Cruise from Waikiki

5.Early Bird Whale Watching Cruise from Waikiki

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

Review the Star of Honolulu’s $68 early whale-watching cruise from Waikiki, with open decks, naturalist narration, coffee, and pineapple bread.

“You’ll definitely see whales here! We were able to see everything they said through the introduction of the trip.”

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Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching

Whale Watch Cruise Aboard The Majestic

6.Whale Watch Cruise Aboard The Majestic

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 193 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $85

Review of Oahu’s Majestic whale watch cruise, with humpback sightings, naturalist commentary, Diamond Head views, prices, and practical tips.

“We went in late January, peak season for whale migration. Boat was comfortable, guide was knowledgeable. We saw at least a dozen whale sightings. All in all a great experience!”

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Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching

Honolulu, Oahu: Waikiki Whale Watching Cruise

7.Honolulu, Oahu: Waikiki Whale Watching Cruise

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

Watch humpback whales from a 65-foot catamaran off Waikiki, with snacks, binoculars, marine life sightings, and a whale guarantee.

“Very friendly staff. Found us a momma whale and a baby! Excellent life experience.”

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Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching

Whale Watching & Late Breakfast Cruise in Honolulu

8.Whale Watching & Late Breakfast Cruise in Honolulu

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

Review of Honolulu’s two-hour whale-watching and breakfast cruise, with Diamond Head views, Kona coffee, marine life, and practical booking advice.

“The tour was very well organized, and a lot of families joined this tour. The tour guide told us that the earlier tour saw no whales. We had at least 10-12 whale sightings--exciting! For me the only difficult part of the tour was the choppy water which made the catamaran bob up and down. And not only did we see whales, we also saw dolphins. The 2-hour time limit was just right, and the crew's narration was on point. It was an experience of a lifetime!”

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2-Hour Experiences, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching

2 Hour Waikiki Whale Watching in Honolulu

9.2 Hour Waikiki Whale Watching in Honolulu

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 147 reviews · from $79

Review of Honolulu’s 2-hour Waikiki whale watch, with trimaran comfort, crew tips, whale sightings, pricing, logistics, and honest drawbacks.

“Great experience with a great crew. Such a nice and chill wibe onboard the boat. Cant imagine a much better way to see the whales.”

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2-Hour Experiences, Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching

2 Hour Waikiki Whale Watching Cruise from Oahu

10.2 Hour Waikiki Whale Watching Cruise from Oahu

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

Review of Oahu’s $40 Waikiki whale cruise, with open-air viewing, snacks, wildlife sightings, practical tips, and the $7 fuel fee.

“Friendly staff! Saw lots of whales this day even though the weather wasn’t great. The captain followed the whales from a distance so we could see them safely”

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Cruises & Boat Tours, Morning, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching

Oahu: Waikiki Eco-Friendly Morning Whale Watching Cruise

11.Waikiki Eco-Friendly Morning Whale Watching Cruise

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

Watch humpback whales from a stable Waikiki catamaran with crew narration, bar service, Diamond Head views, and a free re-ride if needed.

“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”

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Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching

Oahu: Whale Watching Cruise Whales Guaranteed

12.Whale Watching Cruise Whales Guaranteed

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 97 reviews · 1h 30m · from $56

Watch humpback whales near Waikiki and Diamond Head on a 90-minute sunset cruise with live commentary and a free return if none appear.

“Saw a pod of 3 whales. Captain took the boat as close as possible. Amazing experience.”

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Guided, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whale Watching

1.5-Hour Guided Whale Watching Tour

13.1.5-Hour Guided Whale Watching Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 92 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $99

Fast North Shore whale watching from Haleiwa, with an 18-seat boat, local guides, sharks, dolphins, turtles, and rugged ocean views.

“Such an amazing experience and a fun ride! Wow! We saw dolphins, sharks, and a turtle. The crew was so lovely and personable. 10/10 would recommend.”

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Evening Experiences, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching

Sunset Whale Watch in Waikiki, Whales Guaranteed or Free Return

14.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

Review of Waikiki’s sunset whale watch, with Diamond Head views, drinks, a double-decker boat, and a free return if whales stay hidden.

“Had a great sail and saw a couple of whales! No breaching but a couple of tails. It was really choppy and the crew was great checking on everyone to make sure they were doing ok. Always nice to spend time on the water with knowledgeable people!”

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Tour Reviews, Whale Watching

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

15.1.5 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

A low-cost Waikiki whale cruise with friendly crew, ocean views, snacks, and a whale rebooking option, though sightings are never guaranteed.

“This experience was amazing, apparently it’s whale season! We did encounter a whale, and a large sea turtle. The captain and his crew were super kind and helpful!”

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