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whale breaching in oahu bay

WAIKIKI WHALE
WATCHING TOUR

$89 / person

(3 person minimum)

Join us to view Humpback Whales in Oahu

Every winter the Humpback whales migrate away from the Arctic and Alaska to spend the colder months in Hawaii, where they can socialize, mate, and give birth in warmer waters. Whales are known to be one of the most charismatic marine species in the ocean. Come to watch the whales breach, listen to their song, and enjoy views of them as they swim along Oahu’s scenic coastline. Whale-watching tours from one of our boats are the perfect way to enjoy winter from the water in Hawaii.

mom and baby humpack whale
whale underwater
breaching whale in oahu
whale and her calf
whale breaching in oahu
whale tail slapping in ocean
breaching whale in oahu
mom and baby humpack whale
mom and baby humpack whale
whale tail slapping in ocean

Whale Watching

AVAILABLE MID-DECEMBER - APRIL

 

Enjoy views of the whales from the ocean with us during the months of November to March. We offer daytime cruises for whale watching on either Oahu’s scenic North Shore or close to Honolulu off Waikiki. Seeing humpback whales on one of our tours is an unforgettable experience and is sure to be the highlight of your trip!

$89 per person
2.5 hour tour
6 people max

The tour departs from Ala Wai Harbor. Parking is available for $1/hour in the public lot 

BE SURE TO BRING

  • Sunscreen

  • Drinks 
    (we'll supply the ice)

  • Snacks

PRIVATE WHALE WATCHING
CHARTERS AVAILABLE

Contact us to learn more 

TOP REASONS TO CHOOSE OAHU OCEAN ADVENTURES

  • Personalized, Family-Owned Adventures

  • Expert Local Guides

  • Unmatched Value and Comfort

  • Eco-Friendly and Sustainable

  • Create Lifelong Memories

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"We had such a good time on the water with this crew! We were able to snorkel at multiple locations which was very cool to see different areas. And we also got to see SO MANY WHALES. There were whales logging near the boat and also many other whales breaching, which is always one of my favorite things to see! The crew was also very respectful of the whales and other wildlife which is something I also always look for in a nature tour. Would definitely recommend to anyone wanting to explore the south side!"

ANDRIANA F.
Trip Advisor, February 2023

We went on the sunrise whale watching cruise in February 2024, Forrest and his crew were knowledgeable giving us facts about the local marine life. We saw a group of sleeping dolphins, flying fish and sea turtles. We saw whales blowing and then their tails as the dove back down. We got to hear them singing with Forrest aquatic microphone which was really special. They catered to our requests making the trip a wonderful family memory. We enjoyed our cruise so much we booked their Friday night fireworks cruise. Seeing Waikiki's coastline lit up from out on the ocean was so cool. We highly recommend them and will be booking with them again on our next visit.

SUSANNE S.
Google, April 2024

Spectacular whale-watching tour with Captain Forrest! Great boat, he had a lot of great stories, and took the time to find whales! If you are looking for a great, personal experience, I highly recommend, and would not hesitate to book with him again. Thanks!

TODD M.
Google, January 2024

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 WHERE TO FIND US 

Ala Wai Boat Harbor

1 Holomoana St,

Honolulu, Hawaii

We'll meet you at the first dock in the harbor.

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 PARKING 

​Public parking is available in this area for $1/hour. Be sure to avoid permit-only parking spots.

What to expect whale watching in Waikiki

WHERE TO GO IN WAIKIKI

  • We offer whale watching on both the South and North shores of Oahu, so there’s always a convenient option near you. Enjoy the chance to view humpback whales along scenic coastlines, outside of Waikiki or on the beautiful North Shore.

  • After booking, you’ll receive a confirmation email with meeting details and what to bring.

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WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE BOAT AND OUR CREW

  • Our tours are small and intimate, maximum six guests, unlike crowded 30+ person boats. That means more personal attention and a more immersive experience.

  • Our experienced crew will answer your questions and share insights about the whales and Hawaii’s ocean life. Tours operate on our luxurious 42ft Lagoon Catamaran.

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EDUCATION ABOUT WAIKIKI'S WHALES

  • Curious about whale size, songs, or behavior? Our crew provides educational insights and answers along the way. Before heading out, we’ll also review vessel safety and emergency procedures.

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WILL THERE BE FOOD? IS THIS EXPERIENCE A DINNER OR LUNCH CRUISE?

  • You are more than welcome to bring your own food, snacks, alcohol, or drinks. We will provide a cooler with ice that you are welcome to use to store your snacks.

  • We partner with The Aloha Culinary Group for the option to provide quality and delicious meals onboard. Turn your whale-watching sail into a dinner/lunch cruise! Ask us about dining options when you book.

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WHAT TO BRING WHEN WHALE WATCHING IN WAIKIKI?

  • Swimsuit - You might get the chance for a quick swim

  • Light jacket - It can get chilly after sunset

  • Camera - Don't miss the whales or coastline views. A zoom lens is best for distant shots

  • Add-On Photo Package - Let our pros capture the moment so you can relax

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Ask us about snorkel/whale watch combo options!

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WHAT YOU COULD SEE WHALE WATCHING IN WAIKIKI

  • Although humpback whales are typically solitary animals, when they arrive in Hawaii they are looking to socialize, mate, and give birth. This gives us a unique opportunity to observe different behaviors from the whales that you can’t see in other parts of their migration. Whale watching in Oahu is truly unique. 

  • Types of Whales and Behaviors seen in Hawaii

    • Mom and Baby Whale 

      • Humpback whales have a one-year pregnancy and the calf will stay with mom up to a year after birth. Each whale season pregnant females return to the warm waters around Hawaii to give birth. The chance to view humpback whale calves is something truly special. Watch as mom helps baby to breathe and teaches the baby how to splash and jump so they can grow stronger before the migration back North.

      • Sometimes mom and baby whales will be accompanied by an escort. This male whale is there to wait his turn to be the next to mate with mom.

    • Singing Whales

      • Humpback whales have probably the most famous song in all the animal kingdom. Males will sing to attract a mate. We always carry a hydrophone on board so that you can listen to the whale’s songs from the boat.

    • Resting Whales

      • The humpback whales migrate over three thousand miles to get to Hawaii. We often view the whales relaxing at the surface or taking breaths between sleeps below the surface. Watch as they send a spout up to ten feet in the air with every breath.

    • Playful, Active, and Breaching Whales

      • As the whales socialize and mate they often play or are very active on the surface. It is a spectacular sight to see an almost forty-ton animal breach it’s entire body out of the water!

      • Other cool surface behaviors include - tail slapping, pectoral slapping, and rolling around.

      • In some rare cases, we can observe a heat run. This is where a group of male whales will be chasing and competing over a female whale. They are often moving very quickly and with a lot of intensity.

 

WHAT MARINE LIFE CAN YOU SEE IN WAIKIKI​

Along the way, you might also encounter:

  • Green Sea Turtles​

  • Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins

  • Endangered Hawaiian Monk Seals

Ask us about adding a snorkel session to your tour for even more wildlife-interaction!

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