Oahu whale watching: six cruises from Waikiki
Oahu whale watching means humpbacks off the south coast, and every cruise on this page lasts about two hours. The state tourism office puts the humpback season at December to May, with sightings most common in January and February. Boats leave from Ala Wai Harbor, Kewalo Basin, Holomoana Street beside the Prince Waikiki, Aloha Tower Marketplace and the Waikiki beach kiosk.
Prices as of November 2026, per person: $40, $42.50, $53.31, $79, $85 and $119.95. A family of four pays about $160 on the lowest-priced boat, plus its separate fuel surcharge, against $480 on the highest.
Our picks: Oahu whale watching
Six two-hour cruises from Waikiki, from the $40 boat to the $119.95 deluxe catamaran with a premium bar.
Hand-picked tours, booked through Viator. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Spirit of Aloha deluxe catamaran whale watch
- Premium bar with cocktails, beer, wine, soda and juice
- Educational narration from the crew
- Shaded and open-air seating
- Restrooms on board
Runs December to March. A re-ride is offered if no whales are seen.
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Morning whale watch on the Star of Honolulu
- Naturalist guide
- Pineapple banana bread with Kona coffee or tea
- Onboard exhibits
Sails from 9:15 to 11:15 am. The 2026 season has ended; the next begins in January 2027.
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Whale watch on the Hokulani trimaran from Ala Wai Harbor
- Bottled water and a cooler with ice for your own drinks
- Naturalists on board
- Restrooms on board
The season runs from 20 December to 20 April. Departure is at 8 am with check-in at 7:30.
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Two-hour whale watch from Holomoana Street
- Free re-ride if no whales are seen
- Professional captain and crew
The season runs from 15 December to 15 April. Check-in is 30 minutes before departure.
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Whale watch on the Lahaina Princess from Ala Wai Harbor
- Underwater hydrophone
- Shaded main cabin with window viewing
- Restroom on board
Departures at 9:45 and 12:15.
Check availability →Two-hour whale watch from Kewalo Basin
- Refreshments and light snacks
- Underwater viewing room
- Two restrooms on board
Children 0 to 3 ride free. A fuel surcharge of $9 is paid separately.
Check availability →Oahu whale watching cruises
Two-hour cruises from Ala Wai Harbor, Kewalo Basin, Holomoana Street, Aloha Tower and the Waikiki beach kiosk, with current availability.
Whale watching on Oahu: which cruise fits you
The $40 boat from Kewalo Basin, slip F06 at 1025 Ala Moana Blvd, has an underwater viewing room, two restrooms, light snacks and refreshments, and children from 0 to 3 ride free. A $9 fuel surcharge is paid separately, and transport and parking are not included.
The $42.50 Lahaina Princess leaves from slip 497 in Ala Wai Harbor at 9:45 and 12:15. It has a shaded main cabin with window viewing and a hydrophone that lets you hear the whales under the boat.
The $53.31 cruise starts on Holomoana Street across from the Prince Waikiki, runs from 15 December to 15 April, and has a free second trip if no whales are seen. Arrive 30 minutes early. Harbor parking is $1 an hour.
The $79 trimaran leaves Ala Wai Harbor at 8 am from 20 December to 20 April, with check-in at 7:30. It has a naturalist crew, bottled water and a cooler with ice for your own drinks.
The $85 Star of Honolulu sails from Pier 8 at Aloha Tower Marketplace from 9:15 to 11:15 am, with a naturalist, pineapple banana bread and Kona coffee or tea. Its operator reports the 2026 season over and the next one starting in January 2027.
The $119.95 Spirit of Aloha is a deluxe catamaran with shaded and open-air seating and a full premium bar. It runs December to March, checks in at the kiosk on Paoa Place and offers a re-ride if no whales are seen.
Season, repeat trips and weather
The operator seasons are shorter than the humpbacks' stay: the shortest runs from mid-December to mid-April, so November is too early for most of these boats.
Federal rules keep boats, swimmers, kayaks and drones at least 100 yards (91 m) from humpbacks in Hawaii. State guidance also asks for distance from dolphins and monk seals.
Who suits which boat
Families on a budget will like the $40 and $42.50 boats. Couples who want a drink in hand can look at the $119.95 catamaran. All ages are accepted on the Holomoana Street cruise and on the catamaran. Early risers will like the 8 am trimaran or the 9:15 am Star of Honolulu. For more time on the water, the Oahu catamaran trips add sunset sails, and the snorkel boats visit the turtles. Compare more outings on our Oahu tours page.
Oahu whale watching: practical questions
When is whale watching season on Oahu?
Humpbacks visit from December to May, and January and February are the peak. The cruises here run in shorter windows, from 15 December to 15 April on the shortest.
How much does a whale watching cruise on Oahu cost?
From $40 to $119.95 per person. Four adults pay about $160 on the $40 boat and $480 on the $119.95 catamaran, before the $9 fuel surcharge on the cheapest one.
How long is the cruise?
All six take about two hours. The Star of Honolulu sails from 9:15 to 11:15 am.