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Oahu Whale Watching Tours
Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION2 hours
1 Boarding point
Sights covered
Aloha Tower
Honolulu Harbor
Diamond Head
Diamond Head Crater (Lē’ahi)
Waikīkī beachfront skyline
Oahu coastline
Sunset views
Friday fireworks display
Whale watching (Nov-May)
This luxury dinner cruise comes with live entertainment, Waikiki views, and a delicious buffet.
Starting point: Star of Honolulu
- Everything you get: Step aboard Hawaii’s largest dinner cruise vessel for a 2-hour journey featuring gourmet buffet dining, coastal views, and live performances. Sip on your welcome Mai Tai as you enjoy Hawaiian music, hula dancing, and a live jazz show under the stars.
- Sights covered: Waikiki skyline, Lē’ahi (Diamond Head), Honolulu Harbor, Pacific sunset, the glittering Oahu coastline, & more.
- Why choose this: Whether celebrating or just enjoying a night out, this cruise offers fine dining, island hospitality, and top entertainment for a seamless Hawaiian evening on the water.
- Upgrades: Choose from the Deluxe Cruise with a 5-course lobster and steak dinner, or elevate your evening further with the Signature Cruise, which includes a private table in the exclusive Super Nova Room.
This luxury dinner cruise comes with live entertainment, Waikiki views, and a delicious buffet.
Starting point: Star of Honolulu
- Everything you get: Step aboard Hawaii’s largest dinner cruise vessel for a 2-hour journey featuring gourmet buffet dining, coastal views, and live performances. Sip on your welcome Mai Tai as you enjoy Hawaiian music, hula dancing, and a live jazz show under the stars.
- Sights covered: Waikiki skyline, Lē’ahi (Diamond Head), Honolulu Harbor, Pacific sunset, the glittering Oahu coastline, & more.
- Why choose this: Whether celebrating or just enjoying a night out, this cruise offers fine dining, island hospitality, and top entertainment for a seamless Hawaiian evening on the water.
- Upgrades: Choose from the Deluxe Cruise with a 5-course lobster and steak dinner, or elevate your evening further with the Signature Cruise, which includes a private table in the exclusive Super Nova Room.
Inclusions
- Sunset cruise aboard the Star of Honolulu
- 2-hour tour
- Pacific Rim Roast Beef Buffet Dinner (Menu)
- One Signature Mai Tai
- Live entertainment including pier-side welcome hula, Hawaiian music & a Polynesian show
- Sunset views
- Fireworks on Fridays
- Deluxe Cruise with 5-Course Whole Maine Lobster and Tenderloin Steak Dinner - Menu (as per option selected)
- Signature Cruise with access to the exclusive Super Nova Room on the fourth deck and private table - Menu (as per option selected)
- Moku-Ola Show - Voyage of Life (as per option selected)
- Champagne toast (as per option selected)
- Transportation is not included with your ticket. You will have to make your own way to the Star of Honolulu dock.
- Please check-in at the Star of Honolulu 45-min prior to your cruise.
- For dinner cruises, opt for elegant or casual attire. Short pants and flip-flops are not recommended. On cooler nights, take along a light jacket to keep you comfortable.
- Alternative entrées (fish, chicken or vegan) are available for those with special dietary needs with 24-hours advance notice.
- The Star of Honolulu is Hawaii’s only ADA-compliant ship, with boarding ramps and 2 elevators that can accommodate wheelchairs.
- Service animals, as per ADA specs, are allowed to accompany guests.
- Pets are not allowed on board.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Spot majestic humpback whales on a morning cruise, complete with expert narration and breakfast treats.
Starting point: Pier 6, Aloha Tower Marketplace
- Everything you get: Cruise Oahu’s waters for 2 hours aboard a spacious, stable vessel with four walk-around decks and a 60-foot observation deck. Enjoy up-close views of migrating humpback whales during breeding season with sweeping ocean and coastal views of Oahu’s scenic shoreline. Enjoy expert narration from a naturalist crew, plus homemade pineapple banana bread and Kona blend coffee, along with a whale sighting guarantee.
- Why choose this: Witness the awe-inspiring humpback whales as they migrate through Hawaiian waters—guaranteed sightings or cruise again for free.
Spot majestic humpback whales on a morning cruise, complete with expert narration and breakfast treats.
Starting point: Pier 6, Aloha Tower Marketplace
- Everything you get: Cruise Oahu’s waters for 2 hours aboard a spacious, stable vessel with four walk-around decks and a 60-foot observation deck. Enjoy up-close views of migrating humpback whales during breeding season with sweeping ocean and coastal views of Oahu’s scenic shoreline. Enjoy expert narration from a naturalist crew, plus homemade pineapple banana bread and Kona blend coffee, along with a whale sighting guarantee.
- Why choose this: Witness the awe-inspiring humpback whales as they migrate through Hawaiian waters—guaranteed sightings or cruise again for free.
Inclusions
- 2-hour whale watching cruise
- Hawaii’s largest sightseeing vessel, equipped with high-tech stabilizers
- Live narration by knowledgeable naturalist crew members
- Breakfast, including:
- Whale sighting guarantee (receive a 'Whale Check' to cruise again if no whale is sighted)
Exclusions
- Alcoholic beverages (available for purchase onboard)
- Round-trip transportation from Waikiki
- Gratuities
- Souvenir photos
What to bring
- Bring a camera to capture whale sightings and scenic views.
- Dress appropriately for outdoor conditions; layered clothing and sun protection are recommended.
- Carry a valid photo ID if requested at check-in.
What’s not allowed
- Outside food and beverages are not permitted onboard.
- Pets are not allowed, except for registered service animals.
- Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is not permitted on the vessel.
- Large bags, suitcases, and oversized luggage are not allowed onboard.
Accessibility
- The vessel is ADA-compliant and wheelchair accessible.
- Accessible restrooms are available onboard.
- Staff are available to assist guests with mobility needs.
Additional information
- Check-in time is 8:45am; the cruise operates from 9:15am to 11:15am.
- The cruise departs from Aloha Tower Marketplace, approximately 15 minutes from Waikiki.
- Infants aged 2 and under cruise free but must be included in your booking.
- Alcoholic beverages and memory photos are available for purchase onboard.
- A whale sighting is guaranteed during the season; if no whale is sighted, you will receive a “Whale Check” to cruise again.
- The cruise operates seasonally from January through March.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION90 minutes
1 Boarding point
Sights covered
Waikiki Beachfront Skyline
Diamond Head Crater (Lē’ahi)
Magic Island Lagoon
Ala Moana Beach Park
Downtown Honolulu
Turtle Canyon Reef
Sunset Viewpoint over the Pacific Ocean
Potential Shipwreck Site (near reef area)
Humpback whales (Between Nov-May)
Cruise Hawaiian waters at sunset on a glass-bottom boat where golden skies meet underwater wonders.
Starting point: Hawaii Glass Bottom Boats
- Everything you get: A relaxing 1.5-hour journey aboard the Haleiwa Queen with panoramic views of Honolulu’s skyline as the sun goes down. Peek through glass-bottom viewports to catch underwater marine life in action, especially as the boat’s special lights attract sea creatures after dark.
- Sights covered: Waikiki skyline, downtown Honolulu, Pacific Ocean views, Oahu’s reefs, vibrant marine life, city lights at sunset, & more.
- Why choose this: Unlike most sunset cruises that only focus on the sky, this one allows you to look down into the reef below through onboard glass panels, especially when the sunset hues create magic in the water.
Cruise Hawaiian waters at sunset on a glass-bottom boat where golden skies meet underwater wonders.
Starting point: Hawaii Glass Bottom Boats
- Everything you get: A relaxing 1.5-hour journey aboard the Haleiwa Queen with panoramic views of Honolulu’s skyline as the sun goes down. Peek through glass-bottom viewports to catch underwater marine life in action, especially as the boat’s special lights attract sea creatures after dark.
- Sights covered: Waikiki skyline, downtown Honolulu, Pacific Ocean views, Oahu’s reefs, vibrant marine life, city lights at sunset, & more.
- Why choose this: Unlike most sunset cruises that only focus on the sky, this one allows you to look down into the reef below through onboard glass panels, especially when the sunset hues create magic in the water.
Inclusions
- Sunset boat ride aboard the Haleiwa Queen
- 1.5-hour tour
- Glass-bottom viewports
- Drinking water
Exclusions
- Food
- This tour does not include transportation to/from the harbor.
- Please arrive at the departure point at least 15-min before your scheduled tour time.
- Infants 2 years old and under can ride for free with their parents.
- Whale sightings are seasonal and typically occur from November to May.
- Motorized wheelchairs and scooters are not allowed on board.
- Walkers and collapsible wheelchairs can be brought on board.
- The ramp to board the boat is not wheelchair accessible. Wheelchair users need to be able to step up onto the ramp, walk the ramp, and step down into the vessel, before being immediately seated.
- If you’re prone to motion sickness or just a bit worried about it, it’s a good idea to take your go-to seasickness medication about two hours before you hop on the catamaran.
- Large bags, suitcases, and oversized luggage are not permitted on board.
- Smoking, vaping, and the use of e-cigarettes are strictly prohibited on the boat.
- Alcohol and illegal substances are not allowed on board.
- The tour needs at least 10 guests total to set sail. If that number isn’t met, you’ll have the option to reschedule or get a full refund.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
HawaiiOahu Whale Watching
Which Oahu whale watching cruise is best for you?
Cruise type
Departure harbor
Whale focus
Includes
Dining
Entertainment
Duration
Oahu Whale Watching Cruise with Breakfast
Waikiki (Kewalo Basin)
Primary focus during whale season
Whale watching cruise + morning ocean views
Continental breakfast (pastries, coffee, juice)
No
~2 hours
Waikiki Marine Life Tour
Waikiki
Primary focus during whale season + dolphins & turtles
Guided marine life cruise
Light refreshments (as per option selected)
No
~2 hours
Waikiki Sunset Cruise
Waikiki
Seasonal whale sightings
Scenic sunset sail along Waikiki coastline
Drinks available for purchase (as per option selected)
No
~1.5–2 hours
Star of Honolulu Dinner Cruise
Honolulu Harbor (Aloha Tower)
Seasonal whale sightings possible
Multi-deck cruise + buffet dinner
3-course buffet
Live Hawaiian entertainment
~2 hours
Plan your visit
Timings
Best time to visit
Getting there
Accessibility
Rules & safety
Visitor tips
Dining
- Morning breakfast cruises: Typically 8am–10am departures
- Marine life tours: Mid-morning or early afternoon
- Sunset cruises: Around 4:30pm–5:30pm (seasonal timing varies)
- Dinner cruises: Evening departures aligned with sunset
Duration ranges from 1.5 to 3 hours depending on the cruise selected.
- December through April is whale season, with peak activity from January to March when humpback whales are most abundant and behaviors like breaching and mother-calf sightings are more frequent.
- Morning cruises offer calmer seas and smoother rides, while afternoon and sunset departures provide warmer light and scenic coastal views. Choose based on comfort vs. ambiance.
- Weekdays and non-holiday dates are less crowded, giving you more space on deck and better viewing flexibility during peak winter months.
Kewalo Basin Harbor (Waikiki departures)
Address: 1125 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96814, United States | Find on Maps
- By bus: TheBus routes 8, 20, 23, 42, and E stop near Ala Moana Blvd or Ala Moana Center, about a 5–10 minute walk to the harbor.
- By car or rideshare: 10–15 mins from central Waikiki (3–4 miles). Rideshare typically costs $15–$25. Paid parking is available nearby but can fill quickly during peak whale season (Jan–Mar).
- On foot (from Ala Moana area): If staying near Ala Moana Center, it’s about a 15-minute walk to the harbor.
Aloha Tower Marketplace (Honolulu Harbor departures)
Address: 1 Aloha Tower Dr, Honolulu, HI 96813, United States | Find on Maps
- By bus: Multiple downtown-bound routes stop near Nimitz Hwy and Ala Moana Blvd, a short walk to the pier area.
- By car or rideshare: 15–20 minutes from Waikiki depending on traffic. Paid parking is available at Aloha Tower Marketplace.
- Hotel shuttle: Many Star of Honolulu dinner cruises offer optional round-trip transfers from select Waikiki hotels for an added fee.
- Large vessels such as the Star of Honolulu Dinner Cruise are equipped with stable boarding ramps and are generally more accessible for guests using wheelchairs or mobility aids. Some ships offer elevator access between decks and ADA-compliant restrooms.
- Smaller catamarans used for breakfast, sunset, or marine life cruises may require stepping down onto the vessel from the dock. These boats are not fully wheelchair accessible, and guests with limited mobility may need assistance during boarding.
- Crew members are available to assist with boarding and disembarking. If you require mobility support or have specific accessibility needs, contact the tour provider before your departure date to confirm the most suitable cruise option.
- Children under 16 must be supervised at all times, while on the dock and throughout the cruise.
- Pets are not allowed onboard.
- Ocean conditions can change quickly, so use handrails when walking around the deck and remain seated when instructed by the crew.
- Do not try to touch, feed, or approach marine life. Federal regulations require vessels to maintain a safe distance (at least 100 yards) from humpback whales. Wildlife must be observed respectfully, even if whales or dolphins surface nearby.
- No smoking or vaping onboard. Open flames are strictly prohibited on all vessels.
- Help protect Hawaii’s ocean. Do not throw trash or objects overboard. Dispose of waste properly and use reef-safe sunscreen to minimize environmental impact.
- Follow crew instructions at all times. Captains and crew are trained professionals who prioritize passenger safety and responsible wildlife viewing.
- Arrive early and start stress-free. Aim to reach the harbor at least 30–45 minutes before departure. Parking, locating your pier, and check-in can take a little time, especially during peak whale season.
- Dress for ocean breezes, not just island weather. Even on sunny Waikiki days, it’s cooler offshore. Wear light layers, secure footwear with grip, sunglasses, and reef-safe sunscreen. A hat with a strap is helpful since trade winds can be strong on deck.
- Keep your camera ready, but secured. Whales can surface without warning. Use a wrist strap or neck strap so your phone or camera doesn’t slip if the boat shifts. Burst mode helps capture breaches and tail dives.
- Eat light before boarding. If you’re sensitive to motion, avoid heavy meals and consider seasickness medication 30–60 mins before departure.
- Scan the horizon, not just one spot. Whale blows (the mist from their breath) are often the first sign.
Depending on which Oahu whale watching cruise you choose, dining may already be part of the experience, or you can explore great harborfront restaurants afterward.
Cruises that include meals onboard:
- Star of Honolulu Dinner Cruise: These evening cruises include a full dinner experience while you sail. Depending on the package, expect multi-course meals, Hawaiian-inspired dishes, and live entertainment, all paired with seasonal whale sightings (December–April).
- Oahu Whale Watching Cruise with Breakfast: This morning cruise includes a light breakfast onboard, making it an easy, all-in-one option if you’d rather not plan a separate brunch after your tour.
Cruises without meals (plan to dine after):
Cruises like the Waikiki Sunset Cruise and Waikiki Marine Life Tour focus on sightseeing and ocean views, but do not include full meals.
- If you're departing from Kewalo Basin Harbor, you’re close to local favorites like Chart House Waikiki & Harbor Pub & Pizza.
- If you're sailing from Aloha Tower, consider heading to Nico's Pier 38 for fresh island catch and poke bowls.
Ocean giants and island wildlife you may encounter
Frequently asked questions about Oahu whale watching tours
What does my Oahu whale watching cruise ticket include?
Your ticket typically includes a 2–3 hour ocean cruise off the coast of Waikiki, professional crew narration, and seasonal humpback whale viewing (December–April). Some tours include light snacks or breakfast, while dinner cruises include full meals and entertainment.
What kind of whales can I see in Oahu?
The main species seen during whale season is the North Pacific humpback whale, which migrates to Hawaii each winter to breed and give birth. You may see adults breaching, tail slapping, or mothers swimming with calves. Other whale species are rare but occasionally spotted offshore.
When is the best time of year for whale watching in Oahu?
Whale season runs from December through April, with peak activity between January and March. That’s when sightings are most frequent and whale behavior is most active.
How long do Oahu whale watching cruises last?
Most cruises last between 2 and 3 hours, depending on the vessel and package selected. Dinner cruises may run longer to accommodate dining and entertainment.
Will I definitely see whales?
Sightings are very common during peak season, but whales are wild animals and cannot be guaranteed. Some operators offer a free whale watching trip on another day of your choice if no whales are spotted. Check your specific cruise’s policy when booking.
How close do the boats get to the whales?
Federal regulations require vessels to stay at least 100 yards (300 feet) away from humpback whales. Captains follow strict wildlife guidelines, though whales sometimes approach boats on their own.
Are Oahu whale watching tours suitable for kids?
Yes. These cruises are family-friendly and educational. Children must remain supervised at all times, and life jackets are available onboard.
What should I bring?
Bring reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses, a light jacket, secure footwear, and a camera with a strap. Even on warm days, it can feel cooler once you’re offshore.
Will I get seasick?
Ocean conditions vary. Morning cruises often have calmer waters. If you’re prone to motion sickness, take medication 30–60 mins before departure and sit toward the center of the boat where movement is less noticeable.
Are the boats wheelchair accessible?
Larger vessels, especially dinner cruises, are generally more accessible and may offer ramp boarding and onboard restrooms. Smaller catamarans will have limited accessibility.