Magical Oahu Whale Watching – My Waikiki Whale Watching Tour Review!

Waikiki Whale Watching Tour Review – Best Whale Watching in Oahu

Aloha! If you’re planning to visit Hawaii during the winter months, let me tell you about one of the most magical experiences you can have—whale watching. This week marks the end of the Whale season in Hawaii, and I was lucky enough to join this awesome whale watching boat tour before it wraps up. I want to share my experience with this whale-watching tour and some helpful tips if you’re considering booking it for next winter!

How I Booked the Whale Watching Tour?

I was traveling solo and knew that whale watching was something I absolutely wanted to experience before the season ended. So I quickly went on Google and searched “whale watching Oahu.” Then I noticed a list of tours and I clicked the one tour appeared at the very top of the list since the rating and review was pretty high.  I started to  browse through their official website.

From the moment I landed on their page, I could tell this tour offered quite various experiences in a few hours, which was perfect for me since I only had a couple of days left to stay in Hawaii.  Not only did they include whale watching, but they also mentioned the possibility of dolphin sightings, listening to ultrasonic whale sounds, complimentary snacks, and even hotel pick-up service. It felt like a well-rounded, thoughtful experience—so I decided to book directly through their official website, which only took a little bit of scrolling down to find the booking section. The process was quite smooth and convenient too.

Warm Welcome & Departure

This exciting journey began with a pick-up at DFS Waikiki, where I was greeted warmly by the driver. After one more stop at the Aqua Palms Hotel, we headed straight to the harbor. While waiting to board, I completed a quick safety waiver check-in through the QR code they provided, and then it was time to get on the boat and start the adventure! As I and other tourists settled in, the crew offered the popular local snack called poi donuts, along with optional coffee, tea, and water—a nice and sweet touch to begin the morning.

Setting Sail with Hawaiian Traditions

Before we sailed out, the crew led an “E Ho Mai” chant, a Hawaiian culture of blessing for a safe and fruitful voyage, which for us is watching many whales and other ocean creatures. One of the crew members even blew the conch shell, a traditional call that added to the spiritual vibe of the tour. The energy was calm yet exciting, and the whole thing made me feel like something special was about to happen.

Whale Sighting Highlights

We sailed out for 20-30 minutes toward the whale-watching area and began our wait. While we waited, the crew shared fascinating facts about the whales:

• These humpback whales migrate all the way from Alaska to Hawaii to mate and give birth.
• Adult whales don’t eat during this period—they fast!
• Each whale’s tail is unique, like a fingerprint.

Then… the moment arrived. I saw massive tails rising and splashing and even witnessed a few breaches! There was more than one whale, and the crew told us that it seemed like this pack included a mother and babies, which was amazing and cute. If that weren’t incredible enough, we also got to hear the male whale’s ultrasonic sounds through a hydrophone—it was absolutely surreal.

A Bonus: Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins!

On the way back, just when I thought the magic was over, the boat stopped by the certain spot where other boats are flocked. There was a group of Hawaiian spinner dolphins and they swam right up to the boat! They were jumping, spinning, and playfully gliding alongside us. I was able to capture great pictures and videos of them swimming happily in the ocean and I was truly excited and thrilled to have this moment. It was such a joyful sight and a perfect way to end the journey.

Cultural Touches & Return to Waikiki

Before docking, the crew surprised us with a live hula performance on the boat—a lovely cultural moment that brought smiles all around. This hula dance was specifically depicting turtles picking their food in the ocean and I can see some fun moves mimicking turtles getting food underwater. Then we made our way back to Waikiki by trolley, giving us a chance to enjoy more scenic views on the return.

One Thing I Want to Emphasize: Plan Ahead – Whale Season Is Limited!

The whale watching season in Hawaii runs from December to April, so if you’re planning a winter break trip, this is something you absolutely don’t want to miss. Since the tours are quite popular and have limited spots available, I highly recommend booking in advance to secure your spot.

This tour was honestly one of the most beautiful and peaceful experiences I’ve had in Hawaii. If you’re looking to witness Hawaiian marine life in its natural habitat, feel the power of nature, and connect with local traditions—all in one day, in a few hours—I think this is the perfect tour for you!

Hope this helps you plan your future Hawaiian getaway!