Whale and You
Oahu Humpback Whale Watching Tours

Q: What to Wear & Bring

Q: What should I wear on the Oahu whale watching tour? A: We recommend wearing light layers and bringing a jacket, especially for morning tours. It can be breezy out on the water. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are also helpful. Q: Can I bring food or drinks on the tour? A: Outside food and drink are not permitted. Snacks and soft drinks are included, and adult beverages are available for purchase onboard. (*This does not apply to baby food or snacks for individuals with allergies.) Q: Can I bring a stroller? A: No. Strollers cannot be accommodated on our trolleys and boats. For safety reasons, infants should be held by a caregiver throughout the tour.

Q: Participation Requirements

Q: Is the tour wheelchair accessible? A: Unfortunately, our boats and vehicles are not wheelchair accessible. If you have mobility concerns, please contact us at (808)696-4414. Q: Do you provide transportation to the harbor? A: Yes, round-trip transportation from Waikiki is included. You can select your pickup location when booking. Click here to see the Whales and You pickup schedule. Q: Is there a minimum age to join? A: Children of all ages, including infants, are welcome to join. Enjoy the experience with your entire family! Please note that boats may experience waves and rocking. There are no infant facilities onboard, and caregivers are responsible for supervising children throughout the tour. Q: How many guests are required for the tour to run? A: A minimum of 10 guests is required. If the minimum is not met, we’ll contact you to reschedule or offer a refund.

Q: Other Questions

Q: Will I hear real whale songs during the tour? A: Yes! If whales are close enough, we’ll use a hydrophone (underwater microphone) to let you hear their live songs through our sound system. This is one of the most unique features of our Oahu whale watching tour. Q: Are there bathrooms on the boat? A: Yes, our modern double-decker boat, the Ariya II, is equipped with a bathroom and shaded areas for comfort. Q: Will I also see dolphins on this tour? A: Sometimes! While this tour focuses on whales, Hawaiian spinner dolphins are occasionally spotted swimming alongside the boat. Q: What makes Whales and You different? A: Whales and You is the only Oahu whale watching tour that combines cultural experiences like a Hawaiian chant and hula performance, live whale songs, and local snacks, making it a fun, immersive experience for all ages. Reserve your spot today!

One of Oahu’s top-rated whale watching tours by Whales and You, featuring humpback whale sightings from Waikiki during the winter season.

Get $26 OFF! with code “NewYear26”

Tour Overview

Whales and You offers one of Oahu’s most popular whale watching tours, giving guests the chance to observe majestic humpback whales in their natural habitat along Hawaii’s scenic coastline.

This seasonal ocean tour departs from Waikiki and is available only during Oahu’s winter whale season, from December through March.

What to Expect on This Whale Watching Tour

Every winter, thousands of humpback whales migrate to Hawaiian waters, making Oahu a premier destination for whale watching.
On this scenic cruise with Whales and You, you’ll observe wild humpback whales along Oahu’s coast while enjoying expert narration, live hula, island snacks, and real-time whale songs via underwater hydrophone.

Whale-Sighting Guarantee Policy

The Whale-sighting Guarantee allows free rebooking only; no refunds are given if no whales are sighted.
The captain will only designate a tour as a “no-whale-sighting tour” if no guests on the tour spot a whale. If even one guest sees a whale, the tour will not qualify as a “no-whale-sighting tour.”
If the captain determines that no whale was sighted, you may rebook the “Whales and You” tour for free until a whale is seen.
Free rebooking is only valid for tours with open seats, and specific dates or times cannot be guaranteed.
Guests who cannot join another tour during their stay may redeem the Whale Guarantee at any time within three years of the original tour date.
Free rebooking applies only to the original guest(s) and cannot be transferred.

What's Included

Wild Humpback Whale Watching off Oahu's Gold Coast
We offer a complimentary return trip if no whales are seen. (Learn more→)
Listen to the live whale songs through an onboard underwater hydrophone.
Marine life commentary written by a certified naturalist.
Hawaiian cultural experience with the E Ho Mai Chant and live hula performance.
Snacks included: Poi mochi donut from Liliha Bakery(Morning Tour) / Local favorite snack (Afternoon Tour) .
Complimentary coffee, tea, and soft drinks
Bar Service Onboard. Adult beverages are available to purchase at $6 & $12
Transportation from Waikiki (not wheelchair accessible)

Complimentary Poi Mochi Donuts on Whales and You tour

Itinerary

Morning Tour: 7:00AM-9:00AM (12/1-3/31) Everyday
Afternoon Tour: 1:00PM-3:00PM (12/15-3/31) Everyday

Click an itinerary item to see details.

6:10AM(Morning Tour) / 11:35AM(Afternoon Tour)-Waikiki Pickups begin

Whales and You pick up from Waikiki

Guests who select transportation will be picked up from designated Waikiki locations by our signature Turtle Trolley. Enjoy the breeze and island views on your way to Kewalo Boat Harbor.

See the pick-up locations for the Whales and You Tour.

7:00AM(Morning Tour) / 1:00PM(Afternoon Tour)-Depart from Kewalo Basin Harbor − Pier D, Slip 111

Kewalo Harbor Pier D

Board our modern double-decker boat, the Ariya II, equipped with mood lighting, surround sound, and a Titanic-style front railing for panoramic views. Restrooms and shaded areas are available onboard.

Welcome Aboard & E Ho Mai Ceremony

Whales and You E homai

We begin each Oahu whale watching cruise with E Ho Mai, a traditional Hawaiian chant asking the sea gods for a safe and abundant journey. A beautiful moment of culture and connection to start the tour.

Enjoy Local Hawaiian Snacks

Poi Mochi Donuts from Liliha bakery Local favorite snack

While we set out, enjoy a locally loved snack and refreshment.

-Morning Tour: Poi mochi donut
-Afternoon Tour: Local favorite snack

*Snacks are subject to change, and do not accommodate allergies. Please bring your own snacks if needed.

Whale Watching Off Diamond Head

Diamond Head cruise Whales and You

Cruise along Oahu’s Gold Coast in search of wild humpback whales. Our crew will help spot whale spouts, tail slaps, and breaches near the surface. This is one of the best winter activities in Waikiki.

Listen to Whale Songs

Listen to Whale song with underwater hydrophone

When conditions allow, we’ll lower an underwater microphone into the ocean. Guests can listen to live humpback whale songs amplified through the boat’s sound system, an unforgettable experience unique to our tour.

Learn About Humpback Whales & Marine Life

Humpback whale breaching

As you watch for whales, our expert-trained crew will share interesting facts and stories about humpback, dolphins, and other sea life around the Hawaiian islands. Educational and fun for all ages!

We return to the harbor while enjoying a hula show.

Whales and You Hula entertainment

As we head back to Kewalo Harbor, relax with a live hula performance onboard. Join the crew as we dance together, share aloha, and give thanks for the day’s journey!

9:00AM(Morning Tour) / 3:00PM(Afternoon Tour)- Return to the Harbor

Return to Kewalo Harbor Whales and You

As our Oahu whale watching adventure comes to a close, we return to Kewalo Harbor in Honolulu. Sit back, relax, and take in the final ocean views as we safely dock. We hope this incredible encounter with humpback whales leaves you with lasting memories and stories to share.

9:30AM(Morning Tour) / 3:30PM(Afternoon Tour)- Return to Waikiki

Return to Waikiki with Turtle Trolley

“A Hui Ho”! Until we meet again!.

Thank you for joining us today on a fun-filled adventure! Please don’t forget about all the sea creatures you’ve met on this adventure!

Tour Location Map

Important Information

Please review the following information before booking to ensure a safe and enjoyable whale watching experience.

Tours operate seasonally from December 1 through March 31.
A minimum of 10 guests is required for the tour to operate. If this minimum is not met, you will be offered alternatives or a full refund.
If you don’t see whales, you may rebook another tour at no extra cost (*Please see the detail→).
Shoes are not allowed on the boat for safety. Storage is provided onboard. Clean reef shoes and grip socks are permitted.
We cannot accommodate special dietary needs. Guests with allergies should bring their own food.
The tour will still operate in mild weather conditions. We will contact you if any rescheduling is necessary.
Our boat and Trolley are NOT wheelchair accessible.
Strollers cannot be accommodated on our trolleys or boats.
Infants and young children are welcome, but must be held and supervised by a caregiver at all times, as onboard conditions may include waves and rocking.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations or changes made at least 48 hours before departure are eligible for a full refund.
Cancellations within 48 hours of departure are non-refundable.
Optional Trip Protection is available at booking and allows changes or cancellation up to 1 hour before departure.

Whales and You FAQ

General Questions

Q: When is the best time for whale watching in Oahu? A: The best time to see humpback whales in Oahu is during Hawaii’s whale season, which runs from December through March. This is when thousands of whales migrate from Alaska to Hawaii’s warm waters. Join the Adventure now!

Q: What happens if we don’t see any whales? A: We offer a complimentary return trip if no whales are seen. Click here for more information.

Q: I didn’t see any whales on my tour. How can I rebook for free? A: If the captain announces that no whales were seen during your tour, you are eligible to rejoin the tour for free. Please contact our reservations team with your original booking name and tour date, and we’ll be happy to assist with your rebooking at no additional cost. Call us at (808) 696-4414 or email us at info@andyoucreations.com
Rebooking is valid for up to three years from your original tour date.

Q: Is this tour family-friendly? A: Yes! Children of all ages, including infants, are welcome on the Whales and You tour. Our guides make the experience fun, educational, and safe for families. Book your Whale watching tour!

Q: How long is the whale watching tour? A: The tour lasts approximately 2 hours and departs from Kewalo Boat Harbor.

What to Wear & Bring

Q: What should I wear on the Oahu whale watching tour?

A: We recommend wearing light layers and bringing a jacket, especially for morning tours. It can be breezy out on the water. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are also helpful.

Q: Can I bring food or drinks on the tour?

A: Outside food and drink are not permitted. Snacks and soft drinks are included, and adult beverages are available for purchase onboard. (*This does not apply to baby food or snacks for individuals with allergies.)

Q: Can I bring a stroller?
A: No. Strollers cannot be accommodated on our trolleys and boats. For safety reasons, infants should be held by a caregiver throughout the tour.

Participation Requirements

Q: Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

A: Unfortunately, our boats and vehicles are not wheelchair accessible. If you have mobility concerns, please contact us at (808)696-4414.

Q: Do you provide transportation to the harbor?

A: Yes, round-trip transportation from Waikiki is included. You can select your pickup location when booking. Click here to see the Whales and You pickup schedule.

Q: Is there a minimum age to join?

A: Children of all ages, including infants, are welcome to join. Enjoy the experience with your entire family! Please note that boats may experience waves and rocking. There are no infant facilities onboard, and caregivers are responsible for supervising children throughout the tour.

Q: How many guests are required for the tour to run?

A: A minimum of 10 guests is required. If the minimum is not met, we’ll contact you to reschedule or offer a refund.