Whale and You

Oahu Humpback Whale Watching Tour!

Q: 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, subject to availability and within your stay period. Reserve your spot today! Q: Is this Oahu whale watching tour family-friendly? A: Yes! Children of all ages 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.

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: 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, optional round-trip transportation from Waikiki is available for $10. Select your pickup during booking. Click here to see the Whales and You pick-up time and schedule. Q: Are infants allowed on the whale watching tour? A: Yes, infants are welcome, but they must be held on an adult’s lap during the tour. Book your Whale watching 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. Book your 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 from other whale watching tours in Oahu? 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!

Book 14days in advance and
Get 25% OFF! with code "Earlybird25"

One of Oahu's top-rated seasonal whale watching tours

Oahu Whale Watching Tour Overview

Experience the Magic of Whale Watching in Oahu!
Every winter, over 10,000 humpback whales migrate to Hawaii. Join the Whales and You Whale Watching Tour for a scenic cruise along the island’s Gold Coast. Enjoy expert narration, live hula, Hawaiian snacks, and real-time whale songs via underwater hydrophone. Spot wild humpback whales and learn about their behaviors from our guides. This unforgettable experience is only available from December to March—don’t miss one of the top winter activities in Oahu!

Tour Highlights

Your journey begins with the sacred E Ho Mai Hawaiian chant, offering a spiritual welcome and safe passage.
Set sail along Oahu’s scenic Gold Coast and witness the majestic beauty of wild humpback whales in their natural habitat.
Savor authentic Hawaiian flavors like poi mochi donuts (AM) or local snack(PM).
As you cruise past panoramic views of Diamond Head, keep an eye out for playful dolphins swimming alongside.
Listen to live whale songs through our underwater hydrophone, creating a deep connection with these gentle giants.
Throughout the tour, our expert naturalists share insights about humpback whale behavior, local marine life, and Hawaiian culture, making this an unforgettable ocean experience in Oahu.
Enjoy a live hula performance by our talented local crew.

What's Included

Wild Humpback Whale Watching off Oahu's Gold Coast
We offer a complimentary return trip if no whales are seen, subject to availability and within your stay period.
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 water.
Bar Service Onboard. Adult beverages are available to purchase at $6 & $12

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 (Optional)

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 a 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 (Optional)

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

Tours run from December 1 through March 31 only.
If you don’t see whales, you may rebook another tour during your stay at no extra cost (*subject to availability).
A Minimum of 10 guests is required for the tour to operate.
We cannot accommodate special dietary needs. Guests with allergies should bring their food.
The tour will still operate in mild weather conditions. We will contact you if any rescheduling is necessary.
Children of all ages are welcome. Infants must be held on laps.
Our boat and Trolley are NOT wheelchair accessible.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations or schedule changes must be submitted no later than 48 hours before the reserved departure time to qualify for a full refund. Any changes or cancellations made after the 48-hour mark will incur a 100% fee.

Reviews

Did the whale watching tour and it’s the best one ever (I have done quite a few in CA and HI)! The staff (Rachel and Luke) were knowledgeable and really nice. The captain let us spend as much time out there as possible. We saw schools of dolphins and many humpback whales! And having the best ube mochi donuts for us didn’t hurt! 😁

What an absolutely AMAZING whale watching tour! The crew, Captain Zach, Ryan, and Kaipo were so FABULOUS! The donuts, the energy, the attention to detail, and ALOHA spirit from each one of them did not go unnoticed. The multiple whale breaches were breathtaking and the tails, blowholes. Words can’t describe this, it is a must experience it for yourself, and definitely with this crew and company! Thank you again.

Went on the whale watching tour in Honolulu, and it was incredible! Captain Zach, Rachel, and Marshall were so knowledgeable and fun. Highly recommend!! We saw a mama and baby whale, bottlenose and spinner dolphins. Love!

Captain Zack Ryan Kaipo The greatest crew EVER! Our tour was magnificent! We were blessed and enjoyed numerous whale sightings. However, the crew made a magical morning even more so! Thank you, all for helping make memories! I was the only single on the tour, but truly felt like Ohana! The poi ha mochi donuts were a sweet surprise! Don't wonder, go on this tour, you'll be so delighted that you did! Cheryl is a great trolley driver and made me feel welcome while pointing out sights along the way to the mGhana! Mahalo, Ohana!!💙🐋

It was fun to see pods of dolphins, spin jumps, and whales squirting and appearing over and over again. It was a continuous process of confirming the whale's ejaculation and directing the boat to it, but by the time we arrived there, the whale had often finished its breath and entered the water, so I had the impression that it was quite difficult. Toward the end, it was interesting as my eyes got used to it and I could spot squirting in various places. The hula at the end was also wonderful.

Fantastic way to spend a couple hours! We saw some whales and a ton of dolphins. The crew was wonderful; they ended the trip with a little hula, even though it started raining. Kind of shocked at how low their tips were, it’s 2025… a dollar is not enough. Get out those 20s people.

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, subject to availability and within your stay period.Reserve your spot today!

Q: Is this Oahu whale watching tour family-friendly?
A: Yes! Children of all ages 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.)

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, optional round-trip transportation from Waikiki is available for $10. Select your pickup during booking. Click here to see the Whales and You pick-up time and schedule.

Q: Are infants allowed on the whale watching tour?
A: Yes, infants are welcome, but they must be held on an adult’s lap during the tour.Book your Whale watching 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.