Which Oahu whale tours should you book?
Some tours run only in a set window, such as the Sunset Whale Watch from Pink Sails Waikiki, which runs December 15 to April 15. Your budget, your dates and your group size decide most of the choice. Choose by budget, dates and group size, in that order of importance for most trips.
How should you choose?
Start with your budget. Per-person tours cost far less than private boats, so a shared boat is the better fit if cost matters most.
| Tour | Price from |
|---|---|
| 2-Hour Waikiki Whale Watching Cruise from Oahu | $54 per person |
| Waikiki Whale Watching Cruise | $94.22 per person |
| Whales and You | $99 per person |
| Spirit of Aloha Whale Watch Tour | $99.95 per person |
| Waikiki Whale Watch | $80 per person |
| Whale Watching | $135 per person |
If your time is short, look at the Waikiki options first.
If you travel as a family or a small group, a private charter keeps the party together.
If your group includes young children, the minimum age on each tour decides the choice. The age limits are in the section on who each tour suits.
How much does it cost, and what is included?
The Afternoon Whale Watch on the North Shore is also priced per group, at $1,449.
What should you expect: how long it lasts and where it starts?
Build the rest of your day around that length.
Diamond Head Cruises runs its December to March whale watching tour from Honolulu.
If you stay in Waikiki, a Waikiki departure keeps the trip to the dock short.
Who does it suit, and who should skip it?
The Waikiki Whale Watching Cruise sets a minimum age of 2 years, so a family with a child under 2 cannot book it.
Choose a private charter if your group wants its own boat and its own schedule.
If you only want to watch for whales, a whale-only tour costs less per person.
What are the tours to book?
- 2-Hour Waikiki Whale Watching Cruise from Oahu by Go Hawaii Watersports, from $54 per person.
- Waikiki Whale Watching Cruise, 2 hours, from $94.22 per person, with a 2-year minimum age.
- Whales and You by And You Creations, from $99 per person.
- Spirit of Aloha Whale Watch Tour by Port Waikiki Cruises, from $99.95 per person.
- Best of the West: Premier Dolphin, Turtle, Whale Safari with Guided Snorkeling by Wild Side Specialty Tours, from $215 per person.
How do booking and weather work?
Book the tour that matches your dates and your group size.
Whale watching happens outdoors, so plan a backup day for your trip. A whale sighting cannot be promised on any tour.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to go on a whale watching tour in Hawaii?
Private charters are priced per group, starting at $649.
How long does an Oahu whale tour take?
The 2-Hour Waikiki Whale Watching Cruise takes 2 hours.
What is the minimum age for an Oahu whale tour?
The Waikiki Whale Watching Cruise sets 2 years.
Prices last checked October 2026.
