Of the whale watching spots we list, per-person prices run from $54 for 2-Hour Waikiki Whale Watching Cruise from Oahu to $139 for AʻO HAWAIʻI - Dolphin & Seasonal Whale Watching, Turtle Snorkeling Tour.
Humpback whale season runs November through May, peaking January through March. Check the NWS marine forecast on the day you go.
Where is the best whale watching on Oahu?
For a shore view, start at the Makapuu Lighthouse trail. From shore, the trail has an interpretive sign and a viewing scope to help you identify whales. Lanai Lookout sits just off Kalanianaʻole Highway (HI-72) and is a popular spot for watching whales and seabirds. The summit view at Diamond Head may include passing humpback whales in winter.
Plan for hazards at each shore spot. DLNR lists a hazardous cliff on the Makapuu Lighthouse trail. State Parks lists falling rocks, a hazardous cliff, strong current and waves breaking on the ledge at Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline.
If you would rather be on the water, the Whale Watching Oahu Boat Tour is run by Captain Max Boat Tours. The 2-Hour Waikiki Whale Watching Cruise from Oahu is run by Go Hawaii Watersports. A Whale Watching Cruise is based in Honolulu. A Private Whale Watching Waikiki "Keanuenue" is based in Waikiki.
What's the best time to see whales in Oahu?
Plan your visit for November through May, when humpback whales are in Hawaii. Shore hours at Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline are 7:00 am to 7:45 pm in summer and 7:00 am to 6:45 pm in winter. If the summit view is your goal, plan it for winter, when humpbacks may pass.
Is a whale watching tour worth it?
A boat tour suits you if you want to be on the water, and ratings help you compare operators, though none of them guarantees a sighting. Living Ocean Tours has 5.0 stars from 8,792 Google reviews. Pink Sails Waikiki has 4.8 stars from 5,546 Google reviews. Captain Max Boat Tours has 4.9 stars from 839 Google reviews. Haleiwa Shark Tours has 4.9 stars from 1,072 Google reviews.
| Tour | Price from |
|---|---|
| 2-Hour Waikiki Whale Watching Cruise from Oahu | $54 per person |
| Whale Watching | $135 per person |
| Whale Watching + Marine Life Tour | $99 per person |
| Whale Watching Oahu Boat Tour | $109 per person |
| AʻO HAWAIʻI - Dolphin & Seasonal Whale Watching, Turtle Snorkeling Tour | $139 per person |
For a shore-only trip, bring your own water, because the Makapuu Lighthouse trail has no drinking water or restrooms.
How much does it cost to go whale watching in Hawaii?
The Go Hawaii Watersports cruise is from $54 per person. If you want the lowest price per person, start with that cruise.
How to choose a whale watching tour on Oahu
Choose a shared tour if cost matters most. Choose a private charter if your group wants its own boat and can spread a per-group fare across its members.
Is it better to see whales in the morning or afternoon?
Sightings do not follow a set time of day, so pick the tour time that fits your schedule.
Where's the best place to see whales in Hawaii?
Start with the Makapuu Lighthouse trail, the shore spot we list first. The trail starts from a parking area.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a whale watching tour for under $50?
Not at the adult fare. The lowest adult fare we list is $54 per person, for the 2-Hour Waikiki Whale Watching Cruise from Oahu. Its listing also shows a $34 child fare and a $40 military and kama'aina fare.
Are there restrooms on the Makapuu Lighthouse trail?
No. No drinking water or restrooms are available on the Makapuu Point Lighthouse Trail.
Can you see whales from Diamond Head?
You may see passing humpback whales from the summit view in winter. DLNR lists falling rocks as a hazard on the Diamond Head Summit Trail.
Prices and ratings last checked September 2026.
