★★★★★ 5.0 · 783 Google reviews
Peak season: January – March
Responsible, NOAA-compliant viewing
Instant booking via FareHarbor
The greatest show in Hawaiian winter
Witness humpbacks in their natural habitat
From roughly January through March, thousands of North Pacific humpback whales travel to Hawaii to breed and give birth. Watch for spouts, breaches and tail slaps off the Waikiki coastline while our experienced captains put you in the best position — always keeping a respectful, legal distance.
Choose your whale watch
Seasonal
Good to know
Whale Watching FAQs
Humpback whales can be spotted in Hawaiian waters outside the core window, but our dedicated Whale Watching tours run during peak season, January through March, when sightings are most reliable.
On our shared Whale Watching tours, yes — if we don't spot a whale during your trip, you're welcome to book again for free (this is a free re-ride, not a refund). This guarantee applies to shared tours only; private whale watching charters don't include it.
Federal law requires all vessels to stay at least 100 yards from humpback whales. Our captains know how to position the boat for great viewing while respecting that distance — and whales are curious, so they sometimes approach on their own.
Yes, it's a relaxed, seated experience. The shared whale watch is for guests ages 7 and up.
A light jacket (it's cooler on the water in winter), sunscreen, a hat, and a camera or binoculars.
Yes, aboard the Keanuenue — note the free-re-ride guarantee applies to our shared tours only, not private charters.
Our dedicated Whale Watching tours only run January through March. Outside that window, book a Turtle Canyon snorkel tour or sunset cruise instead — and during whale season, our snorkel tours often turn into a two-for-one, since we build in extra time to look for whales and dolphins in the area even though it's not the tour's main focus.
Whale season is short — book early
Tours run January to March. Reserve online — or call +1 (808) 400-1506.
