Every winter, I look forward to seeing whales around Oahu. Watching these huge animals leap out of the water is always exciting.
Oahu offers some of the best places to see whales breaching from the shore or the sea. If you want to spot these amazing creatures, this guide will help you find where and when to watch them.
Dolphins and You
When I went out with Dolphins and You, I got very close to humpback whales. Our guide shared fun facts about the whales and helped us spot them off the coast.
The thrill of seeing a whale breach nearby was unforgettable. The staff kept everything running smoothly and made sure we felt safe and comfortable.
I also saw spinner dolphins and sea turtles, along with other marine life. There was plenty of time for snorkeling.
The boat had a 20-foot sea slide, which made the day even more fun. After seeing the whales, I slid into the ocean and swam with tropical fish.
Lunch tasted great and kept me energized. I suggest booking in advance because this tour is popular, especially during whale season from December through March.
Rating: 4.9 (2401 reviews)
Location: 307 Lewers St # 401, Honolulu, HI 96815
Contact: (808) 696-4414
Website: Visit Website
Ocean Adventures Hawaii
When I went whale watching with Ocean Adventures Hawaii, I enjoyed the small group experience. It felt more personal and relaxing.
The crew welcomed everyone and answered questions about the whales and Waikiki’s history. The boat leaves from Ala Wai Boat Harbor, which is easy to reach from Waikiki.
The cruises run several times a day, so I found a time that worked for me. Seeing a whale breach up close was the best part of my trip.
The crew knew where to go for the best views. I also enjoyed looking at the Waikiki shoreline and spotting dolphins along the way.
Booking was quick and simple on their website. The atmosphere on board was friendly, and the crew clearly loved their work.
Rating: 4.9 (124 reviews)
Location: 1651 Ala Moana Blvd slip #64, Honolulu, HI 96815
Contact: (808) 374-2772
Website: Visit Website
Oahu Ocean Adventures
I felt right at home when I stepped onto the catamaran with Oahu Ocean Adventures. The team greeted everyone with big smiles and cared about each guest’s comfort.
The small, friendly vibe made it easy to relax and enjoy the ride. During whale season, I spotted humpback whales breaching in the distance, which was amazing.
The guides quickly pointed out interesting sights and shared cool facts about the whales and other marine life. The trip included snorkeling at popular spots and even a sunset cruise option.
The boat wasn’t crowded, so everything felt more personal. The guides are passionate about the ocean and work hard to create a great experience for everyone.
Rating: 4.9 (73 reviews)
Location: 1 Holomoana St, Honolulu, HI 96815
Contact: (808) 451-6010
Website: Visit Website
Hawaii Nautical Waikiki-Ala Moana
I tried a whale watching tour with Hawaii Nautical Waikiki-Ala Moana, and it turned out to be a memorable trip. As soon as I got on the boat, the friendly crew made me feel welcome.
They explained what to look for out on the ocean and answered questions. Watching whales breaching right off the coast was the highlight.
The guides shared facts about whale behavior and kept the trip fun and safe for everyone. Besides whale watching, I could join sunset cruises, snorkeling, and scenic tours.
The tours were well-organized but still had a relaxed vibe. I had plenty of time to enjoy the views and the water.
I liked that the company follows guidelines to protect marine wildlife. The crew talked about respecting the animals and gave tips for responsible wildlife viewing.
Rating: 4.6 (234 reviews)
Location: 1125 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96814
Contact: (808) 234-7245
Website: Visit Website
Iruka Hawaii Dolphin Snorkeling Tours
When I visited Iruka Hawaii Dolphin Snorkeling Tours, the staff helped me get started right away. They were friendly and made the process easy.
Free transportation made planning much easier for me. The catamaran felt stable and comfortable, even for someone new to boats.
There were two bathrooms on board, and the 20-foot waterslide was a fun surprise. I saw dolphins jumping nearby and swam close to turtles and colorful fish.
For more excitement, the high-speed Zodiac raft tour gives you a closer look at deep-sea dolphins. The crew answered questions about the wildlife we saw.
Even though the main focus is dolphins and snorkeling, you might spot whales during the right season. This tour is a good choice for families and adventure seekers who want snorkeling and wildlife viewing.
Rating: 4.9 (2425 reviews)
Location: Kewalo Basin Harbor, 1125 Ala Moana Blvd Slip F16, Honolulu, HI 96814
Contact: (808) 636-8440
Website: Visit Website
Living Ocean Tours
When I joined Living Ocean Tours, I felt the excitement right away. The crew welcomed everyone, and the guides knew the waters around Oahu well.
Our boat left from Kewalo Basin, just a short ride from Waikiki Beach. The highlight was visiting Turtle Canyons, a great spot for seeing sea turtles and lots of colorful fish.
The guides talked about the local marine life, including humpback whales during the season. They offered tips on the best places and times to watch for whales breaching.
The tour felt safe and relaxed, even for beginners. The guides explained everything before we got into the water and made sure everyone felt comfortable.
They also had a waterslide and a lily pad, which made the trip even more fun for families with kids. The guides reminded us not to touch the turtles or fish, and to watch whales from a respectful distance.
Rating: 4.9 (1537 reviews)
Location: 1125 Ala Moana Blvd Slip B-01, Honolulu, HI 96814
Contact: (808) 436-3483
Website: Visit Website
Deep Blue Eco Tours
I booked my whale watching tour with Deep Blue Eco Tours and had a great experience on the water. The crew was friendly and answered all my questions about the whales.
I saw a few humpbacks breaching, which was educational and exciting. The boat felt safe and comfortable, even when the water was a little choppy.
The small group size meant there was plenty of room to move around and get good views. They provided snacks and water, which helped on the longer tour.
The guides pointed out whales as soon as they spotted spouts or splashes. I liked their focus on protecting the whales and their environment.
They followed the rules and made sure to keep a respectful distance from the animals.
Rating: 5 (1209 reviews)
Location: 66-105 Haleiwa Rd, Haleiwa, HI 96712
Contact: (808) 321-1251
Website: Visit Website)
Pink Sails Waikiki
When I went out with Pink Sails Waikiki, I immediately noticed the great view of the ocean and Honolulu cityscape. The boat felt safe, and the crew welcomed everyone, making sure we enjoyed the ride.
Sailing on the clear blue water near Waikiki felt relaxing. I saw marine life up close, including turtles and colorful fish.
I even had a chance to swim in the ocean during the cruise. Whale watching was easy with wide open views, especially during the right season.
The Friday Night Fireworks sail stood out as a highlight. Watching fireworks from the water felt exciting and different from seeing them on land.
The crew shared tips about spotting whales and pointed out interesting sights along the way. Snacks and drinks made the trip more comfortable.
Everyone on board, from kids to adults, seemed to have a good time. If you want to get out on the water and look for whales, Pink Sails Waikiki offers a fun and easy way to do it.
Rating: 4.8 (2680 reviews)
Location: 1 Holomoana St, Honolulu, HI 96815
Contact: (808) 374-5521
Website: Visit Website
Dolphin Excursions Hawaii
I joined Dolphin Excursions Hawaii for a whale watching trip. The staff made the small group feel personal and friendly.
Our crew knew the area well and shared great stories about the island and sea life. We set out from the west coast, which has some of the calmest and clearest water on Oahu.
The highlights included spotting spinner dolphins and, during whale season, seeing humpback whales breach right in front of us. I also snorkeled with sea turtles and colorful fish while the guides gave tips and watched out for everyone’s safety.
The boat felt comfortable and never got too crowded. I liked how the crew focused on responsible wildlife viewing and showed respect for the animals.
Seeing both dolphins and whales up close with a knowledgeable crew made my trip memorable.
Rating: 4.9 (317 reviews)
Location: 85-491 Farrington Hwy, Waianae, HI 96792
Contact: (808) 239-5579
Website: Visit Website
Hawaii Nautical, Kapolei-Waianae
I took a whale-watching tour with Hawaii Nautical in Waianae. The crew explained whale behavior and conservation, making the trip interesting for me.
I saw whales breaching off the coast of Oahu, which was unforgettable. The boat felt safe and comfortable, and I enjoyed relaxing while watching the scenery.
We saw dolphins and sea turtles as we cruised along the coastline. The crew made sure everyone could see and take photos when whales appeared.
Hawaii Nautical follows NOAA guidelines and explained why it’s important not to get too close to wild dolphins or manta rays. They care about protecting these animals while still giving guests a good view.
Rating: 4.8 (90 reviews)
Location: 85-491 Farrington Hwy, Waianae, HI 96792
Contact: (808) 234-7245
Website: Visit Website
Understanding Whale Breaching Behavior
Whale breaching happens when a whale leaps out of the water and splashes down. This behavior looks beautiful and helps scientists learn about whale health and communication.
Why Whales Breach
When I see a whale breach, I know it means more than just a show. Whales breach for many reasons, like getting rid of parasites, showing strength, or sending signals to other whales.
Scientists believe the loud splash helps whales communicate, especially when the water is noisy. Humpback whales, which are common near Oahu, breach more often than other species.
Sometimes males breach during mating season to show off or compete with each other. Younger whales might breach to practice or play, which helps them grow.
For more about these behaviors, I find this beginner’s guide to understanding whale behavior helpful.
Best Times of Year for Breaching Sightings
The best time to spot breaching whales off Oahu is during the winter months. Humpback whales migrate to Hawaii from November through April to breed and give birth in the warm waters.
Most breaching and active displays happen between January and March. Humpbacks show up most often in waters between Oahu and nearby islands.
Clear days with calm seas make whale watching easier. Early mornings and late afternoons are good times because the sun’s angle helps people see the splashes better.
I check whale watch tours and guides for local tips about the season and best times to visit. For more details on migration and breaching, this Humpback whales in Hawaii page has helpful info.
Tips for Respectful Whale Watching
When I watch whales on Oahu, I make sure to keep both myself and the whales safe. It’s important to enjoy these animals in a way that helps protect them and their ocean home.
Guidelines for Safe Viewing
I always keep a safe distance from the whales, as required by law. In Hawaii, I cannot approach humpback whales within 100 yards by boat, kayak, paddle board, or swimming.
If a whale comes closer, I stop moving and let the animal pass. I keep noise down so I do not startle the whales.
Using binoculars or a camera with a zoom lens helps me get a good view without moving closer.
Here’s a quick reference:
| Action | What I Should Do |
|---|---|
| Approaching whales | Stay at least 100 yards away |
| Boat speed | Go slow and avoid sharp turns |
| Making noise | Keep voices and sounds low |
| Spotting whale signs | Watch for blows, flukes, and leaps |
For more details on safe viewing, I check out the whale-watching guidelines in Hawaii.
Protecting Oahu’s Marine Life
I never feed or try to touch whales or other sea animals. Even actions that seem harmless, like tossing food or trash into the water, can hurt wildlife.
I always take my litter with me. I also avoid using single-use plastics while at the shore.
When I join a tour, I choose companies that follow local wildlife protection rules. Some operators earn eco-friendly certifications and teach guests about marine life.
I take photos without a flash to show respect. Bright lights can disturb whales and other animals.
For more helpful advice, I follow tips from resources like the whale watching guide. This helps me do my part to keep the ocean healthy.
