A two-hour whale watching cruise departing from Ala Wai Harbor in Waikiki. Humpback whales are in Hawaiian waters from November through April, and boats must keep 100 yards from them by law.
Overview
The boat is the Lahaina Princess, a multi-level vessel with an open upper observation deck and a shaded main cabin with large viewing windows. Trips run during the humpback migration season, December through May, when the whales travel roughly 3,500 miles from Alaska to Hawaii's warm breeding waters.
A whale expert narrates throughout, explaining behavior like breaches, flukes and tail slaps, and the boat carries a hydrophone so passengers can listen to whale sounds underwater. The captain and crew point out any marine life that appears as the boat travels along Oahu's coastline. The route passes Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head State Monument, and the trip ends back at the same slip it left from.
Multiple departure times are offered to fit different schedules, and the listing calls it a good fit for the entire family. Capacity is capped at 80 passengers. Reviewers repeatedly praised the crew as friendly, funny and informative, and many reported sightings of humpbacks, dolphins and sea turtles.
What's Included
Included
- Multi-Level vessel to give you uninterrupted panoramic viewing!
- Marine bathroom on board.
- Shaded main cabin with window viewing!
- Underwater HYDROPHONE - used to hear the whales under the boat!
- (2024) Newly renovated boat for maximum comfort!
Not Included
- Gratuities
- Hotel Pick-up/ Drop-off.
Itinerary
- Check in at Ala Wai HarborArrive at Slip 497 of Ala Wai Harbor, at 1651 Ala Moana Blvd, at least 30 minutes before departure. Check in at the dock in front of the Lahaina Princess.
- Board the boatBoarding begins 30 minutes before departure and closes 5 minutes before the boat leaves. Pick a spot on the upper observation deck or in the enclosed main cabin with its large viewing windows.
- Cruise the coastlineThe captain and crew narrate for the full 2-hour trip, pointing out whales, dolphins and other marine life while the boat travels along Oahu's coastline. The hydrophone lets passengers hear whales underwater.
- Pass Waikiki BeachThe boat passes by Waikiki Beach, with photo opportunities along the shore.
- Pass Diamond HeadDiamond Head State Monument is another pass-by landmark on the route.
- Return to the harborThe tour ends back at Slip 497, the original departure point.
What To Expect From The Tour
A few practical details will help you plan the trip, from what to bring to how the boat ride itself feels.
- Bring ID and check in early. Every passenger must carry a valid ID, since vessel staff can request proof of identity at any time. Check-in opens 30 minutes before departure and boarding closes 5 minutes before the boat leaves, so arrive at the dock with time to spare. A liability waiver must be acknowledged for everyone in the group at check-in.
- Weather and sea conditions. The listing says the tour runs in most weather conditions and advises dressing appropriately. The operator reserves the right to substitute vessels, routes and destinations based on weather and sea conditions without notice, so the exact route on the day may vary.
- Bring your own drinks. Alcoholic beverages are not included but the operator allows BYOB, and you can bring your own snacks. One reviewer mentioned beverages available for purchase on board. There is a marine bathroom on the boat.
- Sightings vary. Many reviewers reported humpbacks, dolphins and sea turtles, some seeing mother and calf pairs or multiple breaches. One reviewer saw no whales or dolphins on their trip but did spot a sea turtle. Treat sightings as a strong possibility rather than a guarantee.
- Dress for the weather. The listing advises dressing appropriately since the tour operates in most weather conditions. The upper deck is open while the main cabin is shaded with window viewing, so choose clothing that suits the conditions on the day.
- Good for families. The listing describes the trip as great fun for the entire family. Infants must sit on laps, and pushchairs are allowed on board. The multi-level vessel offers both an open upper observation deck and a shaded cabin with window viewing.
Common issues. The boat is not wheelchair accessible, though the operator says some restrictions may vary and suggests calling before booking. Capacity is capped at 80 passengers even though the vessel is certified for more, so it is a group experience rather than an intimate one. Sightings are not guaranteed, and some reviewers reported trips with no whale sightings at all. The listing also notes the operator may substitute vessels, routes and destinations based on weather and sea conditions without notice.
Questions People Ask
Where does the tour depart from?
From Slip 497 at Ala Wai Harbor, 1651 Ala Moana Blvd in Honolulu, steps from the Hilton Hawaiian Village lagoon. Check in at the dock in front of the boat, the Lahaina Princess. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.
How long is the whale watch?
The tour lasts 2 hours and ends back at the departure point. Check-in starts 30 minutes before departure, and boarding closes 5 minutes before the boat leaves.
What is included in the price?
The trip includes live narration from a whale expert, a multi-level vessel with panoramic viewing, a shaded main cabin with windows, a marine bathroom, and an underwater hydrophone for listening to whales. Gratuities and alcoholic beverages are not included, though you can bring your own drinks and snacks.
When can you see whales on this tour?
The tour runs during the migration period from December until May, when humpback whales travel to Hawaii from Alaska to breed. One reviewer traveling in April still saw whales, dolphins and turtles, while another reviewer saw none on their trip, so sightings can vary at any point in the window.
Is the tour suitable for kids and people with limited mobility?
The listing describes it as great fun for the entire family. Infants must sit on laps and pushchairs are allowed. It is not wheelchair accessible, though the operator suggests calling before booking to discuss any specific restrictions.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded, and changes inside that window are not accepted. If the operator cancels due to poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
