The 15 Best Whale Watching Trips in Hawaii

1.Maui Eco-Raft Tour: Eye-Level Whale or Dolphin Watching – Lahaina

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,482 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $85Our pick

Ride a low-water zodiac raft from Lahaina for eye-level whale watching from December to April, or dolphin viewing in summer. Marine naturalists such as Captain Jack, Jess, Mark, and Olivia explain local wildlife and use a hydrophone for whale songs. Expect spray, sun, and a small group of up to 25 people.

“Captain Mark and first mate Olivia were wonderful! We had a slow start seeing whales but ended with a mom, baby and escort checking us out. What an amazing experience!! Both Capital Mark and Olivia took the time to educate throughout the trip. Capital Mark also nicely reminded people when to sit so others could see.”

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2.2-Hour Oahu Whale Watch from Ala Wai Harbor, Waikiki

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,929 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $49

Spend about two hours on a renovated, multilevel boat from Ala Wai Harbor, watching for humpback whales, dolphins, turtles, and flying fish. Captain Logan and crew members Peter and Carel provide live commentary, point out marine life, and explain whale behavior. Choose the open upper deck or shaded cabin, and bring your own snacks and drinks.

“Logan, Peter, and Corel were top notch! We got a perfect day to be on the water. Whales were a bit far off with I'd brought my binoculars. I suggest adding that to your ads binoculars recommended. Whales are such incredible creatures I have now seen them in Alaska with their babies. And migrating North along Oregon coast. They never fail to give me a sense of all about my small place in the universe. Thanks for a wonderful trip. Corel was especially attentive to anyone not feeling well and took some pictures for me as a solo traveler. Mahalo!! a hui hou”

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3.Whale Watching Tour Aboard the Quicksilver

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,461 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $49

Board the double-deck Quicksilver at Maalaea Harbor for a two-hour whale watch from December through April. The captain and crew explain whale behavior while hydrophones let you hear underwater songs. You get shaded seating, restrooms, juice, and soda, with alcohol available to buy. Expect an open-ocean ride and a maximum of 111 passengers.

“It was wonderful, saw lots of whale activity and captain gave is so much information about the whales.”

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4.Luxury Snorkel Cruise, Local Buffet with Whale & Dolphin Watch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,334 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $174

Sail from Ko Olina aboard the 61-foot Kai OliOli catamaran. Your captain and crew search for dolphins, seasonal humpback whales, turtles, and flying fish before stopping at a calm snorkeling site. Gear, instruction, showers, a Hawaiian buffet, drinks, and optional Waikiki transportation are included.

“This was our first time on a Catamaran and was looking forward to a unique experience for our whole family including the 9 Yr Old Twins. Not only did it exceed our expectations with the ride, but the diving and food was fantastic. The Staff was extremely friendly and courteous. Have an onboard photographer was also appreciated as the memories will now last forever. Thank you!”

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5.Ultimate Whale Watch from Lahaina

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,162 reviews · 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours 10 minutes (approx.) · from $77

From Lahaina Harbor, you’ll spend about two hours on a low, fast raft with up to 28 people, searching for humpback whales and dolphins. Crews such as Jill, Lacey, Kaci, Jeremiah, and Kat share facts, steer toward whale activity, and use a hydrophone so you can hear whale songs. Water is provided, and a free return trip is offered if no whales appear.

“What a great whale watch. There was so much activity. We have great pictures to remember this trip. Our tour guides were excellent.”

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6.WHALES GUARANTEED Maui Whale Watching Makai Adventures

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,081 reviews · 2 hours 15 minutes (approx.) · from $97

Join Makai Adventures for a 2-hour-15-minute Maui whale watch from Mala Boat Ramp. A small boat, cushioned seats, shade, bathroom, and open viewing give you good angles on humpback whales. Captains and crew such as Allison, Travis, Dani, Levi, and Noah explain whale behavior while respecting approach limits.

“Awesome experience to see the whales in action. Levi and Allison were wonderful guides. Don’t miss this!”

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7.Waikiki, Oahu 2-Hour Whale Watching: Guaranteed Sightings

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,064 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $45Best value

Set out from Pink Sails Waikiki for a two-hour seasonal cruise between December and April. Captain Jamie and crew members such as Alex, Peter, Tyler, and Ryan share whale facts while you watch for humpbacks, dolphins, and turtles. The boat has two decks, coastal views, and a free return trip if no whale is seen.

“It’s a bumpy ride but you likely won’t get wet. Beautiful scenery and a few whales but you gotta be patient. Also really appreciated LD being on the boat.”

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8.Ma’alaea Harbor: Whale Watching Tour Aboard Power Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 979 reviews · 2 hours · from $49

Board Quicksilver Charters’ double-deck power catamaran at Maalaea Harbor for a two-hour whale watch from December 1 through April 30. Look for breaches, spy-hops, tail slaps, mothers, and calves, while the captain and crew explain whale behavior. Hydrophones let you hear the songs below, and drinks, restrooms, and shaded seating are included.

“The tour was wonderful! We saw so many whales. Worth the $$. Dave was amazing and super attentive. The Captain (forgot his name but an Aussie and fr New Zealand) was very informative and the perfect host. There was a 3rd gentleman on the tour who was at the bar. Also, great!”

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9.Whale Watching Cruise with Open Bar from Ka’anapali Beach

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 802 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $115

Spend two hours off West Maui aboard Sea Maui’s catamaran, watching humpback whales with a naturalist guide and crew members such as Captain James and Nick. You can sit on open nets or regular seats, enjoy snacks and unlimited drinks, and return to Ka'anapali Beach. Beach boarding and whale sightings depend on sea and wildlife conditions.

“Absolutely worth it! There were nine of us in our party and everyone said they would do it again. The crew was super accommodating and on top of refreshments the entire time! This adventure could not have been better!”

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10.Whale Watching Maui: 2-Hour Small Group Raft Tour from Lahaina

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 661 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $80

Set out from Lahaina on a small inflatable raft for two hours in Maui Nui’s humpback whale sanctuary. A captain and marine naturalist guide the search, with a hydrophone for whale song and 360-degree views. The boat holds up to 20 people, and whale sightings are guaranteed or your next trip is free.

“We had a great trip out whale watching with Will and Renee. We saw plenty whales and the crew were very kind and knowledgeable! Thank you!”

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11.Maui Whale-Watching Tour by Raft from Kihei

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 646 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $84

Meet Redline Rafting at the Kihei Boat Ramp 30 minutes before departure, then ride a small, speedy raft along Maui’s southern coast. A marine naturalist explains whale behavior while an underwater hydrophone lets you hear whale song. Expect close views, spray, bumps, and a maximum group of 22.

“We had so much fun, we did it twice while staying in Kīhei. We saw whales and dolphins close up on both trips and the crew on both boats were awesome and knowledgeable.”

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12.Waikiki Deluxe Catamaran Whale Watch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 638 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $89

Cruise from Kewalo Basin for about two hours as the crew searches for humpback whales in Oahu waters. Captains and guides such as Chris, Joey, Mikey, Keoni, Phil, Finn, Haley, and Clay have led highly praised outings. Enjoy shaded seating, open-air views, snacks, soft drinks, and a full bar. A no-whale trip earns a return voucher.

“We took the boat twice in two days. The first day we didn’t see any whales but had some amazing beverages on the boat. We got a certificate to come back and we returned the next day and saw whales and had more beverages. Capt Joey and crew did a great job.”

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13.Whale Watching On The Big Island

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 573 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $98

Join Captain Bryce and the Hang Loose Boat Tours crew from Honokohau Marina for a 2.5-hour Big Island whale watch. You’ll search for humpbacks from a small ocean-going catamaran, hear their songs through onboard hydrophones, and enjoy water, snacks, Kona views, and a narrated look at Hawaii’s marine life. The boat holds up to 48 people.

“A little longer than expected. Binoculars would be nice. They offer water and snacks and lots of interesting whale info!”

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14.Pelagic Whale Watch Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 557 reviews · 3 to 4 hours (approx.) · from $129

Join Hawaiian Adventures at Honokohau Harbor for a 3 to 4 hour wildlife search with a captain and marine naturalist. Andrew and Olivia are among the crew members you may meet. The route can reach nearshore and pelagic waters, where you might see humpbacks, pilot whales, dolphins, manta rays, sharks, whale sharks, and flying fish.

“Lovely ocean journey, beautiful morning, the dolphins were so much fun to watch! Would do it again hoping to see whales.”

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15.Whale Watching from Ma’alaea Harbor

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 537 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $82

Cruise from Ma'alaea Harbor for about two hours with Pacific Whale Foundation marine naturalists. You may hear humpback songs through underwater hydrophones and watch mothers, calves, breaching whales, and dolphins. The boat holds up to 70 people, children four and under ride free, and a whale sighting guarantee covers your next trip.

“Fantastic experience! We saw whales the entire time. At one point they were swimming around the boat, it was amazing!!”

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