Oahu Whale Watching Tours

Cruise out into the ocean from the North Shore of Oahu in search of humpback whales!

In the winter whale watching season, you will see these spectacular sea creatures as they play, mate, fight, and nurse their young.

The quiet catamaran does not disturb the beautiful giants. They often come close to the boat and perform spectacular breaches, tail slaps, and spy hopping. Spinner dolphins often accompany them.

Book tour tickets online and save or call us toll free for assistance with reservations, group tour bookings, and private charters.

Sailing along the beautiful Coast of the North Shore and watching the giant humpback whales is something you do not want to miss while visiting Hawaii.

The 40-foot catamaran Ho'o Nanea is the perfect boat for whale watching. It is just the right size to keep you close to the ocean, but big enough to be a safe and stable viewing platform. There are very few whale watching tours in Haleiwa and, as a matter of fact, this is the only commercial sailing catamaran on the whole North Shore. The whales do not get frightened or disturbed by our boat because most of the time we are under sail, and when we do motor, the small outboard engines are very quiet and unobtrusive. Our underwater hydrophone lets you hear the singing, clicking and moaning that goes on between the groups of humpbacks. It is a truly amazing experience!

It is our goal to help you experience the spectacular whale watching Hawaii has to offer, while providing education about the behavior of humpback whales and their natural environment. We keep a respectful distance to the whales. Hawaiian waters are their winter breeding grounds, where they should find a peaceful environment with little harassment by humans. However, often the whales are the curious ones and decide to check out the boat! They can come right next to us and hover for a few minutes for some "human watching." At those times, you will be only feet away from these gentle giants.

Hawaiian Humpback Whales, or Na Kohola, as they are called in Hawaii, are a very important part of the Hawaii marine ecosystem and a long standing icon in native Hawaiian culture.

In order to fully appreciate Hawaii whale watching, it helps to have some basic knowledge about humpback whales. Whales are air-breathing mammals. As they surface they exhale strongly which shows as a powerful "spout." When they dive down, showing us their massive flukes as they glide beneath the water, they leave behind a disturbance in the water called a "foot print." Of course the most spectacular sight is a breaching humpback, where the whale propels its massive body out of the water, rotates sideways in the air and hits the surface in an explosion of water. Fighting males put on a great show to impress the females and to intimidate their opponents. They head butt and charge each other, leap, splash and posture in a wild display of mating behaviors.

You will never forget your time spent with these majestic humpback whales of Hawaii!

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Haleiwa from Waikiki?
-It's about 1 hour driving time from Waikiki, via H1 and H2.

What time of year can I expect to see whales in Hawaii?
-The humpback whales migrate to Hawaii from December to May every year. Whale watching tours in Hawaii are during these months. Exact start and finish of the season varies each year, depending on when the whales make their migration.

How close do we get to the whales?
-You will see breaches and blows anywhere from miles away to a hundred yards off the side of the boat...sometimes even closer, but that would be only if the whales move in on their own for a closer look. We always do our best to provide you with a great vantage point for observation without harassment to the whales, as the coast surrounding the Hawaiian Islands is supposed to be their peaceful Winter sanctuary. And being chased and herded by motor boats is not the whales' idea of fun.

Do you guarantee whale sightings?
-During the peak whale seasons of January through mid-March, we can guarantee a sighting. If you don't see whales you can come back for free. December, April, and May are more transitional and less reliable months. We do not guarantee a sighting during those months, but will do our best to find the whales.

Do you always see dolphins?
-We often see dolphins, but not every day. Like all wild animals, it is up to them when they want to be seen. On lucky days they will come right up to the boat and play.

Is Hawaii sailing on a catamaran different than traditional sailing?
-Catamarans are smoother riding than single hulled vessels. Our 40' catamaran, the Ho'o Nanea, is the perfect size for a Hawaii sailing adventure. The sailing catamaran is Coast Guard certified for 35 passengers, and all of our tours are a max passenger count of 20. With this intimate group, we are able to give all of our passengers customized service.

Can I bring my children with me on my sailing trip?
-Of course! Whale watching in Hawaii is a wonderful family adventure. It is also a great educational experience for all members of the family. However, we do not recommend bringing toddlers and small children under 4 yrs or age. Our catamaran is very stable, but has open railings and does sway up and down with the waves. Moving about the boat safely requires holding on with at least one hand, which can be hard when holding a small child.

Do you provide food and beverages?
-All of our tours include complementary non-alcoholic beverages. No food is included on the whale watching tours.

What should I bring on my Hawaii whale watching tour?
-Be prepared for lots of fun! You should be prepared for the warm Hawaiian sun, and the occasional passing shower. Please bring a light jacket, your camera, sunscreen, a hat and your bathing suit.

Can I get seasick during your sailing trips?
-Our catamaran is very stable and few people get seasick. However, if you are prone to sea sickness, or have never been on a boat, it would be wise to take a sea sickness preventative at least one hour before the trip.

How far in advance should I book my tour?
-The earlier you book your Hawaii whale watching tour, the better - especially if you have a larger group. Sometimes there is space available on very short notice, but you should call and check availability with us for dates that are within the next week.

Can I charter the whole boat?
-Of course. We have special charter and group prices. Contact us for cost and availability.

Is there anything else to do in the area for those in my party that are not going on the boat?
-Absolutely. The harbor is surrounded by beautiful public beaches. The harbor is located within walking distance of lots of great shops and sightseeing in Haleiwa town.

This tour does NOT offer hotel pick-up. The tour departs from Haleiwa Boat Harbor on the North Shore of Oahu. All taxes and fees are included in this package. Child age is 4 to 11. Please reserve online, or call us toll-free at 888-848-0733.