What to Expect

Your tour begins at Ala Wai Boat Harbor, where your crew will greet you at the dock and walk you through the plan for the day. After a brief introduction and safety rundown, you'll board a comfortable 6-passenger speedboat outfitted with Bluetooth speakers, life jackets, and space to move about. The small size of the vessel allows for quick maneuvering and quieter approaches, ideal for observing whale behavior without causing disturbance.

As you cruise out along the southern coast of O‘ahu, your captain and crew will keep a watchful eye on the horizon for telltale signs: misty spouts, tail slaps, or full-body breaches of North Pacific humpback whales (koholā), who migrate to Hawai‘i each winter to breed and give birth.

Throughout the tour, the crew shares insights into whale behavior, cultural connections in Polynesia, and conservation challenges facing these creatures today. Drawing on firsthand experience studying whales in the South Pacific, your guide explains how to read whale movements, understand their body language, and approach them with respect and care, in line with marine mammal protection laws and best practices.

The trip is unhurried and completely private. Meaning no competing for rail space, no scripted narration, just a genuine, respectful connection with the ocean and its seasonal visitors. Though sightings can never be guaranteed, the team works in tandem with other boats in the area to track whale locations and maximize your chances.

Tours typically last around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on conditions and wildlife activity. The experience ends back at Ala Wai Harbor with a heartfelt mahalo and a deeper appreciation for the marine life that graces Hawai‘i’s waters.

Included

• Private 6-passenger speedboat charter
• Experienced, locally-based captain and crew
• Bluetooth speakers for guest use
• Life jackets and safety gear
• Whale behavior and conservation education
• Real-time whale spotting guidance
• Scenic coastal views of Waikīkī & Diamond Head

What’s Not Included

• Gratuity
• Bottled water
• Sunscreen

What to Bring

• Reef-safe sunscreen (apply at least 15 minutes before boarding)
• Water
• Light rain jacket or windbreaker

Requirements & Notes

• This is a private tour for up to 6 guests—ideal for families, couples, or photography-focused outings.
• Morning departures are recommended for calmer seas and increased whale activity.
• Guests must be physically able to board and move around a small boat.
• Please plan ahead for sun exposure and hydration.
• This is a wildlife observation tour, not a guaranteed sighting excursion. While our crew communicates with other vessels to locate whales, nature remains unpredictable.
• No refunds are issued for missed sightings.
• We follow all NOAA and federal guidelines for responsible whale watching.
• Noise and movement on board should be minimized near whales to ensure respectful encounters.