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Haleiwa Sunset Catamaran Whale Watching

Location: North Shore, Oahu
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Tour Highlights

Witness the magic of whale season bathed in North Shore’s legendary sunset colors, where humpbacks surface, spout, and breach against a glowing horizon. Aboard the intimate Hoʻo Nanea sailing catamaran, this sunset whale watch pairs jaw-dropping marine encounters with one of the most breathtaking golden hours anywhere in Hawaiʻi.

  • Sunset whale watching with calm seas, soft evening light, and whales surfacing surprisingly close to the boat.
  • Sail aboard Hoʻo Nanea, the North Shore’s only commercial sailing catamaran smooth ocean gliding.
  • Prime humpback encounters: tail slaps, breaches, mother–calf pairs, and real-time whale songs through the hydrophone.
  • 360° sunset and mountains views as the sky turns orange, pink, and purple.
  • Relaxed, intimate atmosphere with a friendly crew and plenty of room to stretch out on deck.

Quick Local Tip: Some of the most explosive breaches on the North Shore happen right outside the R2 head buoy, the farthest red buoy from Haleʻiwa Harbor. When you’re out there, line up the buoy with Puaʻena Point off the starboard (right) side. That’s a hotspot where whales love to surface unexpectedly, so keep your head on a swivel… a full-body breach can happen without a moment’s warning.

What to Expect

As the late afternoon sun begins its descent over Oʻahu’s North Shore, guests board the 40-foot sailing catamaran Hoʻo Nanea from Haleiwa Harbor for a sunset cruise that doubles as one of the most unique whale watching experiences in Hawaiʻi. With a limited number of passengers on board, this relaxed and intimate tour offers a peaceful alternative to crowded commercial boats, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in Hawaii's natural beauty and up close humpback whale encounters.

Sunset conditions are typically calm, with light winds and glassy water offering ideal visibility for spotting marine life. With sails raised and the motor silenced, the catamaran glides quietly along the surface.  From December through April, the surrounding waters come alive with humpback whales returning to Hawaiʻi’s warm coastal seas. Watch as blowholes spout in the distance, 50-foot humpbacks break the surface just yards from the boat, and massive fluke tails lift skyward. Breaches can occur without warning, sometimes right off the side of the vessel. It's not uncommon to see mothers and calves swimming in tandem, or to hear the haunting songs of whales resonating through the hull.

The atmosphere on board is both tranquil and social, with ample space to stretch out on deck or find a quiet spot to take in the sweeping ocean views. The friendly crew offers expert commentary on humpback whale behavior, migration, and the surrounding marine ecosystem, adding depth to every sighting. While whale activity is the highlight, many guests are equally moved by the sunset itself. As the sun dips below the horizon, the sky transforms into a canvas of gold, pink, and deep orange, mirrored in the rolling ocean and framed by the silhouette of the Waiʻanae Mountains.

The Catamaran

The 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. We are the only commercial sailing catamaran on the whole North Shore. You will not find a gaggle of boats competing for whales. 

The whales do not get frightened or disturbed by our boat because most of the time we are under sail. 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!

Included

  • Frequent Humpback Whale, Dolphin, and Turtle Sightings
  • Friendly and Knowledgable Crew
  • Informative Tour teaching about Hawaii's Humpback While Migration
  • Coast Guard Approved Life Jackets on board
  • Non-Alcoholic Beverage Refreshments
  • Bathroom Onboard
  • Bring Your Own Beer / Alcohol Permission
  • Enjoyable Sailing off the underdeveloped North Shore

Duration

2 hours

Address

  • Please meet us at our boat in the Haleiwa Boat Harbor. For GPS, we recommend that you use the "Haleiwa Joe's Seafood Grill" or harbor address: 66-105 Haleiwa Rd., Haleiwa, HI 96712. Our boat is located next to the 2 story grey building in the middle of the harbor.

Cancellation Policy

All cruises and tours have a 24-hour notice of cancellation policy. Any cancellation with less than 24 hours notice will not receive a refund. There is a 20% fee for rescheduling within 24-hour period. Customers will receive a full refund with 24 hours notice of cancellation. Customers will also receive a full refund in case of operator cancellation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances (i.e. Lack of participation) Weather conditions are decided at the boat dock. Private charters require 168-hour (7 Day) notice for refund. 20% fee for ALL canceled Private tours. Contact us anytime to inquire about cancellations or reschedule.