Oahu is full of adventurous things to do and magical experiences. From rainforest hikes to snorkeling to whale watching your time on Oahu is sure to be memorable. If visiting during the winter months, I highly recommend taking a whale-watching excursion or trying to see some from shore! This guide with walk you through everything you need to know about whale watching on Oahu.
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Table of Contents
When is the best time for Whale Watching on Oahu?
If you are hoping to spot some whales during your time on Oahu, it’s important to book your trip at the right time. Humpback whales can be spotted in the waters around Oahu from mid-December through April, which is their breeding and calving season.
During these winter months, you may catch these majestic creatures breaching, tail-slapping, and engaging in other impressive displays.
However, keep in mind that whales are wild animals and sightings are of course not guaranteed. Weather conditions and other natural circumstances can impact the success of your whale-watching trip. But, with a bit of persistence and dedication, you’ll surely spot a few.
Where are the best places to spot whales on Oahu (without a tour)?
If you want to take your chances on spotting some of these majestic creatures from shore (without a guided tour), here are some of the best places to check out! Be sure to bring your binoculars with you!
Makapuu Lighthouse Trail:
This trail is located on the southeastern tip of Oahu and offers sweeping views of the ocean. During whale season, you can often spot humpback whales breaching from the trail.
It’s a paved, but steep 1.2-mile hike up to the top (2.5-mile round trip). There are several spots on your way up to stop and take in the views (and look for whales of course).
Diamond Head Trail:
Although this is likely the most popular hike in all of Oahu, it’s also a great overlook to look for whales! Once you reach the top of this 1. 7-mile trail, you are pretty high up so be sure to have your binoculars with you as you peer out into the ocean.
Halona Blowhole:
In addition to marveling at water shooting up to 30 ft in the air, the Halona Blowhole is also a great place to spot whales. There’s also a small beach here where you can look for sea turtles or have a picnic.
It’s a great stopping point on your way to or from snorkeling at Haunama Crater Bay.
Shark’s Cove:
Shark’s Cove is located on the North Shore of Oahu and is home to some large waves in the winter, great snorkeling in the summer, and tide pools to explore year-round. Although it’s not recommended to go swimming or snorkeling in the winter months, it’s a great place to look for whales from the beach!
Parking is limited here and does fill up quickly. There are restrooms and showers on-site with the occasional parking lot food truck. It’s a great stop while you are out exploring the North Shore!
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Best Whale-Watching Tours on Oahu:
If hoping to get up closer to the whales, there are several whale-watching tour operators on Oahu that offer a variety of experiences. Here are some of the best whale-watching tours on Oahu!
Paradise Watersports LLC
Paradise Watersports LLC offers a very affordable whale-watching tour in Oahu with a shuttle available. You’ll ride of a double-deck catamaran while you search the seas. There’s also free juice and snacks available during the duration.
Iruka Hawaii Experiences
This tour operator offers a 2.5-hour whale-watching excursion at sunset! You can even bring your own food and alcoholic beverages onboard (just no glass).
And You Creations
This is the tour company we booked with and it was awesome! The tour was 2.5 hours and included donuts, drinks, a great tour guide, and even a cultural song and hula dance. We saw whales right away followed by dolphins and turtles!
Atlantis Adventures
This tour operator offers a 2-hour whale-watching cruise from Waikiki Beach. The tour includes a 100-foot vessel with panoramic windows for optimal viewing and onboard naturalists to provide educational commentary.
North Shore Catamaran Charters
his tour operator offers a 2-hour whale-watching tour from Haleiwa Harbor on the North Shore of Oahu. The tour includes a 50-foot catamaran with a maximum of 25 guests and an experienced captain and naturalist.
IMPORTANT! When planning your whale-watching excursion, be sure to book a tour with a reputable operator and follow all guidelines for responsible whale-watching to protect these magnificent animals.
Things to Consider BEFORE BOOKING a whale-watching tour.
Before booking a whale-watching tour, there are several factors to consider to ensure you have an enjoyable and responsible experience:
- Timing – Make sure the tour is scheduled during the peak season for whale watching in Oahu, which is from December through April.
- Reputation – Do some research and choose a reputable tour operator with experienced crew members and positive reviews from previous customers.
- Safety – Check the safety record of the tour operator and ensure that their boats and equipment are well-maintained and up-to-date.
- Tour duration – Consider how long the tour is and whether it fits your schedule and interests.
- Group size – Consider the size of the tour group and whether you prefer a more intimate experience or a larger group.
- Price – Consider the cost of the tour and whether it fits your budget, but keep in mind that cheaper tours may not offer the same level of quality or safety as more expensive tours.
- Environmental impact – Look for a tour operator that follows responsible whale-watching guidelines to minimize the impact on the whales and their habitat.
By taking these factors into consideration, you can choose a whale-watching tour that meets your needs and ensures a memorable and responsible experience. Whale-watching in Oahu will surely be a bucket list experience for all!
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