I have mixed feelings about this experience. On one hand, the price is very affordable, and you definitely get what you pay for. On the other hand, the staff felt a bit slow to react when whales were spotted. We consistently trailed behind all the other tour boats, and by the time we reached the coordinates, the whales had already moved on. I ended up having to go out a second time just to see them, and even then, we were about 500 feet away. It’s a decent budget option, but if you’re looking for a proactive crew that gets you to the action quickly, you might want to look elsewhere.
Oahu Whale Watching Catamaran Sail Experience





At a glance
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Price from
- $55 / person
- Location
- Oahu, United States
- Rating
- 3.0 / 5 · 1 reviews
- Languages
- EN
- Group
- Small group, up to 35
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Confirmation
- Instant
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Operator
- Aloha Sails Waikiki
- Meeting point
- From the valet area of the Prince Waikiki Hotel, face the dock/ocean then head right - we are just across the street.Boat nameIsland Magic
Description
Join an intimate whale watching adventure aboard open-deck sailing catamaran, limited to just 35 guests for a more personal experience. Every winter, humpback whales migrate to Hawai‘i's warm waters, offering a spectacular display of nature as they breach, tail-slap, and spout. Enjoy the refreshing ocean breeze while experienced local crew shares their knowledge and aloha spirit, ensuring a safe and enjoyable journey. If you don’t spot any whales, we invite you back for a free second sail, guaranteeing you’ll witness the magic of whale season. - Limited to 35 guests for a more personal and authentic experience - Open-deck catamaran provides unobstructed views of humpback whales - Expert local crew ensures safety and shares insights on whale behavior - Free second sail if no whales are spotted during the trip
Schedule & prices
- Runs
- Every day
- Start times
- 8:00 AM
- Next available
- Tue, Dec 15
- Adult (ages 4+)
- $55
- Infant (ages 0–3)
- $2
In demand: 30 of the next 30 departures are already sold out.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 20.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Take in panoramic views of Waikiki Beach, Honolulu’s sparkling skyline and world-famous Diamond Head. Our open deck gives you the perfect vantage point for unforgettable photos.
Set sail with us along Oʻahu’s beautiful south shore for an unforgettable whale watching adventure! Each winter, humpback whales journey thousands of miles to Hawai‘i’s warm waters. Get a front-row seat to their incredible displays. You might see them breaching, tail-slapping or gliding beside the boat while dolphins play nearby. Our open-deck catamaran gives you 360° ocean views with Diamond Head as a stunning backdrop. Feel the ocean breeze, the rhythm of the waves and the true spirit of aloha with our local crew. If no whales show up that day, we’ll welcome you back for a free second sail — because every guest deserves to experience the magic of whale season in Hawai‘i.
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
How it compares in Oahu
- Starting price $55 is 47% below the typical $105 for tours of similar length in Oahu
Excurgo comparison of 858 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Oahu Whale Watching Catamaran Sail Experience take?
Oahu Whale Watching Catamaran Sail Experience lasts about 2 hours. The itinerary has 2 stops.
How much does Oahu Whale Watching Catamaran Sail Experience cost?
Prices start at $55 per person for this Oahu experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does Oahu Whale Watching Catamaran Sail Experience run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, starting at 8:00 AM.
Does Oahu Whale Watching Catamaran Sail Experience sell out?
It can: 30 of the next 30 departures are already sold out, so booking ahead is a good idea.
Can I cancel Oahu Whale Watching Catamaran Sail Experience for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is From the valet area of the Prince Waikiki Hotel, face the dock/ocean then head right - we are just across the street. Boat name: Island Magic. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
What languages is Oahu Whale Watching Catamaran Sail Experience offered in?
The experience is available in EN.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 35 participants.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Is Oahu Whale Watching Catamaran Sail Experience worth it?
Travellers rate it 3.0 out of 5 across 1 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Aloha Sails Waikiki.
Reviews(1)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
Compare similar tours in Oahu
- Lowest price: 2 Hour Waikiki Whale Watching Cruise from Oahu — $40
- Best rated: Ko Olina Catamaran Sail and Snorkel with Lunch — 4.8 (673 reviews)
- Shortest: Waikiki Beach Whale Watching: Catamaran Sail & Open Bar — 1h 30min
| Tour | Duration | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Oahu Whale Watching Catamaran Sail Experience | 2 hours | 3.0 (1) | $55 | |
Waikiki Beach Whale Watching: Catamaran Sail & Open Bar | 1h 30min | 5.0 (15) | $53 | View |
Ko Olina Deluxe Whale Watching Sail | 2 hours | 4.7 (75) | $89 | View |
Waikiki 2 Hour Whale Watching with Guaranteed Sightings on Oahu | 2 hours | 4.6 (1,335) | $53 | View |
2-Hour Oahu Sunset Catamaran Sail | 2 hours | 4.8 (144) | $130 | View |
Ko Olina Catamaran Sail and Snorkel with Lunch | 3 hours | 4.8 (673) | $195 | View |
2 Hour Waikiki Whale Watching Cruise from Oahu | 2 hours | 4.6 (192) | $40 | View |








