Early Bird Whale Watching Cruise from Waikiki
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Oahu, USA
- 2 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Increase your chances of seeing whales in the wild on a whale-watching cruise from Waikiki. Spot the majestic flips and dives of humpbacks from the vessel’s four viewing decks, along with other sea creatures that may pop up, such as Hawaiian spinner dolphins, sea turtles, and porpoises, while you learn about marine ecology.
- Great for early birds who want to see whales in the wild
- Learn about whales form your naturalist guide
- A breakfast of pineapple banana bread is served onboard
- Start your day with included hot tea or coffee
What's Included
- Onboard exhibits
- Naturalist guide
- BreakfastEnjoy Homemade Pineapple Banana Bread with hot Kona Blend Coffee or Tea
- Gratuities
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Aloha Tower Marketplace1 Aloha Tower Dr, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA
Star of Honolulu departs from Aloha Tower Market Place, Pier 8 at 9:15 AM. Please check in from 8:30 AM onboard the Star of Honolulu.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Operating hours.9:15 am
What To Expect
1
Star of Honolulu - Dinner and Whale Watch Cruises
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible; please advise at time of booking if wheelchair assistance is required
- Products may be adjusted due to government COVID-19 guidelines.
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Most travelers can participate
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 999 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Arunee_N
Great tour. Got a great view of Honolulu and saw some whales. It was relaxing. The staff was great. Thanks.
Reviews
4.4
based on 204 reviews
Sylvia_H, Feb 2025
I feel a little deceived because reviews on this cruise said we would have to get briefly in the water to get on and off making me think it was a different cruise and smaller boat. I have already been on the star of Honolulu and thought it was quite boring. Didn't see any whales but that's not the reason. I just wanted a different boat experience. I think they should actually tell you the name of the boat before you book.
Kurtirvin_C, Feb 2025
You’ll definitely see whales here! We were able to see everything they said through the introduction of the trip.
Lanette_P, Feb 2025
Whale watching was great. Loved the snacks and beverages included. Unfortunately, the parking validation sticker didn't work and we had to pay.
Kenneth_D, Feb 2025
Beautiful ocean & island views!
The shop crew were very courteous & knowledgeable and the ship was clean.
Patrick_N, Jan 2025
Never recommend anyone to take part in this tour as the ship took about 90 mins to and fro to the whale sanctuary, therefore you only have 30mins to view the whales, if any.
Greg_S, Dec 2024
Beautiful views of Oahu coast.
But unfortunately no sighting of whales
They offer a return trip if there are no sightings of whales. But, the guarantee of seeing whales or ride again, must be completed within 3/6 months. Not a great deal for tourists that will never make it back in their time frame.
Kristi_S, Mar 2024
Be prepared to slide off the pier to get in a dingy and be transported to the bigger boat, all in your bare feet ( shoes left on the pier). They know their whales and spotted a “comp pod” way in the distance and got us there for awesomeness.
Debbie_B, Mar 2024
Obviously it was magical seeing the whales, but in addition, the crew was professional and knowledgeable, the boat was clean and spacious, plenty of options to watch for whales, and I like that it is handicapped accessible, even though we didnt personally need that. Really glad we made the time to do it. Very well worth it!
Valerie_B, Feb 2024
I spotted spouts before the crew and everyone had to wait for the captain to announce, which they did not. Once whales spotted, notice was unclear and we let too fast. The bar was unfriendly and poor quality. I’d choose another company.
Olga_H, Feb 2024
We saw two humpback whales breech! The process was seamless and we saw so many whales! Best money I ever spent! The naturalists were very knowledgeable and helpful!
Ali_M, Feb 2024
It was far from what advertised and expected. I barely saw a whale. The ship was for tour or a primary school kids. More than 100 kids who yell and run around me. I just wanted to get back as soon as possible.
Wynter_L, Feb 2024
The ship was big and comfortable and the crew announced where the whale sightings were using the clock system so you knew where to go on the ship to see them. We had several sightings of whales. I wish we could have stayed out longer because as we were heading back, the whales seemed to be more active and were breaching a lot more than when we were out there. I would do it again for a longer duration.
Maria_H, Jan 2024
Saw several humpback whales and a couple of spinner dolphins. This is a HUGE ship so there was plenty of space to see on different levels. Plenty of restrooms (clean).
Elizabeth_K, Jan 2024
We were so lucky to have had a great whale watching experience with the Star of Honolulu crew. Captain Wade was extremely friendly and welcoming!
Regan_H, Jan 2024
Great experience and saw two whales which we followed for awhile while they were breaching! Ship even stayed out a bit late to ensure we could watch them longer!!
Deborah_T, Jan 2024
Great experience! Enjoyed seeing the whales. One whale was breaching and flapping his tail! Highly recommend!
Stefanie_C, Jan 2024
The crew was amazing!! We got to see a very active humpback whale calf about halfway through. Would definitely recommend.
Monica_M, Mar 2023
We saw several whales and had a very exciting trip. I would highly recommend this excursion. I wish I could upload the videos we took.
Jenna_A, Mar 2023
So much fun! The boat is Huge & the staff was great. We saw a lot of whales. HIGHLY recommend this one!!!!
Cecilia_Y, Mar 2023
There was def enough space on the ship and everything was clean and the crew was awesome. I loved the "dad" jokes and little bits of fun information about the whales as we were on the tour.
Dee_M, Mar 2023
We enjoyed a wonderful 2hour morning tour. It was very organized. There is a dining room you can sit in with tables and chairs or go to the 4th floor open deck. We followed three whales and got good pics and videos. It was a very smooth ride.
Joshua_B, Mar 2023
The ship was nice. We got to travel all levels which was great. The captains and staff were extremely helpful! We saw a couple blow holes from the whales but because of how big the ship is, we has to maintain a long distance away. The smaller boats on the water were getting much closer to the whales than we were. Still had a great time. Sun was shining and it was so relaxing and beautiful to be on the water and just enjoy life. We had a fantastic time. The ship could use better food options though. We only had a choice of bagel, chips or cookie.
Scott_H, Mar 2023
Nice trip. Length of trip was just right for our schedule. Saw a few whales and enjoyed the tour. Crew was friendly and very helpful.
Henry_T, Mar 2023
I get sea sick easily so this bigger boat was just the right thing. I took some Dramamine and I wasn't sick at all. Everyone on board was very nice and the naturalist was very knowledgeable. We saw some amazing whales that kept following our boat, and had some great views of their dorsal fins and flukes. It was really great and relaxing adventure! Thank you team!
Rebecca_v, Mar 2023
We saw a pod of whales surface several times! Excellent information from the naturalist, comfortable conditions on the boat (seating, bathrooms, etc.) with inside and outside viewing options. Bonus spinner dolphins and sea turtles on the way back to the pier. We got lucky with nice weather, too.
Kim_M, Mar 2023
We had a great time. Saw humpback 🐋. Naturalist was amazing. Beautiful day. Loved watching the whales show out. I would highly recommend this tour. Mahalo.
Anthony_R, Mar 2023
We were excited to go and had great hope seeing a whale or two . Saw many on the surface and blows and also a tail slap. What a professional great experience. Thank you your operators!! We definitely will be back.
Robert_B, Feb 2023
We saw a Mama whale and swimming right along side her was her baby whale!
The weather was perfect and the seas were calm. Perfect for a whale watching cruise.
Gladys_G, Feb 2023
Worth the price, nice boat ride, not over crowded. Good for families. Seen whales and Dolphin pods. Parking super close by for $18.00 fee for cars.
Andrea_M, Feb 2023
Great family time and had many multiple whale sightings! I would definitely do it again. First trip to of the day was even better with less people so we had a lot of room all over the boat to see the whales.
From $85.00
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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