STARTS DEC 15
Oahu Whale Watching from Waikiki: A Strong Chance to See Humpbacks
Spend 90 minutes aboard our spacious double-decker catamaran, departing from Honolulu near Waikiki to watch Māmala Bay for humpback whales.
Departs 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM. Check in 30 minutes before departure. Morning trips last 90 minutes.
If you do not see whales on your first trip, you can reschedule within two weeks and within the same whale season for one more trip at $7 per person plus taxes and card fees. If you do not see whales on that second trip, a third trip requires buying a new ticket.
WAIKIKI OCEAN ADVENTURE
What’s included
Ocean Intrigue has two bathrooms on board. We provide a pair of binoculars for each group and emergency life jackets for everyone.
This is a whale watching trip only. There is no snorkeling, the boat never stops for swimming, and you do not need to swim to enjoy it. Emergency life jackets are available for everyone.
Round-trip Waikiki pickup is $10 per person for the 10AM Whale Watching only, no transportation for the 8AM Whale Watching. Arrange pickup at least 24 hours ahead; same-day requests are not accepted.
MĀMALA BAY · O‘AHU
Humpback season in Māmala Bay
Every winter, humpback whales travel from Alaska to Hawaii’s warm waters. From December 15 to April 15, our Waikiki whale watching cruise heads out into Māmala Bay, the stretch of water off Honolulu’s south shore, to look for them. Whale activity builds through the winter, and many guests find the middle of the season gives them the best odds. Wildlife is wild, so sightings are never guaranteed, but we love our chances and we think you will too.
Read our guide to whale watching in Hawaii →
This is a whale watching trip only. There is no snorkeling, the boat never stops for swimming, and you do not need to swim to enjoy it. Emergency life jackets are available for everyone.
Your trip, start to finish
- 01
Arrive early
Check in 30 minutes before the 8:00 AM or 10:00 AM trip. Meet at Kewalo Basin Harbor, 1025 Ala Moana Boulevard, Honolulu, Hawaii 96814. Check-in is inside the harbor, on the front row, to the left of the Pier E gate, at Slip F-18, in the orange and green booth. If you are driving, allow an extra 30 to 45 minutes.
- 02
Board Ocean Intrigue
Board Ocean Intrigue, our 65-foot double-decker power catamaran. Find a spot on either deck, with room to move around and find a good view. The crew will point out where the emergency life jackets are kept.
- 03
Cruise into Māmala Bay
Cruise into Māmala Bay. Each group gets a pair of binoculars so everyone can scan the horizon. Watch, relax, repeat: grab water and a granola bar, bring your own snacks if you like, and keep your eyes on the ocean.
- 04
Return to Kewalo Basin
Return to Kewalo Basin. Back at the harbor, you will have a story to tell either way.
The boat and your comfort
Ocean Intrigue has two bathrooms on board. We provide a pair of binoculars for each group and emergency life jackets for everyone.
Families and accessibility
There is no minimum age to board, and strollers are welcome. Guests who use a wheelchair can board. Please call (808) 673-0969 in advance so we can board you earlier than other guests, and arrive a little early so we can help you get settled in your seat. Our Waikiki shuttle has no wheelchair lift, so please arrange your own transportation to the harbor. Powered wheelchairs and powered strollers are not allowed on board because of fire safety and damage liability.
What to bring
We provide water and granola bars. You may bring your own food, snacks and drinks.
The 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM whale trips do not include mai tais. Alcohol is not permitted on morning whale trips.
If you do not see a whale
Whale sightings are never guaranteed. What we can promise is a comfortable catamaran, binoculars for your group, and a crew looking for whales with you. If you do not see whales, our rebooking policy applies.
If you do not see whales on your first trip, you can reschedule within two weeks and within the same whale season for one more trip at $7 per person plus taxes and card fees. If you do not see whales on that second trip, a third trip requires buying a new ticket.
Waikiki pickup
Round-trip Waikiki pickup is $10 per person for snorkeling tours, the Friday fireworks cruise, and the 10:00 AM and sunset whale trips. Pickup is not available on the 8:00 AM whale trip. Arrange pickup at least 24 hours ahead; same-day requests are not accepted. Add it when booking through FareHarbor, or call or text (808) 673-0969 to add it to an existing booking. Be at your assigned pickup spot on time; the shuttle leaves without late guests. The shuttle has no wheelchair lift.
- Prince Waikiki Hotel (Harbor Side)
- Ross Dress for Less (Seaside Ave)
- K Street Food (138 Uluniu Ave)
- Waikiki Beach Marriott tour bus depot (on Paoakalani Ave)
- Romer Waikiki (The Ambassador, on Namahana St)
Parking is available in three areas within the harbor. It is operated by a third party, not E Sea Diver, and is not included in your ticket. It was $4 per hour as of September 2026; the parking operator sets the rates and they may change. Payment is by QR code only; follow the signs in each parking area. Allow 30–45 extra minutes for driving and parking, in addition to the early check-in time.
Find our check-in booth
Frequently asked questions
(808) 673-0969When is whale season, and which days do you run?+
December 15 to April 15, Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. No trips on Tuesdays or Thursdays. First sailings Wednesday, December 16, 2026.
How long is the trip, and where does it leave from?+
Morning trips last 90 minutes. We depart from Kewalo Basin Harbor, 1025 Ala Moana Boulevard, Honolulu, HI 96814, Slip F-18.
What time are the departures?+
Departs 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM. Check in 30 minutes before departure. Morning trips last 90 minutes.
Will I see a whale?+
Whale sightings are never guaranteed. What we can promise is a comfortable catamaran, binoculars for your group, and a crew looking for whales with you. If you do not see whales, our rebooking policy applies.
What happens if we do not see any whales?+
If you do not see whales on your first trip, you can reschedule within two weeks and within the same whale season for one more trip at $7 per person plus taxes and card fees. If you do not see whales on that second trip, a third trip requires buying a new ticket.
Is the boat good for kids, strollers and wheelchairs?+
There is no minimum age to board, and strollers are welcome. Guests who use a wheelchair can board. Please call (808) 673-0969 in advance so we can board you earlier than other guests, and arrive a little early so we can help you get settled in your seat. Our Waikiki shuttle has no wheelchair lift, so please arrange your own transportation to the harbor. Powered wheelchairs and powered strollers are not allowed on board because of fire safety and damage liability. 8:00 AM: ages 4+ $29, ages 0–3 free. 10:00 AM: ages 13+ $39, ages 4–12 $29, ages 0–3 free. Sunset: ages 13+ $52, ages 4–12 $29, ages 0–3 free.
Do I need to know how to swim? Is there snorkeling?+
This is a whale watching trip only. There is no snorkeling, the boat never stops for swimming, and you do not need to swim to enjoy it. Emergency life jackets are available for everyone.
What food and drinks can I bring?+
We provide water and granola bars. You may bring your own food, snacks and drinks. The 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM whale trips do not include mai tais. Alcohol is not permitted on morning whale trips.
Are there bathrooms and binoculars on board?+
Ocean Intrigue has two bathrooms on board. We provide a pair of binoculars for each group and emergency life jackets for everyone.
Where do I check in, and where do I park?+
Check in 30 minutes before the 8:00 AM or 10:00 AM trip. Meet at Kewalo Basin Harbor, 1025 Ala Moana Boulevard, Honolulu, Hawaii 96814. Check-in is inside the harbor, on the front row, to the left of the Pier E gate, at Slip F-18, in the orange and green booth. If you are driving, allow an extra 30 to 45 minutes. Parking is available in three areas within the harbor. It is operated by a third party, not E Sea Diver, and is not included in your ticket. It was $4 per hour as of September 2026; the parking operator sets the rates and they may change. Payment is by QR code only; follow the signs in each parking area. Allow 30–45 extra minutes for driving and parking, in addition to the early check-in time.
Do you offer Waikiki pickup?+
Round-trip Waikiki pickup is $10 per person for snorkeling tours, the Friday fireworks cruise, and the 10:00 AM and sunset whale trips. Pickup is not available on the 8:00 AM whale trip. Arrange pickup at least 24 hours ahead; same-day requests are not accepted. Add it when booking through FareHarbor, or call or text (808) 673-0969 to add it to an existing booking. Be at your assigned pickup spot on time; the shuttle leaves without late guests. The shuttle has no wheelchair lift. Prince Waikiki Hotel (Harbor Side); Ross Dress for Less (Seaside Ave); K Street Food (138 Uluniu Ave); Waikiki Beach Marriott tour bus depot (on Paoakalani Ave); Romer Waikiki (The Ambassador, on Namahana St).
Your boat and check-in point
Looking for something more active? Our other tours include turtle snorkeling and the Friday fireworks cruise, all from Kewalo Basin.
Explore all tours →A closer look
Watch a little of the experience
Press play to watch. Videos do not play automatically. Wildlife sightings and behaviors are never guaranteed.