Skip to content
Whale Sighting Guaranteed

Whale Watching Cruise in Hawaii

Oahu's Original Whale Watch — aboard Hawaii's largest vessel, with certified naturalists guiding every encounter.

Book Now
$78.81 Adult
$47.29 Child
Cruise Time 9:15 – 11:15AM
Check-in 8:45AM
2027 Season Jan 2–30: Tue/Thu/Sat
Feb 1–Mar 20: Daily

Winter's "must do" whale watch aboard Hawaii's largest sightseeing vessel — cruise in comfort with three types of stabilizers for smooth sailing, and the most outdoor space of any whale watch boat in the islands, with four walk-around decks and a 60-foot high observation sundeck built for optimal encounters.

Our certified naturalist crew shares expert insight on Humpback whales and Hawaii's marine wildlife throughout the cruise, while you enjoy homemade pineapple banana bread and a Kona blend coffee and tea breakfast. Departing from Aloha Tower Marketplace, just 15 minutes from Waikiki — and a whale sighting is guaranteed, or you'll cruise again.

Included Features

  • Certified naturalist narration throughout the cruise
  • Homemade pineapple banana bread breakfast
  • Freshly brewed custom Kona blend coffee and tea
  • Bar onboard — beer, wine & cocktails available for purchase
  • Whale sighting guaranteed — or receive a "Whale Check" to cruise again until a whale is sighted

The Vessel

  • Hawaii's largest sightseeing vessel, equipped with high-tech stabilizers
  • The only ADA-compliant whale watch vessel in Hawaii
  • Most outdoor space of any whale watch boat — four walk-around decks
  • 60-foot high observation sundeck, perfect for spotting whales
  • Air-conditioned main deck and restrooms onboard

Why Choose the STAR

1

Hawaii's Largest Vessel

The most comfortable, optimal whale viewing with high-tech stabilizers and the most outdoor deck space of any whale watch boat in Hawaii.

2

Guaranteed Whale Sighting

See a whale or cruise with us again until you do — guaranteed.

3

Since 1957

Cruise with an industry leader — best price and value for your whale watch, backed by decades of experience.

Whale Watching Gallery

Whale watching cruise, Star of Honolulu Humpback whale sighting, Oahu Whale watch vessel observation deck Naturalist crew whale watch narration Whale breaching by the Star of Honolulu Homemade pineapple banana bread and kona coffee aboard the Star of Honolulu

Add an Enhancement at Checkout

Onboard alcoholic beverages Round-trip transportation from Waikiki Memory photo in paper jacket

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I don't see a whale?
With our Whale Guarantee, in the rare case that you don't see a whale, you'll receive a "Whale Check" to cruise again — transportation optional — until a whale is sighted.
When does the 2027 whale season run?
The season runs January 2 – 30, 2027 on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, then daily from February 1 – March 20, 2027.
What time should I check in?
If arriving on your own transportation, check in by 8:45AM. The cruise departs at 9:15AM and returns at 11:15AM.
May I bring my own food or beverage?
Outside food and beverages are not allowed. Your Early Bird Whale Watch includes homemade pineapple banana bread with Kona blend coffee and tea, and a bar with beer, wine, and cocktails is available for purchase onboard.
How close can we see whales?
Federal regulations prohibit us from approaching within 100 yards (90m) of a humpback whale. Whales may approach us; we are very careful to avoid injury to whales in such cases.
Is the vessel wheelchair & stroller accessible?
Yes. The Star of Honolulu is the only ADA-compliant whale watch vessel in Hawaii, with four walk-around decks for easy access.
Where does the whale watch depart from, and is parking available?
The cruise departs from Aloha Tower Marketplace, Pier 8, just 15 minutes from Waikiki. Round-trip transportation from Waikiki is available as an optional add-on at checkout.

We offer a $20 flat-rate parking validation for up to 4 hours at check-in for Whale Watch guests who park at Piers 5 and 6 only. Additional parking (no validation) may be found at the facilities below; please inquire at each facility for current rates. These parking facilities are not owned or operated by Star of Honolulu and are subject to change without notice.
  • Piers 5 and 6 (validation provided)
  • Topa Financial Center
  • Pacific Guardian Center
  • Harbor Court
  • Harbor Square
Visit our Directions & Parking page for more information.