Honolulu: Whale watching cruise with upper deck seating

3.95

(20 reviews)

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I didn’t really expect to feel anything when we first boarded the Prince Kuhio for this whale watching cruise in Honolulu—maybe just some sun and sea air. But then you’re out there, salt on your lips, and suddenly someone shouts “there!” and everyone’s pointing at the water. The hush that falls is weirdly intense. Our guide, Kaleo, grinned and said it was a good day for whales—something about the wind being just right. I didn’t even know wind mattered for whales.

The boat itself felt steady, which helped because I get a bit queasy sometimes (I brought ginger chews just in case). We found a spot on the upper deck, legs dangling over the side. You can smell sunscreen and ocean mixed together—plus someone’s coffee drifting by. And then, out of nowhere, this massive tail slapped the surface maybe 30 meters away. It’s not quiet; it’s a real thump you feel in your chest. Everyone kind of gasped at once. I tried to take a photo but honestly missed half of it because I was too busy staring.

Kaleo told us about how these humpbacks come here every winter from Alaska—he pointed out how you could tell if it was a mom or calf by their size (I still can’t tell them apart). At one point he laughed when I tried to say “kohola” (whale) in Hawaiian—I probably butchered it but he seemed happy I tried. There were dolphins too, darting around like they were showing off for us. The whole thing felt both calm and exciting at once.

I keep thinking about that first breach—the sound of it, how everyone went silent for a second after. If you’re looking for a day trip from Honolulu that isn’t just another beach afternoon, this whale watching cruise is something different. Not perfect weather or perfect photos every time, but there’s something about seeing those whales up close that sticks with you.