Between December and May, you might glimpse the majestic humpback whales, known as koholā in Hawaiian, in the southern waters of Oʻahu. These gentle giants visit the warm Hawaiian seas annually for breeding and calving.
Book a guided tour or charter a boat for a chance to witness these magnificent creatures. Enjoy breathtaking ocean views while knowledgeable guides lead you to prime whale-watching spots. From playful surfacing to tail slaps and spouting air, you’ll witness these behaviors from a distance—regulations mandate staying at least 100 yards away from the whales, and it’s important never to swim with or touch them or any other marine mammals.
Two North Shore Oahu companies, Deep Blue Eco Tour and North Shore Catamaran Charters, offer whale watching tours.
Deep Blue Eco Tour
On Deep Blue Eco tour’s whale watch expedition, they’ll guide you to the coastal waters of North Shore Oahu, seeking the majestic humpback whales that grace Hawaii during the winter. These gentle giants travel thousands of miles to mate and give birth. You’ll have a firsthand opportunity to witness them in their natural habitat from the comfort of our boat. Throughout the journey, a marine biologist on our crew will share intriguing insights about humpback whales and other marine life. They strictly adhere to rules and regulations, ensuring no disturbance or harm to the whales or any marine mammals we encounter. While there’s no guarantee of a whale sighting, our experienced team uses knowledge and expertise to maximize your chances.
North Shore Catamaran Charters
Embark on unforgettable Oahu tours aboard the Ho’o Nanea with North Shore Catamaran Charters. With over 40 years of experience, we are the leading whale watching company, offering memorable experiences through whale watching, sunset tours, and seasonal snorkeling tours. Our catamaran provides a smooth and comfortable sailing experience, allowing you to enjoy the true feeling of sailing without the inconvenience of leaning or splashing. Contact us for special pricing and reservations for military personnel and locals.
The Ho’o Nanea, an ideal vessel for North Shore whale watching, provides an intimate yet secure platform close to the ocean. As the only commercial sailing catamaran on the entire North Shore, we offer a unique and uncrowded experience for avid and casual whale watchers alike. Sailing through the North Shore of Oahu, our catamaran ensures a remarkable opportunity to witness breaching whales up close.
Captain Don, the full-time captain on the Ho’o Nanea, has been sharing his passion for the ocean and the North Shore since arriving from Huntington Beach, California, in 1977. With over 30 years of experience in Hawaii, he’s engaged in various ocean activities, including surfing, diving, windsurfing, sailing, and fishing. Captain Don is not just a clock-watcher; he genuinely loves his job, often having as much fun as his guests. Known for his knowledge of the North Shore and the ocean, he goes the extra mile to ensure his guests have a memorable and enjoyable experience, sharing entertaining and mostly true stories from his decades on the North Shore.
North Shore Haleiwa Shuttle from Waikiki to Haleiwa Boat Harbor