From December through April, Oahu welcomes some extraordinary guests – humpback whales! They’ve migrated thousands of miles from Alaska to Hawaii’s warm waters to mate, give birth, and put on a spectacular show for us lucky humans.
With its stunning coastlines, diverse tour options, and breathtaking vantage points, Oahu is prime whale-watching territory.
Whether you’re a fan of boats, prefer solid ground, or crave a bird’s-eye view, here’s everything you need to know about where to watch humpback whales on Oahu.
The Very Best Humpback Whale Watching Spots on Oahu
1. Whale Watching on Oahu by Sea: Whale Boat Tour
For the best whale-watching on Oahu by sea, a boat tour on Oahu’s west side is the way to go. This part of the island (the leeward side) is protected from the prevailing winds, so you’ll find some of the calmest waters here—ideal for spotting humpbacks in their natural habitat.
Several tour companies offer trips along the west side, providing excellent opportunities for sightings, especially during peak whale season. But among them all, Dolphin Excursions stands out as my favorite option for an unforgettable day on the water.
Why I Prefer Dolphin Excursions Over Other Whale Tour Companies:
Dolphin Excursions is a locally owned, woman-run company with a passionate crew of marine biologists and naturalists at the helm. Led by an all-woman team, the captains and crew bring expertise and care to every tour, giving you not just the best whale-watching on Oahu but also a deeper understanding of Oahu’s marine life.
A guarantee backs their confidence in delivering whale sightings—you’re almost certain to encounter humpbacks, and if you don’t, they allow you to book again for free. And in addition to humpbacks, you may even see pygmy whales, false killer whales, and spinner dolphins.
The next best part is that the adventure doesn’t end after spotting marine life from the boat! The tour includes a snorkeling stop at a secluded reef where you can swim alongside colorful tropical fish, coral, and even Hawaiian Sea Turtles.
A pro tip before jumping aboard any whale-watching tour: Pack your bag wisely for the perfect day on the water. Here’s what I always make sure to have in my dry bag:
- Sea Sickness Meds: If you think you may be prone to seasickness, make sure to take these a few hours before boarding to prevent it!
- Wind and Waterproof Jacket: To keep you dry and warm when you want to be! Although you’re in Hawaii, the strong wind, coupled with an overcast day and wet weather can get quite chilly!
- GoPro with Floating Housing: To capture underwater footage of those Hawaiian Green Turtles. And make sure to remember to bring a floating grip so you don’t lose your device at the bottom of the ocean!
2. Whale Watching on Oahu by Sky: Helicopter Tour
For a thrilling alternative to whale watching by boat, a helicopter tour over Oahu offers an entirely different perspective. Viewing whales from the sky gives you a breathtaking panorama of both the island and the surrounding waters, making it easier to spot multiple pods as they cruise along the coastline.
Helicopter tours cover a lot of ground quickly, so they’re a fantastic option if you want to maximize your chances of seeing humpbacks while also getting a stunning aerial view of Oahu’s landscapes. This type of tour is perfect if you’re not a fan of choppy seas or want to avoid the waves altogether.
In addition to the whale-watching excitement, the helicopter ride itself is an unforgettable experience, treating you to sweeping views of iconic spots like The Mokuluas of Lanikai (pictured above), Diamond Head, and the North Shore.
Whether you’re flying over lush valleys, rocky coastlines, or spotting whales far below, an aerial tour is a unique and memorable way to take in all of Oahu’s beauty.
3-6: Whale Watching on Oahu From the Shore
For those who prefer solid ground beneath their feet, Oahu’s trails and beaches offer some fantastic whale-watching spots:
3. Kaena Point
Kaena Point, located at Oahu’s remote western tip, is an incredible place to experience whale watching in a raw, wild setting. The 1.5-mile hike to reach the point takes you along a stunning coastline, where panoramic ocean views and a high likelihood of spotting humpback whales make the trek completely worthwhile.
At the end of the trail, you’ll arrive at a beautiful, secluded beach with seemingly endless views of the Pacific—perfect for a relaxing picnic and a day of taking in the scenery.
As an extra reward for your efforts, Kaena Point offers much more than just whale sightings—it’s a sanctuary for some of Hawaii’s most unique and special wildlife.
Keep an eye out for endangered Hawaiian monk seals, often camouflaged as they nap on the rocks. And if you’re visiting between November and late spring, you’ll be treated to the rare sight of Laysan albatrosses nesting in the area. These majestic seabirds spend most of their lives at sea, making their presence at Kaena Point truly unforgettable.
4. Electric Beach
As you make your way back to central Oahu from the Western tip, you’ll find Electric Beach, known for its warm waters, thanks to the outflow from a nearby power plant. This unique environment attracts an array of marine life, making it a popular spot not only for whale watching on Oahu but also for snorkeling.
As a bonus, if you stay into the evening, you’ll be treated to one of the west side’s stunning sunsets—a perfect end to a day spent searching for whales.
5. Mokapu’u Lighthouse Trail
On Oahu’s southeastern coast, the Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail offers some of the island’s best shore-based whale-watching opportunities on Oahu. This one-mile paved trail up to the lighthouse has several lookout points, giving you panoramic views of the coastline and the Pacific Ocean beyond.
About halfway up is my favorite place to watch for whales. You’ll find information displays on humpback whales and binocular viewing stations, making it easy to spot whales as they pass by the deeper waters just offshore.
6. The North Shore
Last on the list is Oahu’s North Shore, where the waves in the winter are typically massive, making whale watching a bit more challenging—but also incredibly rewarding.
While whales can be spotted along the entire stretch of the North Shore coastline, one of my favorite spots for a relaxing vacation treat is from the Beachside Bar/Restaurant at Turtle Bay Resort (now known as the Ritz Carlton, Turtle Bay) where you can enjoy the view and the whales with a cocktail in hand.
For those seeking more adventure, booking a shark dive out of Haleiwa is the ultimate thrill and a great way to see sharks—and likely whales!
On the way to the dive site, you’re likely to spot whales, and if you’re lucky, you might even witness an awe-inspiring breach. Our family did a shark dive this past March, and on our way out, we saw no less than 10 whales—including one incredible breach!
Final Thoughts: Why Oahu is the Whale Watching Spot You’ve Been Waiting For
If watching a humpback breach against a stunning Hawaiian backdrop sounds like a dream, don’t miss your chance to see these majestic creatures in their natural habitat this whale season.
Whether you choose to go by boat, take to the skies, or stay grounded on one of the island’s scenic trails, seeing humpback whales in the wild is an experience that will always amaze you, no matter how many times you witness it!
