Quick Details
General
(13+ years old)
$ 50
Keiki
(4-12 years old)
$ 30
Infant
(0-3 years old)
Free
Private Charter
$ 2,900
If you are trying to book a 3PM sail from Apr – Nov please click here.
Whale Watching Sail
Waikiki Humpback Whale Watching with Open Bar
Every winter, one of nature’s greatest spectacles unfolds just offshore from Waikiki Beach — and the Holokai puts you right in the middle of it. Thousands of North Pacific humpback whales migrate from the cold waters of Alaska to the warm, protected seas of Honolulu, and our whale watching catamaran gives you a front-row seat from the water. When you embark on a whale watch with Holokai, you’re not just taking a boat ride. You’re boarding a luxury catamaran directly from the sand, sailing to the best viewing grounds in the Hawaiian Islands, and returning with memories that last a lifetime. Whale sightings are not guaranteed – but if you don’t spot a whale, we’ll bring you back for a second sail at no extra charge*.
*The sail can only be redeemed for the 3 PM sailing from Dec 1st until March 31st the same whale watching season and must be processed in the office to be officially validated
What is the Whale Watching Sail?
Unlike many whale watching tours that require long drives or crowded harbor check-ins, our Waikiki whale watching boat is remarkably accessible – departing straight from the beach, steps from your hotel. The warm, shallow waters off the south shore of Oahu are one of the most active humpback whale wintering grounds in the world. Because the whales come to Hawaii strictly to rest, mate, and nurse their calves, they spend enormous amounts of time near the surface. This one of the most awe-inspiring tours in the Hawaiian Islands.
On any given afternoon during the season, guests commonly encounter whales breaching, tail slapping, pec slapping, and spy-hopping. Newborn calves are frequently spotted alongside their mothers from January through March. It is a Waikiki watersport experience unlike any other.
Why Choose Holokai for Your Waikiki Beach Adventure?
There are several operators offering whale tours on Oahu, so what makes Holokai different? A lot, actually.
Direct Beach Boarding – No Harbor Hassles
Most whale watching tours on Oahu depart from Kewalo Basin Harbor, requiring guests to take a shuttle or bus from Waikiki, check in at a crowded pier, and wait on a dock. With Holokai, you check in just steps from your hotel and board our catamaran directly from the Waikiki sand. We are a true beach-boarding catamaran, taking off right from the world-famous shoreline nestled between Fort DeRussy and the Royal Hawaiian Hotel. Centrally located near the Outrigger Reef, Sheraton Waikiki, and Hilton Hawaiian Village, our departure spot means no shuttles, no industrial harbor, and no bus rides. It’s the most convenient Honolulu whale watching experience available.
A Premium Catamaran, Not a Powerboat
The Holokai is a beautiful, custom-designed, handcrafted 49-passenger beach catamaran — not a cramped powerboat. With spacious open seating, a shaded upper deck, and unobstructed sightlines in every direction, there is no bad seat on the boat. Whether you sit at the bow or lounge on our netted splash area, you will have the space to experience every breathtaking breach fully.
The Holokai Whale Guarantee
Whales are wild animals, but we are confident in our pristine Waikiki whale watching grounds. If you don’t spot a whale on your sail, we will bring you back for a complimentary return sail within the same season. We are that confident — and your ticket includes a full open bar while you search the horizon.
The Holokai departs from the beach for all of our sails, so be sure to bring footwear that you can easily slip on and off! The specific beach for arrival and departure changes depending on the tides to ensure a safe boarding, so keep in mind that the departure spot may change and might not always be right outside the hotel. The walk down to the beach may take from 5 to 10 minutes, a maximum of 0.3 miles down to the boat.
Any guests with mobility issues or are a slower walker: please call us at (808) 922-2210 to let us know after or before you book, so we can make the appropriate accommodations for your group, mahalo!
For large parties of 16 or more, please call our reservations line to book.
Includes:
- 1.5 Hour Sail
- Motion Sickness Aid
- Reef Safe Sunscreen
- Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Beverages Included until 2027!
- Validated Parking at Embassy Suites Hotel ($15 for 4 hours)
- Dry Storage
- Bathroom
Things to Bring:
- Sunglasses/Eyewear
- Camera
- Towel
- Longsleeve (weather dependent)
- Hat
- ID (21 and over)
- Submit Online Pre-Arrival Waiver
All guests boarding the Holokai Catamaran must complete an online waiver form prior to check-in. Guests will not be permitted to board without a signed waiver. All guests 17 years of age and younger must have a waiver completed by a parent or guardian over the age of 18. Guests 17 years of age and younger must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over the age of 18 on all tours.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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A: It is a dedicated 1.5-hour eco-tour aboard the Holokai, departing directly from Waikiki Beach in Honolulu. The sail focuses on finding and observing North Pacific humpback whales in their natural Hawaiian wintering grounds, with a full open bar included and a sighting guarantee backing every ticket.
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A: Our Waikiki catamaran adventure is a 1.5-hour experience from departure to return to the beach.
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A: The tour departs daily at 3:00 PM (check-in at 2:30 PM) during the winter whale season, December 1st through March 31st.
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A: Yes! Whale watching is one of the best family watersports in Honolulu. The Holokai is an exceptionally stable catamaran, and our crew ensures a safe, educational, and genuinely exciting experience for all ages.
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A: Your adventure includes a 1.5-hour sail, a full open bar (alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages), reef-safe sunscreen, motion sickness support, onboard bathrooms, and validated parking at the Embassy Suites Hotel.
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A: The vast majority of our sails encounter whales — often multiple whales and behaviors in a single outing. And if you don’t see one, we honor a complimentary return sail within the same season. We are that confident in our waters.
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A: We are a true beach-boarding catamaran, meaning we depart directly from the sand of Waikiki Beach! Our prime location is nestled right between Fort DeRussy and the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, making it incredibly accessible if you are staying at the Outrigger Reef, Sheraton, or Hilton Hawaiian Village. The exact boarding spot on the beach shifts slightly based on daily tide conditions for safe boarding, but it is typically a 5–10 minute walk (max 0.3 miles) from our check-in desk at the Outrigger Reef Hotel.
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A: We highly recommend bringing a camera with zoom capability (or a GoPro), sunglasses, a hat, a light jacket (weather dependent), and a valid ID if you plan to enjoy the open bar.
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A: Federal law requires vessels to maintain a minimum distance of 100 yards from humpback whales to protect them. That said, whales are naturally curious and will sometimes swim directly up to our resting catamaran of their own accord!
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A: No — humpback whales are seasonal visitors. The Whale Watching Sail runs exclusively from December 1st through March 31st. From April through November, this time slot becomes our Afternoon Sail.
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A: General admission is $50.00 per person — open bar included. Call to book and save an additional 6% on top of any active discounts!