Early Bird Whale Watching Cruise from Waikiki in Oahu
Oahu, United States

Early Bird Whale Watching Cruise from Waikiki

Outty Ranking 65 4.4 · 204 traveler reviews2 hoursFrom $54

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September 2026

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Adults

Age 13 and over

2

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Age 12 and under

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From, per person$54
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Outty Ranking

65/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.4/5

Based on 204 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Early Bird Whale Watching Cruise from Waikiki worth booking?

Early Bird Whale Watching Cruise from Waikiki is a 2-hour experience in Oahu, United States, from $54 per person. It scores 65 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice, based on a 4.4/5 rating across 204 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
65 / 100
Rating
4.4/5 (204)
Duration
2 hours
From
$54 per person

See humpback whales during their annual migration in the waters off Oahu on a whale-watching cruise from Waikiki. Enjoy great photo ops of the massive mammals, as well as views of Honolulu, Diamond Head and the Kahala Go

What you get

    About this experience

    See humpback whales during their annual migration in the waters off Oahu on a whale-watching cruise from Waikiki. Enjoy great photo ops of the massive mammals, as well as views of Honolulu, Diamond Head and the Kahala Gold Coast. Plus, keep your eyes peeled for other marine life like Hawaiian spinner dolphins, porpoises and sea turtles.

    What's included

    Included

    • Naturalist guide
    • Breakfast
    • Onboard exhibits

    Not included

    • Gratuities

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Oahu

    Star of Honolulu departs from Aloha Tower Market Place, Pier 8 at 9:15 AM. Please check in from 8:30 AM onboard the Star of Honolulu.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    Star of Honolulu departs from Aloha Tower Market Place, Pier 8 at 9:15 AM. Please check in from 8:30 AM onboard the Star of Honolulu.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 10 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Star of Honolulu Cruises and Events

    Know before you go

    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Wheelchair accessible; please advise at time of booking if wheelchair assistance is required
    • Products may be adjusted due to government COVID-19 guidelines.

    Photos

    Early Bird Whale Watching Cruise from Waikiki in Oahu, photo 2Early Bird Whale Watching Cruise from Waikiki in Oahu, photo 3Early Bird Whale Watching Cruise from Waikiki in Oahu, photo 4Early Bird Whale Watching Cruise from Waikiki in Oahu, photo 5Early Bird Whale Watching Cruise from Waikiki in Oahu, photo 6Early Bird Whale Watching Cruise from Waikiki in Oahu, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 204 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    3 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Photo opportunities

    2 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Good for families

    2 mentions

    Reviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.

    Traveler reviews

    204 verified traveler reviews for Early Bird Whale Watching Cruise from Waikiki. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    134
    4 star
    35
    3 star
    18
    2 star
    9
    1 star
    8
    Sort
    754yadanarm · March 2026

    Really bad experience

    Breakfast is only banana bread and coffee. Don't even include the juices. Staffs are arguing in front of the guests. We didn't see a whale either. They offered to call the customer service to rebook but I am not doing it. I wasted my half day and $85 per person.

    Response from the operator: Aloha 754yadanarm, Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We sincerely apologize for your experience and want you to know that your feedback has been shared with management. We are committed to improving and hope to have the opportunity to welcome you back in the future. Mahalo, Star of Honolulu

    via Tripadvisor

    Navigate794668 · March 2026

    Smooth sailing and beautiful views

    My boyfriend and I went on the Early Bird Whale Watching Cruise and we both had a great time. The cruise is ~2 hours long and I wish it could've been longer. It was a beautiful sunny day when we went, but eve if the weather is bad, there is indoor and covered seating and viewing locations. It is a family friendly and accessibility friendly boat making it great for everyone to be on board. The staff were kind and helpful, we enjoyed the onboard Naturalist's informative overview of whales and the other animals of the Hawaiian islands. And even though we didn't see any whales on this trip, you get a voucher to go on another cruise with them during whale season which is a cool gesture

    Response from the operator: Aloha Navigate794668, Thank you for your wonderful review! We are very happy to hear that you enjoyed the whale watching experience on the Star, though the whales didn't visit during this trip. We hope that you were able to rebook your cruise with us for another adventure - we will see you again soon! Mahalo, Star of Honolulu

    via Tripadvisor

    Ambassador9618 · February 2026

    whale watching Star of Honolulu

    The Captain and the crew were very helpful and friendly with information and finding whales. Great Time Aloha

    Response from the operator: Aloha Ambassador9618, Thank you for your kind review! We ae glad that you enjoyed our Whale Watch cruise experience. We hope to welcome you aboard again! Mahalo, Star of Honolulu

    via Tripadvisor

    Sylvia_H · February 2025

    Never again

    I feel a little deceived because reviews on this cruise said we would have to get briefly in the water to get on and off making me think it was a different cruise and smaller boat. I have already been on the star of Honolulu and thought it was quite boring. Didn't see any whales but that's not the reason. I just wanted a different boat experience. I think they should actually tell you the name of the boat before you book.

    via Viator

    Kurtirvin_C · February 2025

    You’ll definitely see...

    You’ll definitely see whales here! We were able to see everything they said through the introduction of the trip.

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    2 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $54 to $85
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    71
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Why this scores 65

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)59
    Review evidence (18% weight)62
    Booking momentum (14% weight)57
    Value for money (12% weight)98
    Listing quality (10% weight)66
    Local standing (8% weight)16
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Early Bird Whale Watching Cruise from Waikiki: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Oahu.

    How much does Early Bird Whale Watching Cruise from Waikiki cost?

    +

    Prices start at $54 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Oahu usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Early Bird Whale Watching Cruise from Waikiki take?

    +

    Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Oahu is not rushed.

    Is Early Bird Whale Watching Cruise from Waikiki worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 65 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.4/5 across 204 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Oahu, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Early Bird Whale Watching Cruise from Waikiki?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Early Bird Whale Watching Cruise from Waikiki suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Early Bird Whale Watching Cruise from Waikiki?

    +

    Around 71 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Oahu can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Oahu and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Early Bird Whale Watching Cruise from Waikiki start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Oahu within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Oahu?

    +

    On Outty we rank every Oahu experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Oahu: Full or Half Day Grand Circle Island Tour, Oahu Small-Group Circle Island Tour with Turtle Snorkeling, Pearl Harbor Remembered Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Oahu?

    +

    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Oahu?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

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