Honolulu Whale Watching & Late Breakfast Cruise — Diamond Head Views & Kona Coffee
Sip Kona coffee on deck as Waikiki slides away and look for humpbacks spouting against the rim of Diamond Head. This two-hour Prince Kuhio cruise pairs elevated viewing platforms with a chef-crafted Hawaiian breakfast for a relaxed marine wildlife experience.
The Experience
Before You Go
Arrive early for boarding
Plan to be at Kewalo Basin at least 30 minutes before departure to clear check-in and secure a good spot on the upper deck.
Protect against sun and spray
Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses; the sun reflects strongly off the water even on cooler mornings.
Manage motion sensitivity
If you get seasick, take or bring anti-nausea medication and choose a midship seat where motion is least pronounced.
Bring optics and storage
A pair of binoculars and a camera with zoom will improve sightings; bring a dry pouch or ziplock for phones and small gear.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Magic Island (Ala Moana Beach Park) for a calm post-cruise swim and panoramic city-to-ocean views
- •Kakaʻako morning coffee shops and street art a short walk from the harbor for a local espresso before boarding
Wildlife
- •Humpback whales
- •Spinner dolphins and green sea turtles
Conservation Note
Operators follow NOAA whale approach guidelines to minimize disturbance; use reef-safe sunscreen, avoid feeding wildlife, and dispose of waste responsibly to protect marine habitat.
Diamond Head (Lēʻahi) is a tuff cone formed by explosive eruptions in the Honolulu Volcanics and has long served as a landmark and historic lookout for Honolulu.
What to Bring
Reef-safe sunscreenEssential
Protects skin from strong sun reflected off the ocean while protecting marine life.
Light wind/rain shellEssential
Blocks wind and occasional spray on open-deck viewing during morning passages.
Binoculars
Improves chance of identifying distant blows, breaches and dolphins.
Motion-sickness medication or wristbands
Useful for those prone to seasickness on open-water cruises.
Common Questions
When is the best time to see whales?
Peak humpback whale season in Hawaiian waters is typically December through April; sightings outside that window are possible but less frequent.
How long is the cruise and where does it leave from?
The cruise is approximately two hours and departs from Kewalo Basin Harbor (1009 Ala Moana Blvd, Slip F30); guests are asked to arrive at least 30 minutes early.
Is the vessel wheelchair accessible?
Yes—the operator lists wheelchair accessibility and offers boarding accommodations, but contact the provider ahead to confirm specific needs.
What happens if we don’t see whales?
Wildlife sightings can’t be guaranteed; operators typically follow regulations and attempt multiple viewing areas during the route, and may offer rescheduling per their policy if conditions prevent sightings.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
2 hours
Location
Honolulu, Hawaii
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Low fitness required—able to walk short distances and stand on deck for viewing.
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