Embarking on a whale watching adventure in Waikiki promises an exhilarating encounter with the gentle giants of the sea. Moana Sailing Co. offers a 3-hour tour aboard a comfortable catamaran, providing travelers with the opportunity to spot whales, dolphins, and sea turtles in their natural habitat. From the convenient Kewalo Basin Harbor, guests can expect a memorable experience catered to the needs of families and groups, with amenities like bottled water and onboard restrooms. While the tour’s flexible policies ensure hassle-free planning, the true allure lies in the chance to witness the awe-inspiring beauty of these majestic creatures up close.
Key Points

- Moana Sailing Co. offers a 3-hour whale watching tour aboard a comfortable catamaran departing from Kewalo Basin Harbor in Waikiki.
- The tour caters to families and groups, with bottled water, onboard restrooms, and alcoholic beverages available for purchase.
- The tour promises an exciting and memorable encounter with marine life, including whales, dolphins, and sea turtles.
- Ample parking is available around Kewalo Basin Harbor, and guests should arrive at least 15 minutes prior to departure.
- The tour may be cancelled due to poor weather conditions, with the option to rebook or receive a full refund.
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Contents
- Key Points
- Overview of the Experience
- Inclusions and Amenities
- Meeting Point and Pickup
- Tour Duration and Operator
- Group Size Capacity
- Cancellation and Refund Policy
- Getting to the Harbor
- Weather and Minimum Travelers
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What Types of Whales Are Typically Spotted on the Tour?
- Is There a Guarantee of Seeing Whales During the Cruise?
- Can I Bring My Own Food and Beverages on Board?
- Are There Life Jackets Provided for Passengers?
- Is Photography Allowed on the Catamaran Cruise?
- Recap
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Overview of the Experience

The whale watching excursion in Waikiki offers visitors a family-friendly opportunity to set sail on the Pacific Ocean and observe a variety of marine life, including whales, dolphins, and sea turtles.
Aboard a comfortable catamaran, guests can enjoy bottled water and take advantage of the onboard restroom as they embark on a 3-hour adventure.
The tour is operated by Moana Sailing Co. and can accommodate up to 47 travelers.
Passengers can park in the designated areas around Kewalo Basin Harbor, the meeting point where boarding begins 15 minutes prior to departure.
This whale watching experience promises an exciting and memorable encounter with the wonders of the ocean.
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Inclusions and Amenities

Bottled water and an onboard restroom are among the key inclusions on this whale watching cruise, ensuring passengers’ comfort and convenience throughout the 3-hour adventure.
Beyond the basics, the experience also offers alcoholic beverages, allowing travelers to sip a refreshing cocktail as they take in the stunning ocean views.
Gratuities are included as well, so there’s no need to worry about tipping at the end of the tour.
With these thoughtful amenities, the crew of the Moana Sailing Co. catamaran has created a well-rounded experience that caters to the needs of families and groups alike, allowing them to focus on spotting whales, dolphins, and other marine life without distraction.
Meeting Point and Pickup

Travelers can meet at Kewalo Basin Harbor, located at 1125 Ala Moana Blvd in Honolulu, where the whale watching cruise departs.
Boarding begins 15 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time, and passengers can find the best parking on the north, east, and south ends of the harbor.
Once aboard the vessel, guests will enjoy a scenic 3-hour tour to witness whales, dolphins, sea turtles, and other marine life in their natural habitat.
The cruise is operated by Moana Sailing Co. and can accommodate up to 47 travelers.
With its convenient meeting location and ample parking, this whale watching experience in Waikiki offers a hassle-free way to explore the beauty of Hawaii’s waters.
Tour Duration and Operator
Once aboard the vessel, the Whale Watching in Waikiki tour lasts 3 hours and is operated by Moana Sailing Co. This family-friendly catamaran cruise takes guests on a journey to spot whales, dolphins, sea turtles, and other marine life in the Pacific Ocean. During the 3-hour excursion, travelers can relax and enjoy the included bottled water, restroom facilities, and alcoholic beverages. The maximum group size for this tour is 47 travelers, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.
| Tour Details | ||
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 3 hours | |
| Operator | Moana Sailing Co. | |
| Group Size | Maximum 47 travelers |
Group Size Capacity

The whale watching tour’s group capacity maxes out at 47 participants, ensuring an intimate and personalized maritime adventure for visitors. This limited group size allows for an enhanced whale watching experience, as the smaller group can easily navigate the catamaran and provides ample opportunities for passengers to see the majestic creatures up close.
The intimate setting also allows the crew to provide attentive service and engage with guests, answering questions and sharing insights about the whales and other marine life encountered during the voyage.
With a maximum of 47 travelers, the whale watching excursion offers a cozy and exclusive way to discover the wonders of the Pacific Ocean surrounding Waikiki.
Cancellation and Refund Policy

If travelers need to cancel their whale watching excursion, they can receive a full refund as long as they do so at least 24 hours before the start of the tour. However, no refund will be provided for cancellations made less than 24 hours prior to the experience’s start time.
In the event that the tour is cancelled due to poor weather conditions or if the minimum number of travelers isn’t met, guests will have the option to reschedule for a different date or receive a full refund.
This flexible cancellation policy ensures that travelers can plan their vacation with confidence, knowing they won’t be penalized for unforeseen circumstances.
Getting to the Harbor

Travelers can find ample parking on the north, east, and south ends of the Kewalo Basin Harbor, the designated meeting point for the whale watching excursion.
This harbor is conveniently located at 1125 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96814.
Guests should plan to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time to ensure a smooth boarding process.
The catamaran cruise operator, Moana Sailing Co., recommends that visitors check the harbor map and signage to identify the best parking areas.
With its central location and accessible parking options, the Kewalo Basin Harbor provides a hassle-free starting point for this unforgettable whale watching adventure.
Weather and Minimum Travelers
Weather conditions and minimum traveler requirements are important factors to consider when booking the Waikiki whale watching excursion. The experience may be cancelled due to poor weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn’t met, in which case guests will be offered the option of rebooking for a different date or receiving a full refund.
For the best chance of spotting whales and other marine life, the tour operates in favorable weather conditions. The catamaran has a maximum capacity of 47 travelers, and the tour may be cancelled if the minimum number of participants isn’t reached.
Guests should review the cancellation policy and prepare for potential changes in the itinerary due to weather or minimum traveler requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Types of Whales Are Typically Spotted on the Tour?
The most common whales spotted on whale watching tours in the region are humpback whales. These magnificent marine mammals can be seen breaching, slapping their tails, and engaging in other fascinating behaviors during the peak whale watching season.
Is There a Guarantee of Seeing Whales During the Cruise?
There’s no guarantee of seeing whales on the cruise, as wildlife sightings are never certain. The tour company does offer the best chances of spotting whales during the prime season, but encounters can’t be promised.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Beverages on Board?
While the tour provides bottled water, passengers can bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages on board. However, outside alcohol is not permitted. Bringing a small cooler with snacks is allowed to enjoy during the 3-hour cruise.
Are There Life Jackets Provided for Passengers?
Yes, life jackets are provided for all passengers on the whale watching cruise. The crew ensures everyone’s safety by supplying the necessary safety equipment before the boat departs.
Is Photography Allowed on the Catamaran Cruise?
Photography is allowed on the catamaran cruise. Passengers can capture the stunning views and wildlife they encounter during the excursion. There are no restrictions on taking photos, allowing guests to freely document their whale watching experience.
Whale Watching Experience in Waikiki
“We were cancelled without notice 3 hrs before a 8 am tour from the tour operator. They DID not contact viator to get in touch with us. Totally irre…”
Recap
The Moana Sailing Co. offers an exciting family-friendly whale watching tour in Waikiki.
With its comfortable catamaran, onboard amenities, and flexible policies, it’s an ideal choice for travelers seeking a memorable encounter with marine life.
Whether you’re a solo adventurer or part of a group, this 3-hour tour provides the opportunity to spot whales, dolphins, and sea turtles in their natural habitat.































