Whale Watching & Late Breakfast Cruise in Honolulu

If you’re planning a trip to Oahu and love the idea of catching a glimpse of whales without sacrificing your morning meal, this Whale Watching & Breakfast Cruise might be just your speed. It’s a pretty popular tour—booking on average 31 days in advance—and offers a laid-back way to start your day while enjoying some of the best views around Diamond Head. From what we’ve gathered, this experience balances a good shot at whale sightings with the comfort of breakfast on deck, making it appealing for those who want a relaxed, scenic outing.

What we really like about this cruise is its focus on maximizing your chances of spotting whales while giving you the chance to eat and enjoy the scenery simultaneously. Plus, knowing that marine life like dolphins and sea turtles are often seen makes it even more enticing. However, it’s worth noting that whale sightings are never a guarantee, especially since nature has the final say in what you’ll see that morning. This trip suits travelers who are flexible, enjoy early mornings, and want a blend of wildlife and comfort without too much fuss.

Overall, if you’re someone who appreciates a relaxed pace, good value, and a chance to see whales in their natural environment while having breakfast with a view, this cruise could be a good fit. But if your main goal is guaranteed whale encounters, you might want to consider other options or be ready for some variability.

Key Points

• Great for early risers who want to combine sightseeing with breakfast.
• Chance to see whales, dolphins, and sea turtles in their natural habitat—though sightings depend on luck.
• Comfortable, stable platform with an upper deck for good viewing.
• Learn about whale behavior from knowledgeable guides.
• Affordable price point relative to the experience offered.
• Likely to be a relaxing, scenic cruise—not a high-energy adventure.

What to Expect on the Cruise

This tour kicks off bright and early at 9:00 am, giving you a chance to watch the sunrise over Honolulu while enjoying a hot cup of Kona coffee and a delicious breakfast. The meal options include French toast or loco moco, which many reviews praise as being particularly tasty—some even say the loco moco is “incredible.” The crew is noted for their friendliness and attentiveness, often going the extra mile to make sure everyone has a good time.

The vessel, the Prince Kuhio, offers a large, stable upper deck, ideal for sightseeing. As you cruise toward Diamond Head, you’ll get sweeping views of Waikiki from the water, a perspective many find more inspiring than from land. The trip lasts roughly two hours, so it’s a manageable length for most travelers, giving enough time to enjoy the scenery, soak in the ocean breeze, and perhaps chat with fellow passengers.

Marine Life and Sightings

This is where nature might surprise you—sometimes you’ll see whales swimming, breaching, or just spouting water in the distance, which can be pretty spectacular. Multiple reviews highlight sightings of humpback whales, including mothers with calves, and even dolphins and sea turtles. One reviewer raved about the captain’s efforts to locate whales, noting, “the crew was spectacular. They worked really hard to ensure everyone had a great time and even turned back around so that we could see a whale.”

However, not everyone is so lucky. Some reviews mention trips where whales were scarce or not very active. For instance, one guest said, “We didn’t see any whales but the food was delicious and the staff was wonderful.” This honesty is refreshing—whale watching is inherently unpredictable, and while your chances are good during migration season, seeing whales is never 100% guaranteed.

The Crew and Service

From what travelers tell us, the crew is often praised for their warmth and professionalism. Many reviews highlight how helpful and friendly they are, making the experience enjoyable even if the whales stay elusive. One guest shared, “The crew worked hard to make the best out of a bad situation,” referring to times when whale activity was low.

The upper deck provides an excellent vantage point, and the boat’s stability means you won’t feel too seasick unless you’re particularly sensitive. Keep in mind, though, that if seasickness is an issue for you, taking medication might be a good idea, as some reviews suggest.

The Value for Money

Pricing this tour at about $95.86 per person, many find it reasonable considering the combination of wildlife viewing, breakfast, and scenic cruise. Given that it lasts roughly two hours and includes a freshly prepared meal, it’s a nice way to start your day without overcommitting or spending too much.

Some highlights from reviews emphasize the quality of the food—particularly the French toast and loco moco—and the attentive service. The opportunity to see whales in their natural environment, coupled with the relaxed breakfast, offers a unique experience that feels worth the cost for many travelers.

The downside? Not all trips are perfect—some have experienced cancellations or less-than-stellar whale sightings—but that’s the nature of wildlife tours. Still, the overall sentiment is positive, especially when you consider the scenery and food.

Practical Details and Tips

The tour departs from 1009 Ala Moana Blvd at 9:00 am, making it a good early-morning option that fits well into a day of sightseeing. It’s near public transportation, which is convenient for most travelers.

The group size caps at around 100 people, so it’s not too intimate but also not overly crowded. Be aware that the tour is not suitable for travelers with unmanageable motion sickness, and no medication is provided. If seasickness is a concern, bringing your own remedy is wise.

Because the tour operates in good weather, bad weather can cause cancellations—so keep an eye on the forecast. If canceled due to weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Real Traveler Experiences

Many reviews are glowing, praising the crew and the quality of the food. For example, one guest said, “The crew was spectacular. They worked really hard to ensure everyone had a great time and even turned back around so that we could see a whale.” Another shared, “Remarkable! They actually came out of the water to the surface so we could get some good footage!” These stories show how much effort the crew puts into making the trip memorable.

But it’s not all perfect—reports of no whale sightings, poor organization, or food issues do pop up. For instance, some guests experienced late starts, unprofessional staff, or canceled trips without much notice. Such reviews serve as a reminder to set your expectations appropriately and be prepared for some variability.

Is This Tour Right for You?

If you’re someone who appreciates a laid-back, scenic cruise with a chance to glimpse whales and marine life, this experience offers a nice mix of relaxation and adventure. It’s well-suited for travelers who prefer to start the day early and enjoy breakfast with a view. The friendly crew and good food make it more than just a wildlife tour—they turn it into a pleasant morning outing.

However, if you’re primarily after guaranteed whale sightings, this might not be the best choice. Some trips don’t produce the expected sightings, and weather can impact the experience. It’s also not ideal for those extremely sensitive to seasickness unless precautions are taken.

This tour is a solid pick for those seeking a relaxed, scenic start to their whale-watching adventure—with the added bonus of breakfast and beautiful water views. It’s perfect if you’re flexible, love marine life, and enjoy a good story with your morning coffee.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time does the tour start?
The cruise departs at 9:00 am, so plan to arrive a little earlier at 1009 Ala Moana Blvd.

How long is the trip?
It lasts approximately two hours, making it a manageable morning activity.

Is breakfast included?
Yes, you’ll enjoy a freshly prepared breakfast, with options like French toast or loco moco, along with coffee, tea, soda, and bottled water.

Can I see whales on this tour?
There’s a good chance, especially during migration season, but sightings are not guaranteed. Some reviews mention seeing whales, dolphins, and sea turtles, while others note trips where whales were not very active.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not specifically marketed as family-friendly, many reviews mention friendly staff and a relaxed environment. It’s probably fine for older children who are comfortable on boats.

What should I bring?
Bring seasickness medication if needed, sun protection, and a camera. The boat’s upper deck offers great viewing opportunities.

What happens if the weather is bad?
Tours rely on good weather; if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How do I cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund—just keep track of the cancellation window.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a laid-back way to start your day in Honolulu with the potential to see whales in their natural habitat, this cruise fits the bill. It combines scenic water views, friendly staff, and quality food, making it a well-rounded experience for most travelers. Keep in mind that whale sightings depend on luck and weather, so if you’re hoping for a guaranteed show, you might want to explore other options. Still, for those who enjoy a peaceful boat ride, some good eats, and the possibility of marine surprises, this tour is worth considering.

Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast or just want a relaxing morning on the water, this cruise is likely to leave you with some memorable photos and stories to tell. Just go with an open mind and enjoy the beauty of Hawaii from the sea.