Whale Watching & Late Breakfast Cruise in Honolulu

Introduction: A Unique Way to Experience Hawaii’s Marine Life

Imagine starting your day with a gentle cruise just off the coast of Honolulu, enjoying your breakfast as the sun rises over Waikiki and the Diamond Head crater. For around $95, this Whale Watching & Late Breakfast Cruise offers a relaxed 2-hour journey on the Prince Kuhio, with the chance to see migrating whales, dolphins, and sea turtles in their natural habitat.

What sets this tour apart is its combination of spectacular scenery and delicious breakfast on deck — a rare treat for travelers who want to enjoy Hawaii’s marine wonders without the early morning rush or a long day at sea. We loved the large, stable upper deck that provides excellent visibility and comfort, making it ideal for whale spotting. Plus, the knowledgeable guides help turn this into an educational experience, not just a cruise.

However, it’s worth noting that whale sightings aren’t guaranteed — a common feature of wildlife tours — and weather or sea conditions can influence your chances. This tour is best suited for those who enjoy relaxed, scenic outings with light breakfast fare and are okay with the possibility of an imperfect whale-watching day.

Key Points

• Scenic Start to Your Day: Watch the sunrise over Waikiki while enjoying breakfast on a spacious deck.
• Likely Marine Encounters: Expect to see whales, dolphins, and turtles in their natural environment—though sightings depend on luck and seasonality.
• Educational Focus: Guides share insights about whale behaviors and marine life, enriching your experience.
• Comfortable Viewing Platform: The large, stable upper deck ensures good sightlines for spotting wildlife.
• Value for the Price: At around $95, it offers a combination of scenic beauty, wildlife, and a meal, making it a worthwhile addition to your Hawaii itinerary.
• Weather Dependence: Be prepared for possible cancellations or less activity if weather or sea conditions aren’t favorable.

The Itinerary and Experience in Detail

Starting Out: Early Morning Departure

Your adventure begins at 1009 Ala Moana Blvd in Honolulu at 9:00 am, a convenient location near public transportation and easily accessible from Waikiki hotels. The early start aligns perfectly with the natural rhythm of wildlife activity and the rising sun—a time when whales are actively migrating and feeding.

The cruise lasts about two hours, giving you plenty of time to relax and take in the scenery without feeling rushed. The boat, called the Prince Kuhio, features a large, stable upper deck that offers unobstructed views of the ocean — ideal for whale-watching.

The Breakfast on Board

One of the biggest perks is the breakfast served on deck, which includes coffee, tea, soda, bottled water, and freshly prepared options that range from French toast to loco moco—a traditional Hawaiian comfort dish praised by many reviews.

We loved the laid-back vibe of eating while sailing, with the sunrise providing a gorgeous backdrop. As one reviewer noted, “The food was incredible! I couldn’t say enough great things about this experience.” Even if the weather isn’t perfect, having a hot breakfast and a good coffee on deck makes the experience memorable.

Wildlife Watching: What You Might See

The main highlight — of course — is spotting whales. During the season, we’re told humpback whales are the stars, often swimming, breaching, feeding, or just surfacing nearby. Guides share insights about whale behaviors, which helps you understand what you’re seeing.

Some guests have been fortunate enough to see whales come out of the water in spectacular breaches, with one reviewer describing it as “remarkably stunning.” Another shared, “They actually came out of the water to the surface so we could get some good footage.”

It’s important to remember that whale activity varies daily. Some days, the whales are very active; other days, they might stay shy or be feeding farther out. Several reviews mention that whale sightings depend on luck — a common caveat for wildlife tours.

Additional Marine Life

Dolphins and sea turtles are also frequent visitors here, often seen around the boat, making the cruise more than just about whales. We loved hearing about the biodiversity in Hawaii’s waters, which guides explain with enthusiasm and expertise.

The Return Journey and Views

As you head back to port, you’ll enjoy a panoramic view of Waikiki, Diamond Head, and the Honolulu coastline. Some reviewers appreciated the stunning vistas and the relaxed pace of the cruise, which felt more like a scenic boat ride than a hurried tour.

What Travelers Are Saying

Many reviews praise the friendly and attentive crew. One “featured review” raved, “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. They were so kind and welcoming.”

Food quality also receives high marks, especially for the French toast and loco moco, with some describing it as “delicious” and “incredible.” This makes the experience feel more like a culinary treat as well as a wildlife adventure.

Conversely, a few reviewers point out the uncertainty of whale sightings. Some didn’t see whales at all but still enjoyed the beautiful water views and appreciated the effort of the crew. One person noted, “The whales were not very active during the trip, but the captain did his best to locate a pod.”

There are also a few reports of cancellations and logistical issues, such as a chef canceling last minute or poor communication about weather conditions. These highlight the importance of flexibility and understanding when booking wildlife tours.

Practical Considerations and Value

Pricing and What You Get

At $95.86 per person, this tour offers good value considering it includes breakfast, drinks, and a scenic cruise. The opportunity to see whales and marine life from a comfortable viewing platform is a rare and worthwhile experience, especially if you want a relaxing morning with minimal fuss.

Being a mobile ticket makes check-in easy and straightforward, and the tour’s small group capacity (up to 100 travelers) helps maintain a friendly, intimate atmosphere.

Weather and Cancellation Policies

Since this is an outdoor adventure, weather plays a crucial role. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, which is helpful if strong winds or storms threaten to spoil the day. Sometimes, weather-related cancellations mean you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund, so it’s wise to keep an eye on the forecast.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This cruise suits early risers and families who appreciate a laid-back, scenic adventure. If you’re hoping for guaranteed whale sightings, be aware that results depend on seasonal and daily conditions. But if you’re content with the possibility of seeing marine life and enjoying the beautiful Hawaiian waters, this trip can be a highlight of your Hawaii vacation.

It is especially appealing to those who want a combination of good food, education, and wildlife in a relaxed setting. Travelers who enjoy photography will love the stunning vistas and opportunities to capture whales breaching.

The Sum Up: Is This Tour Worth It?

For those seeking a combination of scenic beauty and marine life sightings, this Whale Watching & Late Breakfast Cruise offers a relaxed way to enjoy Hawaii’s waters. The large, comfortable deck, delicious breakfast, and knowledgeable guides make it a memorable experience, especially if early morning outings are your style.

While whale sightings aren’t guaranteed, the overall experience—enjoying a peaceful cruise, spotting dolphins and turtles, and eating breakfast while watching the sunrise—can be quite rewarding. It’s best suited for travelers who value a laid-back voyage with good food and the chance to see wildlife rather than a high-energy or all-day expedition.

If you’re traveling with family or friends who are patient and enjoy nature, this cruise can be a highlight of your Hawaii trip. Just remember to bring a sense of adventure, patience, and maybe some motion sickness medication if you’re sensitive to the sea.

FAQ: Your Questions Answered

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, many reviews mention how great the crew was with kids, making it a family-friendly outing.

What should I bring on the cruise?
Since breakfast is included, you mainly need to bring camera gear, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a light jacket if it’s windy.

Can I cancel if the weather looks bad?
Yes, the tour has a free cancellation policy if canceled at least 24 hours in advance, and poor weather can lead to cancellations or rescheduling.

Will I see whales every time?
Sightings depend on the season, weather, and whale activity. Some days are more active than others, but the cruise offers a good chance during the season.

Is the breakfast served hot?
Yes, the breakfast is freshly prepared and served on deck, with options like French toast and loco moco praised for their quality.

What if I get seasick?
The tour does not include motion sickness medication, so it’s advisable to bring your own if you’re prone to seasickness.

How long is the trip?
The cruise lasts approximately 2 hours, offering a relaxed pace with plenty of time for viewing and enjoying your meal.

Is this tour only in the morning?
Yes, the departure time is at 9:00 am, making it ideal for early risers and those wanting to start their day with a scenic adventure.

Final Thoughts

The Whale Watching & Late Breakfast Cruise in Honolulu is a well-rounded experience combining scenic beauty, wildlife viewing, and a relaxed morning meal. While sightings aren’t guaranteed, many travelers find the journey worth the price, especially given the friendly guides, delicious food, and stunning water views. It’s a perfect choice for those who prefer a laid-back, scenic outing with the potential for wildlife surprises and a memorable start to their Hawaiian day.