Star of Honolulu Morning Whale Watching Tour - Special Deals [Jan-Mar] reviews, Oahu tours & activities, fun things to do in Oahu | HawaiiActivities.com

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Star of Honolulu Morning Whale Watching Tour - Special Deals [Jan-Mar]

Overall Rating

4.50 4.50 / 5

Reviews

139 reviews
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My experience with the whale watching activity was truly unforgettable.

Reviewed by: Kara, 2024/03/21

My experience with the whale watching activity was truly unforgettable. From the moment we boarded the boat, the anticipation and excitement were palpable. The crew was not only knowledgeable but also incredibly passionate about marine life, which enhanced the overall experience.

As we ventured into the open waters, the captain skillfully navigated us to prime whale sighting spots. The vastness of the ocean combined with the breathtaking scenery created a serene atmosphere, perfect for observing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

Witnessing the sheer size and grace of the whales as they surfaced and dove back into the depths left me in awe. It was mesmerizing to see them glide effortlessly through the water, showcasing their majestic beauty.

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
Activity Date:2024/03/21
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Amazing whale tour

Reviewed by: Mayumi, 2024/03/19

We had a great time joining Star of Honolulu Whale Watch Cruise. The crews were very professional and friendly. They were informative, so we could learn a lot about whales and dolphins of Hawaii. We could see a mother and baby whales, and dolphins too. We highly recommend this tour, and we are also highly recommend transportation option if you are staying at Wikiki area.

Rating:
Attended as:Families
Activity Date:2024/03/13
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Not a lot of whales

Reviewed by: Dan, 2024/03/11

It was no one’s fault that the day we went was windy and they had to turn the boat around after they said “this is where most whales hang around.” We got to see a blow hole and one fluke which was fun but it was at the very end of our trip so we didn’t get to stay and watch the group of whales any further. The captain did delay our return 15 minutes to see the whale that we did see which was very nice! Overall, it was no one’s fault that the weather wasn’t the best but to me it felt like a waste of my time and money and I was disappointed in the end

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
Activity Date:2024/03/08
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Good!!

Reviewed by: Hanna, 2024/03/07

The wind was blowing really hard, so it was a bit challenging, but seeing the whales made everything forgivable. I was worried about seasickness, but the boat was large and safe, so it was very comfortable. If it had been a small boat, it would have been much harder in the big waves.

Rating:
Attended as:Families
Activity Date:2024/03/05
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とても良かったです!!!

Reviewed by: Waikiki boy, 2024/03/02

今回初めての参加でした。早朝からのコースで行きました。船はとても広く屋上等も上がることができ、海が一望できました。清潔でトイレなども付いておりとても良かったです。ツアーの前にスタッフからクジラについての説明やクジラが見えた際の方向の指示の説明等があったため助かりました。出航後は何回もクジラを見ることができ、Tail Slap(テールスラップ)も見ることができました。帰りも船の中でゲームのような形でスタッフの方からクイズがありとても楽しめました。スタッフの方は皆さん親切な方ばかりで、クジラが出た方向の指示を聞き逃してしまった時もクジラの出た方向に連れて行ってくれたりしました。とても楽しかったです。また行きたいと思います。

  • Tail Slap

  • Blow

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
Activity Date:2024/02/26
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Whale watching

Reviewed by: Paul, 2024/02/22

Good that we can see the whale. The check in is smooth and the staff is friendly. Highly recommend. The presail information is important so that we know what we should look for. Captain Mike is awesome and friendly. Sarah is kind and good.

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
Activity Date:2024/02/20
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Awesome way to spend a morning in Oahu

Reviewed by: Z_Morgenstern, 2024/02/18

As the title says, it's an awesome way to spend a morning in Oahu! (Feb 2024)

We arrived early to self park and upon boarding we're guided to the main lower deck for a brief introduction and instructions. The Star of Honolulu was spacious with several decks, allowing options for guests as to how they want to go about the whale watching experience. Our group stayed on the second deck, not too many people went there (we think, as compared to the top deck).

Kaitlyn, our naturalist, was entertaining - lots of dad jokes* - and information about the wildlife in the area (whales, dolphins, etc).

Finally the highlight of the tour, the whale sighting! We were very lucky to be able to witness a mama whale teaching her baby whale how to breach! It was so fun and amazing to watch them play around in the water. That's sure to be an unforgettable experience. It was good timing too that we visited Hawaii during peak whale watching season.

Other points I'd like to mention:
- The restroom was clean and had a lot of stalls, so you wouldn't have to worry.
- The crew also mentioned that they had ginger chews to help if you're feeling a bit seasick.
- Food & drinks are available to purchase onboard.
- I was rather a bit worried that the life vests were only available inside the benches on the main deck (iirc). I think it might be good to make sure there are life vests in other areas of the boat as well in case of emergency. Not everyone on the upper decks might be able to come down the stairs. Or maybe I'm just being a worrywart, don't mind me.

*KRILL-ed cheese was my favorite joke. :D

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
Activity Date:2024/02/05
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Great Time!

Reviewed by: Anna, 2024/02/17

We had a great time on the boat! Unfortunately, we did not see a whale but was offered a rain check to return. We would love to come back and do it again! The staff was excellent and very informing.

Maholo!

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
Activity Date:2024/01/24
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First time whale watching experience!

Reviewed by: Daysi, 2024/02/06

This was my husband and I's first time whale watching and first time in Hawaii. We were welcomed aboard the Star of Honolulu by friendly crew members. The boat experience alone was great. The education we obtained from the tour was helpful because although, we didn't see a whale breach that day, we were able to spot one the next couple of days with the information that we obtained from the tour. Definitely would recommend this tour to family and friends!

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
Activity Date:2024/01/30
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Whale Watch

Reviewed by: Deb, 2024/02/06

Enjoyed our whale Watch. Staff are very knowledgeable! Always enjoy this tour! We take this trip every year we are on Oahu. Saw dolphins and whales! The drinks are reasonably priced and delicious! We love getting out on this boat because it is so peaceful in the water is so beautiful and blue. Every time we have taken this cruise we have seen whales! The check-in process was very easy as they were waiting right outside the boat. Parking was easy and it was $10 for the duration we were parked. We used hawaii activities.com to book this trip. They were very easy to deal with and enjoyable. We have been on the star of Honolulu for several different types of excursions. The boat is very safe and we have always enjoyed our time on them.

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
Activity Date:2024/02/01
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Best Morning of our Trip

Reviewed by: JGonzales, 2024/01/28

Although the day was grey and windy....the day at sea was excellent. Whales were not seen, but everything from the crew and staff members were excellent. The naturalist on board was so informative and wandered the ship answering all our questions. she was so easy to talk to and answered all our questions even the silly ones. Since we did and early morning cruise. we had coffees and snacks...dont forget to get the Mac nut cookies.....they are the best! We will do it again and hopefully have better luck in viewing....

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
Activity Date:2024/01/24
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Saw a humpback breach!

Reviewed by: Jason , 2024/01/21

My wife and I took this tour while staying at Waikiki in January. It was an ideal day for whale spotting conditions. The naturalist was very knowledgeable, and the boat had plenty of room for all the passengers to see the surroundings. We watched one whale surface nearer to the shore, then went out deeper by Diamondhead. Just as we were approaching a possible sighting, we saw a humpback breach and jump out of the water. It was spectacular! Highly recommend this tour! Guaranteed sightings!

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
Activity Date:2024/01/13
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We saw whales in sets of two on five occasions.

Reviewed by: sharonsunset, 2024/01/21

Beautiful boat ride along Honolulu, Waikiki and the crater Volcano. The crew made sure everyone on the boat saw each whale sighting and what direction they were sited in. We saw them 5 times on our excursion.

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
Activity Date:2024/01/19
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We had a whale of a time!

Reviewed by: Nosh & Momo, 2024/01/17

The morning whale watching cruise was excellent! The weather was perfect and the crew were friendly and informative. Before taking off we learned a few facts about whales and were able to purchase a snack from the snack bar. The cruise itself was magnificent and we saw several whales. It was such a a delight! I'd also like to mention that the restrooms on board the boat were extremely clean (When on a tour this isn't something you always encounter). My friend and I had a splendid time. We would not hesitate to take this cruise again. The one thing everyone should be aware of though is the parking fee. The boat does not valid and parking in the adjacent lot was a bit pricey.

Rating:
Attended as:Friends
Activity Date:2024/01/06
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A great whale watching experience.

Reviewed by: Dwight V. , 2024/01/17

From the easy pick up from our hotel, drive to ship, on the whale watching adventure to return trip, we had a great time.

Rating:
Attended as:Families
Activity Date:2024/01/15
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Whale Bad Luck

Reviewed by: Natalie, 2024/01/10

We did not see any whales after going twice on the trip but nonetheless the staff was very helpful, encouraging, and fun! Just a bit of bad luck with the whales! The cruise was easy and there was plenty of space on the ship. At the end of the day, it was a lovely whaleless cruise along the coast which was relaxing and enjoyable.

Rating:
Attended as:Friends
Activity Date:2024/01/08
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Awesome Activity

Reviewed by: Runnel, 2023/04/06

Lots of fun! Went at the end of March and saw some whale activity which was exciting. Service was FANTASTIC!! Everybody was really warm, friendly and engaging. 10/10 would recommend.

Rating:
Attended as:Families with Young Children
Activity Date:2023/03/30
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Best Day!

Reviewed by: Michelle and Tom, 2023/03/23

The friendliest staff and best boat ride around! Best day ever!!

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
Activity Date:2023/03/21
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lovely time!!

Reviewed by: zoe, 2023/03/20

loved the experience, especially with the naturalists!! would recommend to bring sunscreen, it can get hot on the decks. the boat will wander around until a whale is spotted, and stick to that spot for the majority of the time

Rating:
Attended as:Friends
Activity Date:2023/03/17
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Great experience!!

Reviewed by: nagueyari, 2023/01/12

It was very first time to join cruise for us. Unfortunately we could not find whales but we could meet a lot of dolphins swimming. Luckily it was really nice fine day, we had a great experience on the big ship. Hopefully we meet whales at next time. Thank you so much.

Rating:
Attended as:Families
Activity Date:2023/01/02
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Whales!!

Reviewed by: Jen, 2022/03/21

The vessel is more like a ship than a boat like it has 3-4 levels. Very organized and informational! The staff is friendly. Lots of room to walk around. They offer motion pills or some kind of ginger cocktail to prevent motion sickness. They also offered small snakes like chips. There wasn't an option for breakfast.
I went in February and and I saw about 7-10 whales( sprays, tip of their tails). I think 1 or 2 came close to the boat. I enjoyed it. My little one (5yo) was mostly running around...lol.

  • That's the boat/ship and my son!

  • WHALE!!

Rating:
Attended as:Families with Young Children
Activity Date:2022/02/21
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Fantastic tour

Reviewed by: Sam, 2022/03/19

Fantastic ride - great whale sightings. Convenient shuttle.

Rating:
Attended as:Solo Travelers
Activity Date:2022/03/17
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Whale watching

Reviewed by: Rbj, 2022/03/14

Very informative. Enjoyed our trip. Great weather.

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
Activity Date:2022/03/12
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We saw the whales!

Reviewed by: HHY, 2022/03/03

The boat was nice. The nature expert was very informative and had tons of bad dad jokes. We looked for over an hour before we finally caught sight of the whales. We were pretty far away so we couldn't see them too close. We only stayed for about 10 minutes before heading back, since we were already running late. I'm just glad the trip wasn't for naught.

Rating:
Attended as:Families
Activity Date:2022/02/28
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The WONDROUS Waters of Waikiki comes ALIVE!!

Reviewed by: M & A Tomlinson , 2022/02/26

There are many breathtaking attractions and stunning tours on Waikiki. NOTHING is better than experiencing the beauty of Hawaii and it's wildlife than from the water - and the Star of Honolulu does it, like no other! Of course, the hope and draw of seeing whales is what brought us to this tour; however, truly, what makes this journey unforgettable is, in fact, the journey!

The boat ride, itself, is nothing short of magical. From the enchantment of rolling out of peer to the unreal experience of being on the ocean, looking towards our hotel from the perception of the sea is nothing we will soon forget! The crew were exceptional at being clear on instructions and protocols, which is appreciated - but truly what dazzled us impressed was how genuinely friendly and eager to help the crew was! I am disabled; the crew did an incredible job helping me and making sure I was alright!

The naturalist on board was great too! He was personable, knowledgeable, and open to questions, without being pushy. He enhanced the trip so much, and ticked our funny bone with his hilarious whale dad jokes!

Finally, seeing whales and dolphins in their own world took everyone's breath away! This was, without a doubt, the icing on the cake! We can honestly say, going on this adventure with the Star of Honolulu was the best and most memorable part of our honeymoon! Four of our biggest thumbs up for this amazing life experience; our biggest thanks to the Star of Honolulu!

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
Activity Date:2022/02/24
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Don't hesitate

Reviewed by: Stanley T., 2022/02/21

Can't wait to do this again next year!! This was an amazing experience for my family and I.

  • Just one of the many great images there is to see.

Rating:
Attended as:Families
Activity Date:2022/02/19
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Love Star of Honolulu!

Reviewed by: Deb, 2022/02/19

We went on a morning whale watching cruise! Enjoyed our morning mai tai! We have gone on this several times… Always enjoy the Star of Honolulu whale watching cruise! The staff is very informative! Would recommend to anyone!

  • Saw several whales!

  • Diamond Head from the boat!

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
Activity Date:2022/01/25
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Great experience

Reviewed by: Don M, 2022/02/19

Loved the dialogue on whales throughout the trip. Saw lots of whale activity. Crew very attentive to our needs.

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
Activity Date:2022/01/25
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Awesome Experience

Reviewed by: Lin, 2022/02/14

We had such a great time on the whale watching cruise and saw two whales multiple times! The crew was great and very informative! This was an awesome experience and we highly recommend it!

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
Activity Date:2022/02/12
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Whales

Reviewed by: Cassie Benisch, 2022/02/09

We were able to see quite a few whales, and that was very neat and interesting to see. The staff was very knowmedable about the whales. All of the staff were very kind and helpful with asking if we needed anything to snack on or drink, and with helping us get to our bus after the whale watching.

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
Activity Date:2022/02/07
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