After pickup from your Waikiki hotel or making your own way to the pier, the crew welcomes you aboard your whale-watching boat.

The 232-foot (71-meter) vessel features four viewing decks and a large interior with dining rooms, lounges, bars, elevators and restrooms. Three stabilizers provide a smooth ride as you cruise from Honolulu out past Diamond Head and into the Pacific waters off the Kahala Gold Coast.

Pick a spot on the spacious decks outside, or see the sights from large windows in the air-conditioned interior. As you watch the humpbacks breach, spout and feed, listen to your naturalist guide’s informative commentary about the whales' behavior. You are also likely to spot Hawaiian spinner dolphins and porpoises frolicking around your boat, and perhaps even sea turtles. Video presentations and handouts supplement the commentary.

For a little diversion, check out the kid-friendly onboard activities such as lei-making demonstrations and lessons on hula dance and ukulele (12pm departure only). If you choose to include the breakfast or lunch option, you’ll have plenty of delicious dishes to munch on (see below for a sample menu).

Whale sightings are guaranteed on your cruise, meaning that on the rare occasion your naturalist doesn’t locate any whales, you can take the tour again for free.

At the end of a memorable 2.5-hour cruise, your boat returns to the dock in Waikiki.

Sample menu:
Hot breakfast buffet

• Scrambled eggs
• Sausage
• Steamed white rice
• Assorted fresh fruit including Maui gold pineapple
• Bakery basket with muffins, poi rolls, sweet butter and jam
• Kona coffee, tea and orange juice

Lunch buffet
Main dishes:

• Carving station with Hawaiian black-sea-salt roast beef
• Teriyaki chicken
• White fish with citrus-miso glaze
• Lomi-lomi salmon
• Tofu poke
• Grilled vegan garden patty (please request in the Special Requirements box when booking)

Sides:

• Romaine lettuce salad with croutons
• Three-bean salad
• Macaroni salad, island-style
• Namasu (marinated Japanese salad with vegetables and seafood)
• Fried noodles
• Sweet potatoes
• Steamed white rice
• Furikake (Japanese seasoning)
• Assorted breads with sweet butter

Dessert:

• Macadamia nut chocolate chip cookies
• Homemade chocolate brownies
• Fresh tropical fruits

Beverages:

• Kona coffee, tea and fruit punch
• Additional beverages available for purchase