Located on the North Shore of the Hawaiian island of Oahu, North Shore Catamaran Charters offers a whale-watching tour on the the Ho'o Nanea. This sailboat holds up to 20 passengers and offers a quiet ride that does not disturb the whales. Water microphones broadcast the songs of the whales even before you can see them breaching. As of winter 2010, prices were $80 per adult and $60 per child ages four to 11, with all beverages included.
Departing twice a day at 7 a.m. and 11 a.m. sharp, captain Dan McSweeney hosts a three-hour tour for $79.50 per adult and $69.50 per child. Dan has 40 years of experience in whale conservation and offers whale-watching tours departing from Kona, Hawaii. Wear light clothing and a windbreaker or light jacket because the cove can be windy. The boat is small, so keep gear to a minimum. Bring along a camera, sunscreen and a hat or sunglasses. Pack an extra memory card for the camera: Trying to capture pictures of the whales breaching takes practice.
Maui, Hawaii, is the home base for the Ultimate Whale Watch tour. These small, fast inflatable boats called Wiki-Wahine, or "fast woman," hold up to 14 passengers. Guests can get up close and take pictures of the whales without using the zoom on the camera. Tours depart five times daily from Lahaina Harbor and private tours are available. As of winter 2010, the two-hour tour was $49 per adult and $30 for kids and included snacks and cold beverages.
