Marine Education

Hawaii’s playful spinner dolphins

From December through March, an estimated 10,000 humpback whales travel from Alaska to Hawaii’s warm waters to breed, give birth, and nurse their calves. Hawaii is the only U.S. state where humpbacks reproduce, making whale season a spectacular and uniquely Hawaiian experience.

Behavior & Habits

Spinner dolphins rest in shallow bays during the day and hunt in deep waters at night. When you see them “spinning,” they’re often socializing, communicating, or shaking off parasites.

Why Ethical Encounters Matter

Dolphins need their daytime rest. We observe from respectful distances and never chase pods. This protects their health and ensures they continue to call Kona home.

Best Time to See Them

Spinner dolphins can be seen year-round in Kona. Morning tours offer the best chances as dolphins are often in nearshore bays before heading offshore to feed.