Whale & Wildlife Report | Nov 9-15, 2025
Highlights
Pygmy Killer Whales
Short-Finned Pilot Whales
Humpback Whales
Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins
Oceanic White Tip Sharks
Pantropical Spotted Dolphins
Green Sea Turtle
Submarine!
Whale & Wildlife Report | Nov 9-15, 2025
November whale watching at its best – pelagic whales and humpbacks! Our pelagic whale watching tours enjoyed multiple species of whales in addition to other marine life this week. We’re loving this time of year, and with the upcoming winter humpback migration, we know it’s only going to keep getting better!
South off Kealakekua, we had a great encounter with short-finned pilot whales in perfectly glassy, calm waters – a contrast to some of the sportier conditions we conquered this week. On another trip, we cruised through larger swells and were rewarded with a charming pod of pilot whales that included two irresistibly adorable tiny calves. The thrill was amplified further by two oceanic white tip sharks trailing the group! But the week's undisputed highlight? Spotting a pod of pygmy killer whales—our first sighting in some time! We savored a few incredible looks at these elusive beauties and hope to see them again on another trip soon.
Our pelagic whale watching tours were treated to a couple early humpback encounters! We had one good look at an individual during their surfacing, but said aloha after they disappeared on a deeper dive. Offshore we were excited to find another humpback heading south. We followed it for some time and had nice views before continuing our search. The Kona coast is just starting to hum with humpback energy and we can’t wait to see more arrive!
We love departing from Honokohau for so many reasons– one of our favorites being the Hawaiian spinner dolphin activity! We enjoyed multiple groups of these dolphins when departing for our adventure and when returning to the harbor. Their playful spins and charm never fail to delight during our whale watching tours. Farther offshore, we encountered another mesmerizing species: Pantropical spotted dolphins! This spirited group sliced through choppy waves with dramatic flair, leaping and porpoising in an impressive display.
Our wildest surprise this week? A U.S. Navy submarine surfaced right off Keauhou! While scanning the horizon for whales, our crew spotted the massive vessel on the surface. The sub hailed us over the radio with a friendly hello and capped it off with a booming horn blast for our guests—talk about a memorable encounter! Proof once again that on our pelagic whale-watching tours, the ocean always keeps us guessing.
Upcoming Tours
11/18- 8:30 AM Pelagic Whale Watch
11/21- 8:30 AM Pelagic Whale Watch
11/22- 8:30 AM Pelagic Whale Watch
Interested in experiencing our tours?
Hawaiian Adventure’s tours provide the best opportunity to explore the Kona Coast and the wildlife beneath the waves.
If you’ve been on other tours, you’ll appreciate the Hawaiian Adventures difference.
