Whale & Wildlife Report | Nov 16-22, 2025
Highlights
Short-Finned Pilot Whales
Humpback Whale
Pantropical Spotted Dolphins
Bottlenose Dolphins
Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins
Oceanic White Tip Sharks
Whale & Wildlife Report | Nov 16-22, 2025
With only a few weeks left of our Pelagic whale watch season, we’re soaking up every moment of our offshore adventures! This week we had some spectacular encounters with pilot whales and three types of dolphins. We also spotted another early arrival humpback whale and a few white tip reef sharks below the surface. If you haven’t been out on our Pelagic whale watch yet, take advantage of our last tours of the 2025 season before we transition into humpback-focused whale watches December 13th!
This week we spotted two whale species on our pelagic tours. Running offshore, we found multiple groups of pilot whales resting and socializing at the surface. Witnessing their curiosity and complex social structure is always such a treat, and this week didn’t disappoint. During our encounters, we observed spy hops, surface rolling, and lots of tactile interaction between whales.
While on scene with pilot whales on multiple occasions, we got a few looks at oceanic white tip sharks. This fast and intelligent pelagic species has learned to trail behind pilot whale pods looking for food. Bright white coloration on their dorsal and pec fins gave them away so guests were able to spot their sleek shadows below the surface. Our top encounter included at least 5 individual sharks. What an epic bonus to our whale sightings!
Later in the week, we also spotted a much larger species… one of Hawaii’s migratory humpback whales! This individual was resting close to shore just north of the harbor, taking several breaths before a gorgeous deep fluking dive. This species is just beginning its return to Hawaiian waters after a summer spent up north, and it’s been so great to watch their numbers slowly grow as more and more arrive.
While searching offshore, we located a large group of Pantropical spotted dolphins. This pod had high energy, and individuals showed off their leaps and agility for all to see. We also got some amazing bow-riding behavior as a few hitched a lift on the slip stream of our boat, and even some grand finale wake surfing behind us! But spotted dolphins weren’t the only dolphins we encountered this week. We also caught up with a pod of Hawaiian spinner dolphins outside the harbor and another cruising around in the shallows after a night of nocturnal hunting. It was fun seeing this group socialize and show off their impressive aerial spins!
Upcoming Tours
11/24- 8:30 AM Pelagic Whale Watch
11/25- 8:30 AM Pelagic Whale Watch
11/26- 8:30 AM Pelagic Whale Watch
11/28- 8:30 AM Pelagic Whale Watch
11/29- 8:30 AM Pelagic Whale Watch
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Hawaiian Adventure’s tours provide the best opportunity to explore the Kona Coast and the wildlife beneath the waves.
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