Whale & Wildlife Report | Nov 2-8, 2025
PC: Olivia Miller
Highlights
Melon-Headed Whales
Short-Finned Pilot Whales
Humpback Whale
Pantropical Spotted Dolphins
Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins
Bottlenose Dolphins
Oceanic White Tip Shark
Tiger Shark
Hawaiian Monk Seal
Whale & Wildlife Report | Nov 2-8, 2025
We had such a phenomenal week on our pelagic tours with pilot whales, melon-headed whales, dolphins, two shark species, Hawaiian monk seals, and another early humpback arrival! Although our official humpback tours don’t start until December 13th, we’re already witnessing some of the first humpbacks return to the Hawaiian islands after their summer up north. If you haven’t joined us on a pelagic tour yet, now is a fantastic time to get out on the water!
PC: Olivia Miller
This week we spotted multiple pods of short-finned pilot whales logging at the surface as well as a large pod of melon-headed whales. During our pilot whale encounters, adults rested while several playful juveniles showed off their skills, tail slapping, rolling around at the surface, and spyhopping. We even had one curious young calf approach us with mom close behind to keep an eye on her inquisitive kiddo. To top it all off, we had a beautiful melon-headed whale encounter in glassy water, and after cruising with them, we watched a group of Pantropical spotted dolphins that were also in the area!
PC: Olivia Miller
During another search closer to shore, we encountered a humpback whale! We found this individual just north of the fish farms being sneaky with a few unpredictable surfacings. Then, after about 15 minutes of patience, we were rewarded with an epic breach, followed by two big chin slaps! Every day, more and more humpbacks arrive to the Hawaiian islands, and we can’t wait to watch their numbers grow throughout the winter.
PC: Olivia Miller
Hawaiian spinner dolphins and bottlenose dolphins were the stars this week and we had multiple amazing sightings. During one bottlenose encounter, individuals decided to surf in our wake– an exciting behavior that demonstrates the ingenuity of this species. Near shore, we also enjoyed watching spinner dolphins as they napped and socialized. Guests got some amazing and intimate looks as they hitched a ride up the coast with us, cruising just below the bow of the boat. That view that never gets old!
PC: Olivia Miller
We’re always on the lookout for sharks, and this week we were lucky enough to be able to spot two different species. During one of our pilot whale encounters, we spotted a small shadow just beneath the waves with bright white pigmentation on their dorsal and pec fins. This pigmentation allowed us to ID this individual as an oceanic white tip, a gorgeous pelagic species that likes to trail behind pilot whale pods looking for food. Later in the week, we also spotted a much larger striped species cruising through the harbor mouth– one of our lovely tiger sharks. Although we’re focused on cetaceans, we’re on the search for anything and everything on our tours!
PC: Olivia Miller
Upcoming Tours
Nov 10th (Monday)- 8:30 AM Pelagic Whale Watch
Nov 12th (Wednesday)- 8:30 AM Pelagic Whale Watch
Nov 13th (Thursday)- 8:30 AM Pelagic Whale Watch
Nov 16th (Sunday)- 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.
