About Dolphins and You

Oahu’s Trusted Dolphin Tour Since 1989
35+ Years of Ethical Dolphin Encounters in Oahu

Dolphins and You has been sharing unforgettable dolphin encounters along the beautiful Waianae Coast of West Oahu since 1989.

As a family-owned and locally operated tour company, our mission is to create meaningful ocean experiences while respecting Hawaii’s marine life, culture, and community.

Over the past three decades, we have welcomed more than 720,000 guests from around the world.

1989 Dolphins and You was founded.

Dolphins and You was founded by Terry Pinney, who was known as the “Dolphin Lady.” She established the organization to create meaningful connections between humans and dolphins, and was also involved in therapeutic work supporting children with autism and other special needs.

2000 Ownership Transferred

Dolphins and You was passed on to its current owner, Richard Holland, who continued the vision of sharing meaningful dolphin experiences and ocean adventures in Hawaiʻi.

2001 Dolphin Tour Operations Begin

Starting with kayak tours, Dolphins and You began guiding visitors to experience wild dolphins, working together with local Hawaiians to share the beauty of Hawaiʻi’s ocean.

2005 Transition to Boat Tours

As the tours grew in popularity, Dolphins and You transitioned from kayak tours to boat tours, welcoming more guests to experience wild dolphins.

2017 Launch of And You Creations

Richard Holland founded And You Creations to share the beauty and culture of Hawaiʻi beyond dolphin tours, offering guests a wider range of island experiences.

2021 Transition to Dolphin Watching Tours

With new regulations protecting wild dolphins in Hawaiʻi, Dolphins and You shifted its tours to focus on responsible dolphin watching experiences.

2023 Certified Sustainable Tour Operator

Dolphins and You was recognized as a Certified Sustainable Tour Operator by the Hawaii Ecotourism Association, highlighting the company’s commitment to responsible tourism, environmental stewardship, and Hawaiian cultural respect.

2025 Qurator Certification

Dolphins and You received the Qurator Certification from the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority in recognition of its commitment to sustainable and responsible tourism.

Present – Continuing the Journey

Dolphins and You continues to share unforgettable ocean experiences while promoting responsible tourism and respect for Hawaiʻi’s natural environment.

Our Story

From Three Kayaks to a West O‘ahu Legacy

Dolphins and You began with a simple vision — sharing the magic of Hawai‘i’s wild dolphins in a respectful way.

With just three kayaks launched from the shores of Makaha, founder Richard Holland personally guided guests into the ocean. What began as a small beach operation grew steadily, eventually becoming Hawai‘i’s first state-permitted wild dolphin watch tour.

From the very beginning, the experience was rooted in community, working alongside local watermen and honoring West O‘ahu’s deep ocean traditions.

Over time, the company evolved — strengthening its commitment to sustainability, Hawaiian culture, and marine protection.

Today, that same spirit continues to guide every tour.

Founder/ CEO: Richard Holland

Founder Story

The Heart Behind Dolphin & You

For more than 30 years, Dolphin & You has shared the beauty of Hawai‘i’s ocean with guests from around the world.

Founder Richard Holland’s journey to Hawai‘i was shaped by a deep connection to Japan, where he lived for many years, and by a lifelong passion for the ocean. When he eventually settled in West O‘ahu, he saw the extraordinary opportunity to introduce visitors to Hawai‘i’s wild spinner dolphins.

In the early years, like many operators at the time, the experience included swimming near wild dolphins. But as scientific understanding of dolphin behavior deepened, Richard began to question what true stewardship should look like.

When NOAA strengthened federal protections for Hawaiian spinner dolphins in 2021, he made a defining decision: Dolphin & You would fully transition to a respectful dolphin watching model — prioritizing education, conservation, and strict compliance with federal guidelines.

Our Mission & Values

We believe ocean experiences should be respectful, educational, and unforgettable.

Our mission is to share the beauty of Hawaii’s ocean while protecting marine life and supporting the local community.

Meet Our Crew

Our tours are led by experienced local captains, guides, and crew members who are passionate about the ocean and proud to share the spirit of aloha with every guest.

Many of our crew members have spent years navigating the waters of West Oahu and have extensive knowledge of local marine life, weather patterns, and ocean safety. Their experience ensures that every Dolphins and You tour is safe, educational, and truly memorable.