On November 2nd, at approximately 10:56 AM, the crew of the Dolphins and You tour had a once-in-a-lifetime experience: they encountered orcas, also known as killer whales, near Yokohama Bay.
It is relatively rare to see orcas in the waters around Hawaii, including Oahu Island. While orcas are found in oceans worldwide, they are more commonly sighted in colder, higher latitude regions such as Antarctica, the Arctic, and certain parts of the North Pacific and North Atlantic Oceans.
While it’s not impossible to encounter orcas in Hawaii, these sightings are infrequent. The Hawaiian Islands are home to a diverse range of marine life, including humpback whales, dolphins, sea turtles, and various species of fish and coral.
Imagine the excitement that rippled through the air as our tour crew and the guests aboard our vessel spotted these awe-inspiring creatures. The orcas, with their distinctive black and white markings, glided gracefully through the water, their powerful tails propelling them forward with elegance. It was a sight to behold, a natural spectacle that few are fortunate enough to witness up close.
Although rare, unexpected marine wildlife encounters like this remind us how diverse Hawaii’s offshore ecosystem truly is.
👉 Explore more marine life guides and ocean wildlife in Oahu →
From dolphins and sea turtles to seasonal whales and rare offshore wildlife, Oahu’s west coast offers unforgettable ocean experiences throughout the year.
