Hawaii’s waters are home to playful dolphins all year and visiting whales in winter. If you are planning an ocean tour, it helps to know who is who, when they appear, and what makes each species special.

Dolphins You May See Year Round

Spinner dolphins: Small, social, and famous for acrobatic spins. They travel in pods, rest in shallow bays by day, and feed offshore at night.
Bottlenose dolphins: Larger with a sturdy body and curved dorsal fin. They can appear close to shore or along deeper channels and sometimes ride boat wakes.
Spotted dolphins: Sleek and fast. Adults develop spots as they age. Often seen offshore in energetic groups.

Whales You Can See Seasonally

Humpback whales: The stars of Hawaii’s whale season. They arrive roughly December through April to mate, calve, and nurse. Look for powerful tail slaps, pectoral fin waves, and dramatic breaches.
False killer whales and melon-headed whales: These toothed whales travel in tight groups and may appear unpredictably, usually farther offshore.

Whale vs Dolphin: The Simple Differences

• Teeth and feeding: Dolphins and most toothed whales use teeth to catch fish or squid. Baleen whales like humpbacks filter small prey through baleen plates.
• Size: Dolphins are smaller and more streamlined. Many whales are much larger, with humpbacks reaching lengths over 40 feet.
• Behavior at the surface: Dolphins surface more often in tight pods and may bow ride. Humpbacks surface for long breaths, show a tall blow, and often lift the tail as they dive.

Best Times to See Them

• Dolphins: Year round, usually mornings are calmer and clearer.
• Humpback whales: Peak viewing is mid winter to early spring. Calm days make spouts and tail lifts easier to spot.

Responsible Watching Tips

• Keep a respectful distance and follow crew instructions.
• Stay quiet when animals are close. Sudden noise can disrupt natural behavior.
• Never feed wild animals. Human food harms marine life and changes behavior.
• Use reef-safe sunscreen and avoid litter to protect their habitat.

What To Watch For On Tour

• Dolphins: Synchronized surfacing, quick exhale and inhale at the blowhole, playful spins, and pod coordination.
• Whales: Blows hanging in the air, arching backs before dives, tail flukes rising, pectoral slaps, and the occasional full breach.

See Them In Hawaii

Join a respectful ocean tour to watch dolphins year round and humpback whales in season. With a little patience and a calm day, you can witness pods gliding together and whales surfacing in Hawaii’s clear blue water.