Whale & Wildlife Report | April 19-25, 2026
Highlights
Melon Headed Whales
Short Finned Pilot Whales
Fraser’s Dolphins
Rough-Toothed Dolphins
Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins
Oceanic White Tip Sharks
Scalloped Hammerhead Sharks
Whale & Wildlife Report | April 19-25, 2026
What a phenomenal week absolutely packed full of biodiversity! We were able to spot melon headed whales, short-finned pilot whales, multiple dolphin species– including the elusive Fraser’s dolphins– two shark species, and lots of pelagic sea birds!
Get in on the action! Our next 8:30 AM Pelagic Dolphin/Whale Watch Tours are tomorrow, April 26th and Tuesday, April 28th!
On one of our tours, we encountered a large pod of melon-headed whales – always a highlight for us. These whales tend to travel in large pods, with smaller sub-groups often displaying their own distinct behaviors. While some rested, others were busy breaching, tail-slapping, and interacting. At one point, a group even rode our bow!
As the encounter unfolded, we realized we weren’t just observing one species. Our melon-headed whales were accompanied by a rarely seen species: Fraser’s dolphins. Witnessing this kind of multi-species interaction is especially fascinating, offering a deeper glimpse into the social complexity of both animals.
We also had multiple encounters with short-finned pilot whales as they rested, traveled, and socialized at the surface. We got to see some spyhopping behavior from one of our groups, which is indicative of curiosity and inquisitiveness in an individual.
Cruising with these whales were four oceanic white tip sharks. This species can often be found trailing pilot whales looking for any scraps of food that might get left behind. From the surface, they’re easily recognizable by their flashing white pectoral fins and dorsal fin, which illuminates a striking teal through the water.
Our oceanic white tips weren’t the only sharks we spotted this week. On one of our tours, we spied the skinny dorsal fins of schooling scalloped hammerhead sharks! These impressive schools are most often seen in the winter. Swimming close to the surface, scalloped hammerheads can sun themselves and warm up their core body temperatures before it's time to take a deeper dive to hunt.
This week our dolphins also showed up and showed out. We were able to spend time with multiple species, including rough-toothed dolphins, Hawaiian spinner dolphins, and of course Fraser’s dolphins! During our encounter with our rough-toothed dolphins, we noticed they were most likely actively hunting with a wide spread formation and fast surfacings. Our spinner dolphins, as typically seen during the day, were pressed close to shore hugging the reef. Here, they’ll rest and socialize, saving the hunting for nighttime when they press offshore.
Our summer months offer some of the most unique wildlife sightings in the world, all concentrated along one coastline. Hop on one of our upcoming tours to experience these wonders for yourself!
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.
