Whale & Wildlife Report | July 20-26, 2025
PC: Olivia Miller
Highlights
Short-Finned Pilot Whales
Reef Manta Rays
Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins
Whale & Wildlife Report | July 20-26, 2025
If you said “aww” at the first photo in the whale report, we agree! This baby pilot whale was amongst a larger group of short-finned pilot whales offshore. The pod was super spread out so we bounced around to view a number of different subgroups. In one of these groups was one of the smallest pilot whales we have seen. Sooo cute! We had some solid pilot whale watching time and we love seeing this year-round species.
PC: Olivia Miller
We also had lots of interactions with Kona’s Hawaiian spinner dolphins on our trips. There was a sleepy group right outside Honokohau Harbor, but our favorite encounters were in shallow waters along the coastline. Outside of the downtown area, we had a nice pod of spinners with a tiny calf as well! Little ones were the theme this week. During another sighting, the pod was incredibly active with individuals leaping into the air, spinning, and riding the bow of our vessel Artemis. These dolphins are known for their aerial acrobatics and they can spin up to seven times in a single jump. Count us impressed!
PC: Andrew Aggergaard
Our night manta snorkel tour visited our favorite manta site to the north at Garden Eel Cove. Kona’s reef manta rays can be seen year-round, but we never know how many will grace each site from night to night. With just a handful of rays in the area, we were still treated to fly bys below and super close barrel rolls right beneath our light boards! These up-close encounters never cease to amaze us and we’re thrilled our guests got to meet some of the resident rays. It’s been a great summer season so far and we’re ready for another week of whale and wildlife adventures!
PC: Olivia Miller
Upcoming Tours
Wednesday (7/30)- 8:30 AM Dolphin/Whale Watch
Friday (8/1)- 8:30 AM Dolphin/Whale Watch
Saturday (8/2)- 7 PM Night Manta Snorkel
Sunday (8/3)- 8:30 AM Dolphin/Whale Watch
Interested in experiencing our tours?
Hawaiian Adventure’s tours provide the best opportunity to explore Kona’s coast and the wildlife beneath the waves. Our top-notch vessels, experienced crew, and oceanic expertise will make your Big Island adventure unforgettable.
If you’ve been on other tours, you’ll appreciate the Hawaiian Adventures difference.
