Whale & Wildlife Report | October 8-14, 2023
Beaked whales on the Kona coast. PC: Dahlia
Highlights
Pygmy sperm whales
Blainville’s beaked whales
Pantropical spotted dolphins
Giant squid
Whale & Wildlife Report | October 8-14, 2023
The Kona coast feels like a wildlife paradise! Often those who visit the Big Island fall in love with the land, but we believe the true adventure is beyond the shore. As an island in the middle of the Pacific, we have the opportunity to encounter pelagic (deep-water) species that you likely won’t see from the mainland. Often these species spend most of their lives in deeper waters, and Kona’s uniquely deep coastlines allow for encounters with these animals.
Our dolphin and whale watching trips this week spotted two pelagic species of whales, a few of the many we can see. We got some great looks at these groups of whales, and one of our awesome passengers shared these photos with us after the fact! Pictured is a group of Blainville’s beaked whales. Notice their unique spotting, coloration, and markings. Individuals often accumulate scars and scratches over time, and some circular marks are from cookiecutter sharks.
Our surprise this week happened near F buoy where we encountered a large partially eaten squid. The head itself we estimated to be around 3.5 ft long! The squid looked freshly nabbed, and our guests got a peak into the circle of life in the Pacific. You never know what you’ll find floating offshore on our adventures!
Beaked whale. PC: Dahlia
Group of Beaked whales. PC: Dahlia
Beaked whale surfacing. PC: Dahlia
Interested in experiencing these tours?
Join us, experts with over 25 years of experience running professional wildlife 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
