Watch Hawaiian spinner dolphins off Oahu's Waianae Coast and the Big Island's Kona Coast, where they rest in calm bays by day after hunting at night. Since 2021, US federal rules prohibit swimming with or approaching within 50 yards of them, so encounters are now boat and shore based observation. Seen year-round in clear Hawaiian water, they often spin and leap near the boats, best in the calm morning hours.
Watch Hawaiian spinner dolphins off Oahu's Waianae Coast and the Big Island's Kona Coast, where they rest in calm bays by day after hunting at night. Since 2021, US federal rules prohibit swimming with or approaching within 50 yards of them, so encounters are now boat and shore based observation. Seen year-round in clear Hawaiian water, they often spin and leap near the boats, best in the calm morning hours.
Up to 90% sighting chance in Oahu / Big Island (Hawaii, USA). Best months: June, July, August.
No longer. Since October 2021, US federal law bans swimming with or approaching Hawaiian spinner dolphins within 50 yards, within 2 nautical miles of the main islands. Tours are now observation only.
Year-round; early morning is best, when the dolphins rest in nearshore bays.
The Waianae Coast of Oahu and the Kona Coast of the Big Island are the main resting areas.
Spinner dolphins feed at night and must rest by day. Constant swim-with pressure was disturbing them, so approaching them is now prohibited.
