Last Updated on September 14, 2023 by Amin Tawar
There are no mammals as intelligent and well-loved among humans as Dolphins. And if you want to see them in action you don’t have to go far to an unknown place. Just visit the Hawaiian Islands. Below I’ve provided you with everything you need to know about these creatures.
Are There Dolphins In Hawaii?
Oh yes, There are many species of dolphins found in Hawaii. In fact, dolphin viewing is one of the most famous activities that tourists in Hawaii look forward to participating in.
They exhibit various acrobatic skills and mesmerize viewers. The island’s clear water tropical beaches also make it relatively easy to spot these friendly and cute creatures. Among the ones found in Hawaii, are spinner dolphins and bottlenose dolphins.
Types Of dolphins in Hawaii
As per private dolphin tour websites, there are about five dolphin species that visit the Hawaiian Islands.
These include spinner dolphin and bottlenose dolphin as mentioned in previous sections, spotted dolphin, short-beaked common dolphin, rough-toothed dolphin, and Risso’s dolphin.
As you have already noticed, most of these are named based on either the species’ physical features or the species’ skills. Among them let us look in detail at the most common and loved one’s.
As their names suggest, spinner dolphin is famous for its ability to spin their body to as much as 6 times in one go. This easily makes them the visitor favourites especially to click pictures of them in the act.
They generally visit tropical islands including Hawaii. Another visitor-friendly and favorite dolphin is the bottlenose dolphin.
These are the largest among other species and are known for their unique snout. Highly intelligent and playful they make a great addition to various shows and programs which is why they are often captured.
Where Can You Swim With Dolphins In Hawaii?
Before we talk about the places where you could swim with these creatures, it is important to note that they are wild and untrained dolphins can be dangerous to humans.
Especially when they are threatened and cornered. But if you want to swim with them then the Hawaiian Islands do have some offers for you. As per various dolphin private tours, only Big Island and Oahu allow the public to swim with dolphins at the moment.
In Oahu, you can visit the Dolphin Quest Oahu where you can have an intimate encounter with these creatures, not just one type of species but multiple ones.
Also, Check Our Guide On Pink Dolphins In Amazon River
Can You Swim With Dolphins In Hawaii?
Depends on the type of dolphin in the water. Yes, most dolphin species are friendly and seldom attack humans, but wild creatures are wild unless trained well. And even with training, under serious circumstances, they may exhibit wild and dangerous behavior.
In Hawaii, the places which allow swimming with creatures have only the friendly dolphin, so you don’t have to worry much. But make sure you don’t become a threat to these creatures. Choose responsible tour operators and refrain from wearing sunscreen and harmful chemicals before entering the water.
How Big Are Dolphins In Hawaii?
Dolphins have a wide size range based on the species you are looking at. For instance, the common bottlenose dolphin ranges up to 12 feet in length and 400 to 600 pounds in weight.
Whereas spotted dolphins another common species in Hawaii only measure up to 6 feet in length and 140 to 200 pounds in weight. Note that, there may be individual variations and it may be a challenge to gauge their size when they are in water swimming or leaping.
What Do Dolphins Eat In Hawaii?
Dolphins in Hawaii have diverse diets, but most contain fishes and cephalopods such as squids and octopuses. Their unique conical teeth and high speed helps them easily capture fishes which for most mammals including humans is difficult to do so. Although most of them consume fish and squid, the orca dolphin alone feeds on large animals like seals. But note that orca dolphin is not found to visit Hawaii much. Although you could find them in captivity.
Can You Touch Dolphins In Hawaii?
No, It is illegal to touch dolphins in Hawaii, and you may be locked in jail or fined a hefty amount. As per the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, any act of pursuit, torment, or annoyance of marine life including dolphins is strictly prohibited. But you can swim alongside them in specific locations as covered in previous sections.
Can You Own Dolphins In Hawaii?
Similar to the act of touching these creatures, it is also illegal to own and possess dolphins in Hawaii. But exceptions include when you need them for education, research, entertainment, and for rehabilitation purposes.
In fact, specific permits are issued for Dolphin possession for entertainment purposes. And a big crowd of tourists visits each year to Hawaii just to look at dolphins performing various acrobats.
Conclusion
And that was everything you need to know about the Dolphins in Hawaii. I hope this article answered all your queries.
Our Source For This Guide.