Where To See Dolphins In Maui?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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You will see these playful marine mammals while going to

Shark Fin Cove that is located on the outskirts of Hulopo’e Bay

. Alternatively, you can also spot the Hawaiian spinner dolphins near the cliffs between Kamaiki Point and Manele Harbor.

Where can you swim with dolphins in Maui?

On Maui, Kapalua offers a protected beach good for beginning snorkelers.

Kealakekua Bay

on the island of Hawaii offers an underwater marine sanctuary complete with dolphins and sea turtles.

Are there dolphins in Maui Hawaii?

They are usually well over six feet in length and weigh in excess of 400 pounds. Unlike Maui’s famous humpback whales,

dolphins are year-round residents of Maui

and can be seen swimming off all the Hawaiian islands during virtually every month of the year.

What time of year are dolphins in Hawaii?

The Best Time of Year to See Dolphins in Hawaii

As far as swimming with these creatures goes, the water is cooler and rougher

between November and March

, so experienced swimmers and surfers prefer this time of year.

What is the difference between Hector’s dolphin and Maui’s dolphin?

Differences between Hector’s and Māui dolphin

Hector’s and Māui dolphins may look identical, but they are physically and genetically different.

Māui dolphins have very slightly larger skulls than Hector’s dolphins and a longer, wider rostrum or snout

. Genetic methods are used to tell the subspecies apart.

Where can I see spinner dolphins in Hawaii?

On our snorkeling tours to Lanai, we often encounter a pod of Hawaiian spinner dolphins who frequent the southwestern coastline. We’ll often see these dolphins

on the way to Shark Fin Cove (Kaunolu), outside of Hulopo’e Bay, or along the cliffs which stretch from Manele Harbor to Kamaiki Point

.

How much does it cost to swim with dolphins in Maui Hawaii?

Tour Operator Price Dolphins and You

$156 for adults, $124 for children
Dolphin Excursions Snorkel Adventures $120 for adults, $85 for children Wild Side Specialty Tours $195 per person Hanauma Bay Dive Tours $120 for adults, $85 for children under 12

Can you swim with wild dolphins in Maui?

Is it illegal to swim with dolphins in Hawaii?

(CNN) — Hawaii residents and tourists will no longer be able to swim or get in close contact with Hawaiian spinner dolphins, according to a new rule by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Where can I see whales in Maui?

In fact, there are plenty of areas on Maui where humpbacks can frequently be seen from the shore during whale season. The scenic

McGregor Point lookout west of Maalaea and the beaches of Kaanapali, Kihei and Wailea

are also great spots to see whales.

Can you see manta rays in Maui?


You can see manta rays on Maui, Oahu, Kauai, and Hawaii

. Only Maui and Hawaii offer guided tours. Kailua-Kona, Hawaii (the big island) is world-famous for manta ray sightings because of the large, consistent population along the coast and their special feeding behavior.

What side of Maui has the best beaches?

The Great Outdoors

Maui’s

leeward side

inarguably presents the best beaches on the island—if by “best” you mean golden sand, perfectly-swimmable waters, outstanding snorkeling opportunities, lulling waves gentle enough for first-time surfers, and sunshine in spades.

Which Hawaiian island is best for dolphins?

While seeing dolphins might be exciting, perhaps you are simply looking for a snorkel tour in

Kauai

. The Na Pali Snorkel Adventure is the perfect tour for you, and you’re very likely to see dolphins along the way! Explore the Na Pali coast of Kauai, one of the oldest inhabited areas in Hawaii.

Where do you see dolphins in Hawaii?

The best places to spot wild dolphins are at the

Kona and Kohala coasts

. The weather on this side of the island is good year-round so don’t forget to pack sunscreen. You can sometimes even see dolphins play from Aliʻi drive in downtown Kona, in the bay.

What is the best time to see dolphins?

Dolphins are most active

at the crack of dawn, between 10 am and noon, and from 2 pm till dusk

. A great pair of telephoto lenses or binoculars can be invaluable tools to spot dolphins easily.

What is killing the Maui dolphin?


Commercial gill netting on its own

has been killing Hector’s and Maui’s dolphins faster than they can breed for three decades. Twenty three Hector’s dolphins drown each year in commercial gillnets off the east coast of the South Island alone. The sustainable limit for this area is about one dolphin a year.

How many Hector’s dolphins are left 2020?

Population:

About 15,000 individuals older than 1 year

. Conservation status: Nationally vulnerable.

Where can I see Hector’s dolphins?

The Hector’s dolphins are only found

around the inshore waters of the South Island of New Zealand

, with Akaroa Harbour and Banks Peninsula hosting the highest population in one location.

What type of dolphins are in Maui?

  • DOLPHINS. Spinner Dolphins (Very common) …
  • Bottlenose Dolphins (Somewhat common) …
  • Short-Finned Pilot Whales (Somewhat rare) …
  • False Killer Whales (Rare) …
  • SHARKS. …
  • Whitetip Reef Sharks (common) …
  • Hammerhead Sharks (rare) …
  • Whale Sharks (rare)

What island in Hawaii can you swim with dolphins?

Dolphin Quest is the only dolphin interaction of its kind on Hawaii’s

Big Island

. Spend time with our marine mammal specialists and our dolphins and get to know these magnificent creatures in the comfort of a small group, creating the ideal, intimate experience that’s sure to be the highlight of your vacation.

What do Hawaiians call dolphins?

The Hawaiian name for dolphin is

nai’a

, and refers to most all dolphins found here. Hawaiian Spinner dolphins are shaped and colored somewhat differently from other species of spinner dolphins.

Where is the best place to swim with dolphins?

  1. Akaroa, New Zealand. …
  2. Oahu and Kona, Hawaii. …
  3. Azores Archipelago. …
  4. Bimini, Bahamas. …
  5. The Red Sea.

Can you swim with sharks in Maui?

Can you swim with sharks in Maui?

Yes, you can swim and dive with sharks in Maui

. Shark diving is one of the most popular diving experiences for seasoned and beginner divers.

Can you snorkel with dolphins in Hawaii?


The Kona Coast on the Big Island of Hawaii is known for its crystal clear water and is a prime spot for snorkeling with wild dolphins, sea turtles and manta rays

. Let us take you on a tour to rare spots where the locals go!

Where is Turtle Town Maui?

Turtle Town Maui is the long stretch of coastline in

between Nahuna Point and Black Sand Beach in the southern district of Makena

. Although a large area, generally, most people who say ‘Turtle Town’ are specifically referring to Maluaka Beach.

Is snorkeling safe in Maui?

Snorkeling in Maui is

very safe

, though, because of how many beaches on the island offer protected waters. The beautiful sights and fish you’ll see are what make snorkeling in Maui so popular!

Are there bottlenose dolphins in Hawaii?


Bottlenose dolphins are commonly seen in shallow-water (<500 m deep) areas around the main Hawaiian Islands

. Starting in 2000 we began studying bottlenose dolphins in Hawai’i, first off of Maui and Lana’i, but expanding in 2002 to O’ahu and the island of Hawai’i, and in 2003 to Kaua’i and Ni’ihau.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.