Occurring between November and May each year, whale watching season in Hawaii is an exciting opportunity to see these majestic creatures up close. Although there are around 90 different species of whale, including dolphins and porpoises, many only know of a handful. With Dolphin Excursions Hawaii, you’ll have the chance to spot the following types of whales.

5 Whales That Live in Hawaii

1. Sperm Whale

Recognizable for their huge, rounded foreheads, sperm whales have the largest brains on Earth. Their heads also contain an oily fluid called spermaceti which likely aids in echolocation and buoyancy. As the largest toothed whale and predator, these giants can grow to up to 59 feet and eat about a ton of squid and fish daily.

2. Dwarf Sperm Whale

In contrast with its much larger cousin, dwarf sperm whales are considered one of the smaller species of whale, reaching only around 9 feet in length. They have a distinct appearance, with a stocky build and a pointed, shark-like nose. When startled or threatened, they use a squid-like defense mechanism of ejecting dark red ink into the water.

3. Short-Finned Pilot Whale

These large, bulbous whales are notable for their melon heads, lack of a discernible beak, forward-set dorsal fins, and short, curved pectoral  fins. They’re highly sociable and familial, and if you spot them while whale watching, you could see large pods of up to 60 individuals. They aren’t afraid to get close to boats either!

4. Humpback Whale

Humpback whales migrate to the coasts of Hawaii in large numbers throughout the winter. Because of their huge size—growing up to 60 feet long—and their frequent breaching, they tend to be the stars of the show when it comes to whale watching. You might just hear one of their haunting, mystical songs while out at sea, which sometimes last for hours.

5. Cuvier’s Beaked Whale

Commonly referred to as the goose-beaked whale, Cuvier’s beaked whale is distinguished by its robust structure and short, pointed beak. Their heads are notably paler than the rest of their bodies, and some even sport reddish-brown bodies likely caused by diatoms and algae. With their upward-curved mouths, you might just catch a “smile” if you see them breaching!

For more than 28 years, Dolphin Excursions Hawaii has provided adventure, beautiful oceanic backdrops, and dolphin and whale watching opportunities on the West Coast of Oahu. Catch a ride on one of their luxurious vessels for a whale tour and gain an extensive marine education from their expert crew members. Learn more about their adventures online, and call (808) 239-5579 to book a tour.