Find a Pod of Dolphins

There is something spellbinding about squinting into a Pacific morning sun and spying a pod of wild dolphins spinning like shiny toy tops out of a sun-polished sea. Seemingly carefree, these marine mammals may appear out of the blue and put on a show for you.

Spinner dolphins, the most frequently observed species, are gregarious by nature. They were named for their habit of leaping above the surface of the water and swirling like glistening silver-clad Olympians on a private stage. Scientists can't explain why spinners spin. It could be a method of communication or a way to get rid of parasites or maybe these friendly creatures, appearing to wear perpetual smiles, just like to have fun.

Hawaii is home to eight different species of dolphin. The Pacific bottlenose, featured at many marine parks, reach about 10 feet in length. Their rounded foreheads and amicable expressions easily identify them. Usually seen in small groups, they spend most of their time in the channels between the islands and sometimes approach passing boats.

Spotted dolphins also frequent the channels. Smaller and more streamlined than the bottlenose, adult spotted dolphins bear beautiful, speckled flanks and are distinguished by their white snouts.

Spinner dolphins can be seen almost daily along the south shore of Lanai. They commonly travel in pods of 50 to 150 individuals. Favorite foods include flying fish and squid. Spinners feed cooperatively and usually at night, foraging in deep ocean channels and resting during the day in sheltered bays along the coast. Maintaining such large pods during resting periods provides protection from predators such as tiger sharks and makes them accessible to human observation during daylight hours.

It is important when approaching resting dolphins that people respect their space and ensure that the process of observing and interacting with them does not disrupt their behavior or disperse the pod.