Best Time to See Dolphins in Hawaii
January, March and April is the best time to see dolphins in Hawaii. Based on 1,259 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when dolphins are most active across the year in Hawaii.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
Spinner Dolphin · Robert Webster CC BY-SA
Fraser's Dolphin · Norma Malinowski CC BY
Spinner Dolphin · Lucy Keith-Diagne CC BY
1,259 verified observations of dolphins in Hawaii, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When dolphins are recorded in Hawaii
Peak month
January
135 records (10.7% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Januarypeak | 135 | 10.7% |
| February | 109 | 8.7% |
| Marchpeak | 125 | 9.9% |
| Aprilpeak | 120 | 9.5% |
| May | 87 | 6.9% |
| June | 110 | 8.7% |
| July | 106 | 8.4% |
| August | 87 | 6.9% |
| September | 98 | 7.8% |
| October | 95 | 7.5% |
| November | 86 | 6.8% |
| December | 101 | 8% |
Dolphins you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Spinner Dolphin | 996 |
| Common Bottlenose Dolphin | 112 |
| Short-finned Pilot Whale | 44 |
| Pantropical Spotted Dolphin | 36 |
| Pygmy Killer Whale | 10 |
| Rough-toothed Dolphin | 7 |
| False Killer Whale | 5 |
| Melon-headed Whale | 3 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Hawaii
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when dolphins are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for dolphins sit around 57 to 71 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Janbest time | 69°F | 57°F | 8.6" |
| Feb | 68°F | 56°F | 15.6" |
| Marbest time | 70°F | 57°F | 11.5" |
| Aprbest time | 71°F | 58°F | 15.1" |
| May | 72°F | 59°F | 17.2" |
| Jun | 74°F | 61°F | 18.8" |
| Jul | 76°F | 62°F | 18.1" |
| Aug | 76°F | 62°F | 16" |
| Sep | 76°F | 62°F | 19.4" |
| Oct | 75°F | 62°F | 11.3" |
| Nov | 73°F | 60°F | 10" |
| Dec | 71°F | 58°F | 13.7" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for Hawaii. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
Sightings of dolphins in Hawaii peak in January, when 135 of the year's 1,259 verified observations are logged — about 10.7% of the annual total. Activity stays high through January, March and April.
The quietest stretch is November, May and August, when dolphins are hardest to find — November sees just 86 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The dolphins you are most likely to encounter in Hawaii are Spinner Dolphin, Common Bottlenose Dolphin and Short-finned Pilot Whale — the most-recorded species in the state. Each keeps its own seasonal rhythm, but the month-by-month pattern above reflects every reported sighting together.
Where to go
Best places to see dolphins in Hawaii
- Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail — National Historic Trail
- Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park — National Park
- Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park — National Historical Park
- Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park — National Historical Park
- Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site — National Historic Site
- Haleakalā National Park — National Park
Go see them · Hawaii
Maui Eco-Raft Tour: Eye-Level Whale or Dolphin Watching - Lahaina
Eye-level whale watching (or summer time dolphin watching) onboard our low-to-water small group zodiac rafts. Native Hawaiian owned and voted...
Staying over? Compare places to stay near Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see dolphins in Hawaii?+
January is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through January, March and April, based on 1,259 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are dolphins hardest to see in Hawaii?+
November is the quietest month for dolphins in Hawaii, with only 86 verified records.
Are dolphins active year-round in Hawaii?+
Dolphins are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Hawaii, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in January.
More places to see dolphins
More wildlife in Hawaii