I am a frequent visitor to Hawaii -usually at least twice a year, and Kona on the Big Island has always been a favorite spot of mine. On a recent trip, and as I do on every trip there, I set out with a friend to kayak Kealakekua Bay, in hopes to spot and maybe even swim with wild Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins.
I love marine mammals. And because of the many experiences I have had with wild whales and dolphins in Hawaii , California and Mexico, I have developed a keen appreciation for them in their natural environment. I have disdain for captive dolphin swim programs, and although they serve as a popular attraction for their ease and guarantee of interaction, it is really at the animals’ expense. Seeking whales and dolphins in the wild, although unpredictable, has been one of my personal most exciting and rewarding wildlife experiences. And Kealakekua Bay, near Captain Cook, south of Kona on the Big Island, is one of those magical places where you do stand a good chance of interacting.
This particular day was like any other. We tried to set out bright and early, lagged as usual, and after picking up our kayaks form a local vendor, got down to the bay by 1030am. There are several choices for renting kayaks in and around Captain Cook, or there are a few local residents who are now renting kayaks at the bay. This option saves you the trouble of loading and returning the kayaks with your car, and also helps support the locals. Most people will tell you that very early in the morning is the best time to see the dolphins, but I have encounter3ed them at many different times of day here. It was not too long after heading out into the bay in our double kayaks that we spotted a pod of spinner dolphins, who come into the calm and protected bay waters to rest and play. Within minutes I slipped into the clear blue water with my mask, snorkel and fins to survey the situation. Much to my delight, the pod of around 10-15 dolphins was visible below and swimming alongside our kayak. That day I spent around one hour in the water with this group, playing and cavorting. The group had expanded by combining smaller congregations to up to about 4o dolphins. The spinner dolphins are so named for their tendency to jump out of the water and pirouette, I behavior which they exhibited repeatedly this day.
Closer sitting and watching showed the dolphins apparently playing a game of pass with a soggy leaf, a behavior that I have witnessed before. They key to enjoying wild dolphins is meeting them on their terms in their environment. It is important not to chase, swim after or harass the dolphins. Looking eye to eye with wild dolphins in Hawaii can be described by some as a life changing experience. I would have to agree.
Here is a video I made of this swim: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-htZQmmDdpw
If you go to Kealakekua Bay, and you don’t see dolphins, you will still have an amazing experience snorkeling the pristine reefs inside the bay, and learning about the history of this sacred place.
For more information on visiting Hawaii go to http://www.southpacific-vacations.com