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 The dolphins eagerly come into a calm Hawaiian bay to greet us, bringing their playful dance, deep tones, and song- offering expanded consciousness, healing, and love for all. It is truly a transformative experience to be with these gracious beings in the sea, not only do we awaken our own playful selves, but we are able to access deep memory and wholeness of our spiritual beings.
Dolphins are very deep, vast, and loving beings, who work directly with our body and energy fields, bringing healing and higher states of consciousness.
There are many species of dolphins swimming in the tepid waters of Hawaii, the most commonly found are the Hawaiian spinner, spotted, bottlenose and
rough tooth dolphins. Other often seen members of the dolphin family - although termed as whales - are pilot and false killer whales. In the near-coastal waters of Oahu, spinner dolphins are seen on an almost daily basis.
Dolphins are part of the same family as whales and porpoises (called cetaceans), which include the world's largest and most diverse group of living animals. They are not fish but air-breathing, warm-blooded mammals that nurse their young. Over fifteen species of wild dolphins live in or migrate to waters surrounding Hawaii. The Hawaiian spinner dolphin,
Pan tropical spotted dolphin and bottlenose dolphin are the species most frequently seen.
Spinner dolphins range throughout the tropical Pacific and throughout the Hawaiian Island chain. They are highly social animals that never leave the protective boundaries of their school. Although most often seen resting and traveling in large schools of l00 to 300 animals, some offshore populations of l,000 animals have been documented. Typically, these larger schools are defined by smaller sub-groups that are divided based upon age, sex, sexual activity and behavioral state.
There is a large group of Hawaiian spinner dolphins in the vicinity of Kealakekua Bay on the west coast of the island of Hawaii, comprised of between l,000 to 2,000 dolphins. At any given time, the actual number of dolphins present inside the bay may be considerably less than that. There are at least three large (50-l00) groups of spinner dolphins found between the islands of Kaho'olawe, Lana'i, Molok'ai and Maui. Dolphins are regularly found in Manele Bay, located off the Southeastern coast of Lana'i. Off Southern Maui, there appears to be a smaller group in La Perouse Bay.
There are seasonal changes in the abundance of dolphins, with a winter reduction in observations along the west coast of the Big Island. Seasonal distribution patterns appear to be determined by a complex inter-relation of prey availability, shallow,
sandy - bottom bays for resting, sea state, water depth, and clarity. There is little data available about the possible interchange between spinner dolphin populations, making it impossible to determine statewide population statistics.
One of the most delightful experiences to be had in Hawaii is an encounter with wild dolphins. According to Robin Baird, Director of the Pacific Whale Foundation's Wild Dolphin Research Team, at least eight species of dolphin have been seen throughout the Hawaiian archipelago. The dolphins that you're likely to encounter around Maui County are the bottlenose dolphin, the spinner dolphin, and the
spotted dolphin. Bottlenose dolphins have the appearance that most people associate with dolphins. Their coloring is charcoal gray fading to light gray on the belly, and their noses are short and shaped like stubby bottles. Bottlenose is usually found swimming in groups of two to twelve animals.
Spinner dolphins are named for their fascinating habit of leaping into the air, and
rotating (or "spinning") up to four times around on their longitudinal axis. Researchers dont know why these dolphins spin, but theorize that it may be a way to communicate their location within a school to each other.
Relatively petite, spinner dolphins average five to six feet in length and weigh less than 200 pounds. Spinner dolphins are tri-colored, with a dark dorsal area, gray flanks, and
white bellies (which turn pink when the dolphins are excited.) This coloring, which scientists call counter shading, provides a form of camouflage. When viewed from below the water's surface by predators, the dolphins'
white underside blends with the color of water. When viewed from above, the water looks dark, and the dolphins' darker backs blend in.
Spinner dolphins are usually found in larger schools ranging from 20 to 40 animals and up to hundreds of animals at a time. They feed at night on small fish and squid,
working together in very large groups in deep water. During the day, they rest in quiet coves and bays, gradually becoming more active in preparation for their evening food pursuit. To protect these dolphins, the Pacific Whale Foundation urges boaters and swimmers to avoid chasing or pursuing them during their daytime rest periods.
Dolphin Watching
Dolphin watching can be fun and educational. Since spinner dolphins are known to seek out shallow, protected coves for resting purposes during the day, increased care must be taken to avoid disturbing them. Dolphins (as all marine mammals) are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Under the Act, it is illegal to harass, hunt, capture, collect, or kill any marine mammal. Boaters to avoid encircling, chasing, or dividing groups of dolphins should take every effort.
Dolphins have a special message for us, humans, in this stage of our evolution. These beautiful beings are there to connect us with our heart energy and to teach us about our
inter dimensionality.
To actually meet them in their own environment and to swim with them can change your life, because the energy of the dolphins is pure
love.
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