Wildlife· Maui· Hawaii
La Perouse Bay Spinner Dolphins
20° 35.8′ N · 156° 25.2′ W · approximate
Hawaiian spinner dolphins come into La Perouse Bay's sheltered water to rest during the day after feeding offshore at night, often spinning at the mouth of the bay in the early morning.
Practical
Approx: mid-bay. Federal rule effective October 28, 2021 (50 CFR 216.20): do not swim with, approach or remain within 50 yards of a Hawaiian spinner dolphin, including by leapfrogging or placing your boat in their path; applies within 2 nm of the main islands and in designated waters between Lanai, Maui and Kahoolawe. Anchored vessels approached by dolphins are exempt provided they make no effort to engage or pursue. Resting dolphins are easily disturbed: watch from the boat, keep engines and dinghies slow, and do not follow. NOAA also proposed daytime time-area closures at five resting bays in 2021; check current status before visiting.
Best for
Watching dolphins rest from your anchored boat
Season
Year-round, mornings
Nearby
- La Perouse Bay Anchorage0.1 NM away
- Hoapili Trail (King's Highway)0.4 NM away
- Hanamanioa Point Light0.9 NM away
- Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve1 NM away
- Big Beach (Makena State Park)2.6 NM away
- Puu Olai Cinder Cone Hike2.9 NM away
- Puu Olai Reef Dive (Makena)3.2 NM away
- Maluaka Beach (Turtle Town)3.3 NM away
Place data includes © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).