Wild Side Specialty Tours

06/08/2025

Just released! Cascadia Research Collective has created a beautiful 2-page Pygmy Killer Whale ID sheet, featuring distinctive individuals from the small resident population off Oʻahu’s west coast — many of whom we’ve had the privilege of encountering and photographing on our tours.

We’re honored to have contributed some of the photos for this guide, alongside Dolphin Excursions Hawaii and Mark Mohler, with stunning illustrations by Uko Gorter. These laminated guides will soon be distributed to local operators, but if your a fan you can download your own copy to bring onboard with you from their website here:
👉 https://cascadiaresearch.org/hawaii/pygmy-killer-whales-hawaii (scroll halfway down)

These incredible animals are rarely seen, deeply mysterious, and uniquely special to Hawaiian waters — and every encounter helps contribute to science and conservation.

Big mahalo to everyone working to understand and protect this pod.

05/31/2025

Movements of one of our resident pod of pygmy killer whales

05/31/2025

Been watching and documenting these bottlenose for so long now, that HITt0604 is a 'new' one to me! Our last sighting of her was 2021.

05/17/2025

Endangered Species Day Delivered Something Truly Wild!

Yesterday, on Endangered Species Day, the ocean gifted us one of the most awe-inspiring moments we’ve ever experienced on the water…

We encountered a critically endangered pod of Hawaiian False Killer Whales—alongside their little cousins, the Pygmy Killer Whales—right off the leeward coast of Oʻahu!

But the most heart-stirring moment?
We witnessed the False Killer Whales sharing their catch of tuna, passing it among each other—a rare and intimate glimpse into the deep intelligence and social bonds of this elusive species. 🐟💙

Our guests watched, wide-eyed and speechless, as nature wrote a story more beautiful than we ever could. And yes—we got it on video. 🎥 (Coming soon!)

At Wild Side, we’re proud to offer responsible, conservation-focused marine wildlife safaris that let guests experience the real Hawaii—not a show, not a scripted tour—just respectful encounters with wild animals on their terms.

🌊 Small group tours
🌈 Family-friendly & education-rich
🧠 Led by marine biologists
💙 Centered around connection, not crowds

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to witness wild magic in real time, this was it.

📍 Based in Ko Olina, just minutes from Aulani
🔗 wildsidehawaii.com
🎥 Stay tuned for the video—you won’t want to miss this.

Send a message to learn more

04/25/2025

🌺 Spring Love in Hawaiian Waters – Honu Mating Season! 🐢💚

Look what we witnessed on a recent charter! 🛥️✨
These honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles) were seen mating just offshore, part of a beautiful natural rhythm that happens every spring in the islands. Watch the video and swipe through the photo to witness a moment few get to see — nature at its most raw and real.

In Hawaiian culture, honu are symbols of wisdom, guidance, and longevity. They are considered ‘aumākua (ancestral guardians) by many, and their presence in our waters is sacred. Observing them during this season is a reminder of the deep connection between Hawaiian people, the ocean, and its creatures.

💡 Did you know?
🔹 Mating season runs from late winter through spring. Females may store s***m and later return to the exact beach they were born on to lay their eggs.
🔹 Our charters follow strict guidelines to ensure we watch with respect, giving honu the space and honor they deserve.

🌺 “He waʻa he moku, he moku he waʻa.”
A canoe is an island, an island is a canoe.
— This Hawaiian proverb reminds us that just as our ancestors cared for their canoes to survive the ocean, we must care for our islands and all who live here — including our precious marine life.

We feel truly privileged to share these moments — and we do so with reverence. Mahalo to the ocean for her gifts. 🌊💙

💬 Have you had a close encounter with honu? Tell us your story or tag someone who would love to see this!

01/10/2025

🐋 WIld Side is Ramping Up to the Height of Whale Season! 🐋

February kicks off the most exciting time of year for whale watching along Oahu’s west coast! 🌴✨ As the month unfolds, the waters fill with the highest concentration of humpback whales, creating incredible opportunities to witness their most captivating behaviors.

This is peak time for competitive displays as male humpbacks engage in dramatic “heat runs.” These intense chases showcase tail slaps, breaches, and head lunges as the whales vie for dominance and a chance to mate. Meanwhile, their haunting songs resonate through the ocean—a vital part of their breeding rituals and one of nature’s most awe-inspiring spectacles.

As we move deeper into the season, mothers and calves will take center stage, but February is the perfect time to experience the energy and action of humpback courtship.

Join us for a Wild Side eco-adventure, where our small-group tours provide an intimate, respectful way to observe these magnificent marine mammals. You might also encounter Hawaiian spinner dolphins, green sea turtles, and other incredible wildlife. 🐬🐢

🐋 Why Wild Side?
✔️ Small-group, personalized experiences (no crowded boats!).
✔️ Expert marine naturalists sharing science and stories.
✔️ Eco-friendly practices that protect Hawaii’s marine environment.

🌟 February is your chance to catch the season ramping up—spots fill fast, so book your adventure today!

📅 Learn more or book now: [insert link]
📸 Let us know what you’re most excited to see in the comments below!

Send a message to learn more

01/03/2025

Caption:
“Resting beauty 🐢✨ This Hawaiian honu (green sea turtle) reminds us all to slow down and soak up the magic of the moment. Did you know sea turtles often bask on the rocks to warm up and conserve energy? It’s one of the rarest behaviors seen among sea turtles worldwide, and you can witness it right here in Hawaii! 🌊🌴

Remember to admire from a respectful distance—at least 10 feet—to help protect these endangered creatures and their natural behavior. Let’s share the shoreline with aloha! 💚

”

01/01/2025

🌊 An Extraordinary Encounter in December! 🌊

Earlier this December, we had the incredible fortune of spotting the elusive Cluster 2 group of False Killer Whales—an event that's exciting enough on its own. But what truly made this sighting extraordinary was rediscovering a specific individual we thought we might never see again.

This particular False Killer Whale had eluded us for so long that we'd nearly given up hope of any resightings. Spotting them felt like reconnecting with an old friend we never expected to meet again.

False Killer Whales are rare and enigmatic creatures, and each sighting of these marine marvels gives us a window into their world. Every encounter provides valuable data for understanding their behavior, social structures, and migration patterns.

Moments like these remind us of the importance of persistence, hope, and conservation. This individual’s reappearance is a testament to why we continue our efforts, even when results seem uncertain.

Here’s to protecting these incredible animals and cherishing every opportunity to witness them in their natural habitat. 🌊💙

Send a message to learn more

12/30/2024

✨ A Familiar Tail Returns! 🐋

Yesterday, we were thrilled to welcome back a remarkable visitor: a humpback whale we first encountered in 2023. This incredible whale carries a story of survival, with its fluke bearing the scars of a propeller strike.

Despite the injury, this resilient beauty continues its annual migration, reminding us of the strength and determination of these majestic creatures. 🌊💙

Every sighting is a gift, but seeing this whale again is truly special. It’s a powerful reminder of why we work so hard to protect our oceans and their inhabitants.

Join us on the water for moments like these—and to learn more about the humpback whales who call these waters home. 🛥️🐋
📸

10/22/2024

We know some of these guys for sure!

09/20/2024

Annette's Hawaiian false killer whale publication, co-authored by our owner Tori (Cullins) Davis. Photos taken onboard our charters by volunteers with the WIld Dolphin Foundation.

08/01/2024

Another unforgettable encounter with ocean friends, including Cluster 3 endangered false killer whales (with two calves!) off our coast of Wild West Oahu 🌊🐋 Their beauty and grace remind us of the importance of protecting our ocean friends, both the two legged, and the two finned