Hawaiian Monk Seal

Why are these Seals unique? While most seals are found in colder waters, the Hawaiian Monk Seals enjoy the lounging on the warm beaches of Hawaii. While you may spot some on the Northern islands such as Kauai, there have been spottings on the other islands as well. Most of the Seals live in the more Northern islands and atolls upward of Kauai.

The Native Hawaiians named the seal Ilio-holo-i-ka-uaua, which means “dog that runs in rough waters. ”

Why oh why are they called “MONK” seals? There are several reasons for this. They are usually “loners” and are sometimes seen in small groups. Additionally, their loose skin around their neck tends to look like a monk’s robe. We will be posting a video shortly, where you can see what we mean.  One of them is just “hanging” out there by himself, contemplating.. well, Sea Life, we suppose….

Some facts:

• In their natural habitat they feast on fish, spiny lobsters, octopuses and eels. However, because of the many environmental factors and disturbances in their natural habitat their numbers have been slowly declining. According to our experts at Sea Life park there are only approximately 1100 Hawaiian Monk Seals left. as of this writing.
• Their average life span in the wild is 25 to 30 years an their average size is approximately 7 ½ ft.
  They have no external ears and they swim using their hind flippers while using their front flippers as stabilizers.
  Mother monk seals are dedicated and remain with their pups constantly for the first five or six weeks of their lives. They do not leave their pups during this time and if disturbed by humans they have been known to abandon their pups to flee.

So. if you are here visiting the islands:

•  Do not approach monk seals while on land or in the water. They may approach swimmers, divers or vessels out of curiosity, but in no instance should you approach them. This may be considered a form of harassment.
• When it is necessary to pass by a monk seal that has hauled itself on to a beach, it is recommended that you remain a minimum distance of 100 feet away from the seal, so as not to disturb them.
• Do your best to avoid female monk seals with pups, and never come between a mother and a pup.
• Report sightings of injured or sick seals or of harassment by others to the National Marine Fisheries Service in Honolulu at your earliest convenience. The seals will thank you! The number there is: (808) 955-8831.

Wish I Were In Hawaii and Bath Salts Hawaii have adopted these seals as our “mascot” and the non-profit organization we will be working with will be named soon.