Can You See the Hawaiian Monk Seal? How to Spot Them and What to Keep in Mind
Where are the best places to see seals in Hawaii?
A.
If you really want to meet up,Waikiki AquariumI highly recommend it. You might spot wild ones on the beach or at Kaena Point, but it depends on your luck, so be patient and keep looking!
Seals in Hawaii
Can You See a "Hawaiian Monk Seal"?
The Hawaiian monk seal, a seal native to Hawaii, is,Waikiki AquariumIf you go there, you're sure to see them; if you're lucky, you might spot them at the beach or Kaena Point.
In wild individuals,About 15 metersIt's important to keep your distance. If you don't get to see any seals, we recommend a tour where you can see dolphins or sea turtles!
◆For those looking for a place where you're sure to see seals, even with children in tow
◆For those interested in tours where you can encounter dolphins, whales, and sea turtles
◆For those who want to know where to see seals (Hawaiian monk seals) in Hawaii
Click here to see the ranking of popular tours in Hawaii.
Travel with peace of mind with a Japanese guide☆
▼Click here for our recommended dolphin and sea turtle tours▼
What is a Hawaiian monk seal?
An endangered seal found only in Hawaii
The Hawaiian monk seal is found only in the waters around Hawaii.RareIt's a seal.
We've put together the basics you'll want to know before you go see them—from their characteristics and population sizes to their breeding season.
Small groups for a relaxed experience☆
▼Click here for recommended small-group tours▼
Characteristics of the Hawaiian Monk Seal
(Origin of the Name and Body Size)
Known in Hawaiian as “Ili’o’ho’o’ika’ua’ua,”Native to HawaiiIt's a seal.
The reason they come ashore to rest is that they’re taking a break between meals in the ocean.
Mothers are large animals that can weigh several hundred pounds (over 100 kg), aren't they?
Even though they look cute, they’re wild animals, so let’s watch them quietly from a distance!
The population is only about 1,400 to 1,600 individuals
(Why Are They Endangered?)
This is a very rare seal, with an estimated population of only about 1,400 to 1,600 individuals remaining worldwide.
MostNorthwestern Hawaiian IslandsThey live there, and it is estimated that there are about 300 of them on the main islands, such as Oahu.
That’s exactly why it’s so well protected under U.S. federal law and Hawaii state law.
If you happen to meet someone on the beach on Oahu, that alone would be a precious experience!
When is the baby-birthing season?
When Hawaii's seals come ashore
Monk seals give birth throughout the year, but the peak season isMarch–AugustThis is Goro.
During this time, the mother comes ashore and spends about 5 to 7 weeks raising her young.
The mother and her young are said to be very skittish and may bite if they feel threatened.
If there are ropes or signs on the beach, be sure to follow them!
Places to See Hawaiian Monk Seals
(Aquarium and Wildlife Area)
There are three types of places on Oahu where you can see monk seals: aquariums, beaches, and hiking trails.
Since spotting wildlife depends on luck, if you want to be sure to see it,Aquariums Are SafeThat's right.
Convenient with Waikiki shuttle service☆
▼Click here for recommended tours departing from Waikiki▼
Waikiki Aquarium
(A Safe Place to Meet Hoailona)
The Waikiki Aquarium, located at the eastern end of Waikiki, is home to a monk seal named “Ho'ailona(nickname: Hoar) is there.
Born in Hawaii, he was deemed unfit to return to the wild and has been living at the aquarium since 2011.
I temporarily moved to California in 2021 and returned to the renovated exhibition in 2025.
Since you can observe them at a distance that’s rarely possible in the wild, it’s perfect for families with children!
◆Directions: Located on the ocean side of Kapiolani Park at the eastern end of Waikiki. It's within walking distance from Waikiki hotels.
Waikiki to Kaimana Beach Area
(Wild seals sometimes come ashore as well)
There was a time when a monk seal came ashore at Waikiki Beach and became a hot topic.
Near Diamond HeadKaimana BeachHowever, a mother seal and her pup were found, and a temporary fence was set up.
Since it’s not a place you can visit anytime, why not go for a walk with the mindset that you’ll be lucky if you happen to spot it?
If there are fences or ropes, be sure to follow the instructions!
◆Directions: About a 10- to 15-minute walk from downtown Waikiki
Kaena Point
(Something you might encounter while hiking on the western tip of Oahu)
Kaena Point, located at the westernmost tip of Oahu, is a nature preserve accessible only by hike.
On the sandy beaches near the tide pools, monk seals and green sea turtles can sometimes be seen resting.
From the end of the paved roadAbout 2.5 miles(It's about a 4-km walk, so be sure to take precautions against the heat.)
Be sure to bring sunscreen, water, and comfortable walking shoes. Dogs are not allowed!
◆Directions: From the end of the paved road on either the Wai'anae side or the Mokuleia side, it's about 2.5 miles (about 4 km) on foot.
How to Observe Seals in Hawaii and Etiquette
(Rules Regarding Distance, No Touching, and Photography)
Monk seals are protected under federal and Hawaii state law, and it is illegal to harass or harm them.
The basic rule is to keep your distance, avoid touching, and watch over them gently.
Follow the guide's instructions to enjoy the experience safely☆
▼Click here for recommended tours with Japanese-speaking guides▼
Guidelines for Distance Between People
(About 15 meters from the shore; the mother and calf are about 45 meters away)
From the seal resting on the shore,About 15 metersNOAA recommends staying at least (50 feet) away.
For mothers and infants during the postpartum period, the State of HawaiiApproximately 45 metersThey are calling for a distance of (150 feet).
If you're not sure what a safe distance is, extend your arm and hold up your thumb; if the seal is hidden by your thumb, you're at a safe distance.
If there are signs or ropes, please do not go inside the area marked by them.
No touching, no getting too close, and no selfies
(Reasons for Legal Protection)
Touching seals or getting close to them to take selfies isAbsolutely not.It is.
When taking photos, use the zoom—if the seal reacts, that’s a sign you’re too close.
Harassment and acts of harm may be punishable by fines or imprisonment.
Even if they're cute, let's just watch over them!
Safety Precautions When Swimming
(Do not enter the water where mothers and children are present.)
In Waikiki, there have been cases where swimmers who approached a seal with its pup were pulled underwater and injured.
The mother seal was just trying to protect her pup, wasn't she?
Please refrain from swimming or snorkeling in areas where there are mothers and their young.
When you join a tour, please be sure to follow the guide's instructions carefully!
It's okay if you don't get to see any seals!
Popular Tours Where You Can See Dolphins, Sea Turtles, and Whales
Since the seals are wild, there's no guarantee you'll see them on the tour.
But there are plenty of cruises on Oahu where you can see dolphins and sea turtles.Depending on your purposeWhy not give it a try?
I'm so happy it includes lunch☆
▼Click here for recommended ocean tours▼
See Wild Dolphins & Sea Turtles
Snorkeling Cruise
If you'd like to see wild dolphins and sea turtles, a cruise that includes snorkeling is the perfect choice.
Small class sizesWe offer a variety of plans designed to put first-time visitors at ease, including tours with Japanese-speaking guides and round-trip transportation to Waikiki.
Since both dolphins and sea turtles are wild, whether you'll see them or not depends on the ocean conditions that day.
If you're interested, be sure to check out our list of sea turtle tours!
Click here for tours where you can see sea turtles
Enjoy dolphin and whale watching
Catamaran
This is a cruise aboard a large catamaran to go dolphin and whale watching.
Approx. 6 hoursThis plan includes wildlife viewing, snorkeling, and a lunch buffet.
Since a Japanese guide will be with you, you can hear explanations about marine life in Japanese, which is reassuring.
Since whale sightings depend on the season and luck, be sure to check in advance!
Click here for tours where you can see dolphins and whales
A Family-Friendly Dolphin Interaction Tour
If you're hesitant about ocean tours, we recommend an interactive program where you can interact with dolphins.
Sea Life Park Hawaii offers a package that combines a dolphin encounter with a sea lion show.
You can also experience a dolphin interaction program at the Kahala Hotel's "Dolphin Quest."
It's fun even for families with children, so it's perfect for creating lasting travel memories!
Click here for tours where you can see dolphins
Hawaiian Monk Seals
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Please keep a distance of about 15 meters from seals resting on the shore, and about 45 meters from mother-and-pup pairs during the birthing season. If you’re unsure of the distance, extend your arm, hold up your thumb, and move back until the seal is hidden behind your thumb.
Dogs are prohibited from entering the Kaena Point Nature Preserve, even if they are on a leash. On the beach, please keep your dog on a leash and at a safe distance from the seals.
This site does not offer tours specifically designed to see seals. Seals are wild animals, so whether you see them or not is a matter of luck. If you’re looking for a cruise where you can see dolphins and sea turtles, you’ll be able to enjoy Hawaii’s marine life.
summary
The Hawaiian monk seal is a rare seal found only in Hawaii. If you want to be sure to see one,Waikiki AquariumIf you're lucky, you might even spot them on Waikiki Beach or at Kaena Point.
Please keep a distance of about 15 meters from wild animals and about 45 meters from mothers and their young, and watch them quietly without touching them!
Even if you don’t get to see seals, you can still enjoy the Hawaiian ocean on a tour where you’ll see dolphins and sea turtles. Why not consider adding this to your travel plans?
▼Click here for articles to read in conjunction with this article.
