Hawaiian Monk Seal (Neomonachus schauinslandi) ハワイモンクアザラシ – Ilioholoikauaua – size 240cm
A two day old Hawaiian Monk Seal next to its mother. Hawaiian Monk Seals give birth on beaches and nurse their pups for about 6 weeks. After that they swim off and the pup is on its own. They are very protective with their pups, and it is best to give them a lot of extra space. Kauai 2005
The same Hawaiian Monk seal pup at 3 weeks. They are very dark at birth but will become grey when they are grown. Kauai 2005
An adult Hawaiian Monk Seal underwater. They can dive over 500m and hold their breath for at least 20 minutes. Most dives are shorter and shallower though. I have seen them appear to be resting against the top of a cave with eyes closed. I am not sure if it was resting or a fishing technique. Kauai 2017
A young Hawaiian Monk Seal rests on a beach. They do spend a lot of time resting on the shore. They usually rest on beaches but will come out in rocky areas too. I have come close to stepping on them in the rocks before. This on has a reddish belly due to there being a lot of red dirt in the area. The top us grey and the belly is light. They molt once a year and after a year of swimming around in the ocean they are ready for a fresh coat. Kauai 2002
Hawaiian Monk Seals may look very cute and cuddly, but it is best to keep a safe and legal distance. Kauai 2010
There were three Hawaiian Monk Seals swimming around our boat this day. In the above picture they look like they were kissing. In this picture it looks more like it wants to take the other one’s nose off. Just remember that they have very thick skin, strong teeth, and like to play rough. They do not attack people very often. When people do get bit, they usually have approached the seal to closely. Kauai 2010
The Hawaiian Monk Seals like to play with their food. Don’t worry it is not a swimmer’s arm. Its just an octopus. Taking a bite out of a large octopus is not easy. Besides octopus they eat a wide variety of sea creatures. Kauai 2014
The beach can get hot. Kauai 2011
Nothing like a little splash of water to cool this Monk Seal down a little. Kauai 2011
A Hawaiian Monk Seal watching a Green Sea Turtle. Kauai 2020