12/15/2025
Here is a beautiful site you won’t find anywhere else but Hawaii! We spotted him two days ago on a North Shore Maui beach.
The Hawaiian monk seal (ʻIlio-holo-i-ka-uaua), endemic to the Hawaiian Islands, is one of the world's most endangered marine mammals, with only about 1,600 individuals remaining. Named for the fold of skin around its neck resembling a monk's cowl, this solitary seal is unique because it is the only seal species found exclusively in the United States and spends much of its time resting on sandy beaches across the archipelago. Unfortunately, the species faces numerous threats, including entanglement in marine debris, disease like toxoplasmosis, and negative interactions with humans, making conservation efforts—such as maintaining a safe distance and respecting their space on the beach—critical for their survival.