A natural wonder often seen on beaches in the Poipu Resort area, the Hawaiian monk seal is among the most endangered creature in Hawaii and on earth. One of only two mammals endemic to Hawaii (the second being the Hawaiian bat) they are often referred to as “living fossils” as they have remained relatively unchanged for over 15 million years.
Currently there is presumed to be only twenty-five that call the waters and beaches of Kauai home. The rest of the population lives on the Hawaiian archipelago which stretches from the big island of Hawaii northwestward past Midway Island. Nearly 90% of the monk seals live around the small uninhabited islands and atolls in the upper reaches of the Hawaiian island chain.
The adult monk seals appear dark grey to brown on their top and light grey to a yellowish brown on their bottom. A normal healthy adult monk seal can weigh upwards of 600+ pounds and range from six to eight feet in length. Adult females are usually slightly larger than the adult males. Newborn pups have black fur which they lose as they approach the weaning period, afterwards assuming the dark grey coloring like that of mature seals. Monk seal are believed to live between twenty-five and thirty years.
The gestation period for the pregnant monk seal is thought to be around eleven months with most pups born between February and July, although births can occur at any time of the year. The preferred birthing sites for mothers are gently sloping beaches with adjoining shallow water which protects the young from predators such as sharks. There have been several births seen on the shores of Poipu, Kauai in recent years.
The Hawaiian Monk Seal feeds on eels, lobsters, octopi, and other small reef and bottom fish, often diving to depths of 245-300 feet for food. Although dive lengths average eight minutes, seals have been known to dive up to twenty minutes. For the first six weeks after birth, newborn pups feed only on its mother’s milk with the nursing mothers staying with its pup the entire time, forgoing hunting and feeding.
These are truly unique animals and we ask for your help in protecting them while visiting the Poipu Resort area. Although posted in your Poipu Vacation Rental Guest Directory, please prepare for your trip by reading the following ten guidelines:
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- Always stay behind barricades or signs around a basking seal and at least 150 feet from seals in unmarked areas.
- Remember to maintain a much greater distance from a mother and pup or any seal that appears disturbed or agitated.
- Always pass outside barricades or above an un-barricaded seal, and never between the seal and ocean.
- Remember never to approach or attempt to feed a seal on the beach, while swimming, or from a boat.
- Always view quietly. Do not throw sand, stones, objects, or make noise to induce movement and create photo ops.
- Remember to respect the space of all marine wildlife. Seals as well as sea turtles, dolphins, and humpback whales all require distance, quiet, and respect for proper viewing.
- Always photograph seals from the proper distance and never use flash photography.
- Remember to advise children of the proper vewing behavior. An agitated seal could bite or cause other serious injury.
- Always report any seal harassment the proper autorities such as the NMFS Law Enforcement at 800-853-1964 or the Kauai Police Dispatch at 241-6711.
- Remember that state and federal laws prohbit the harassment or disturbance of a seal and fines exceed $25,000 and up to 5 years imprisonment.
If you would like to learn more about the monk seal and how to protect it, please visit Kaua`i Monk Seal Watch Program at www.kauaimonkseal.com.
