Mammals

There are several species of marine mammals that visit Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park, making it a vibrant and diverse marine ecosystem. Visitors can experience the beauty of these creatures in their natural habitat.

 

Bryan Harry Photo

Monk Seals

The Hawaiian monk seal, one of the most endangered marine mammals in the world, occasionally visits the park’s sandy beaches. The Hawaiian name, ‘īlio holo i ka uaua, means “dog that runs in rough waters”. These seals are native to the Hawaiian Islands, with a population that is estimated to have only about 1,500 individuals. This represents less than one third of the historic population size, making it the most endangered seal or sea lion species in the United States. Threats such as entanglement in fishing gear, loss of habitat, and human disturbance drastically reduced their numbers for decades. Fortunately, several conservation and management strategies have been set in place throughout Hawai‘i and the population is slowly starting to recover.

 

NPS Photo

Although most seals live in the uninhabited Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, there is now a small breeding population of about 400 individuals that have reestablished themselves in the main Hawaiian Islands. The park helps conserve this species by monitoring seal sightings, protecting their natural habitats, and educating the public about the importance of respecting these creatures and their environment. By maintaining a safe space for the seals to rest without human disturbance, the park contributes to the preservation of this endangered species, ensuring that future generations can continue to witness the beauty and significance of the Hawaiian monk seal.

Read more about Hawaiian monk seals at NOAA Fisheries.

 

On secluded spots along a stretch of shoreline, you may be lucky enough to see a Hawaiian monk seal that has hauled out to bask in the sunshine. If you are lucky enough to site these endangered animals, remember to do the following:

• Give them space! If you see monk seals, the best thing you can do is remain quiet and maintain at least 50 foot distance to avoid disturbing them, as they can become aggressive if they feel threatened. For mothers with pups, you should try to stay about 150 feet away.

• Report it! Whenever you see a monk seal, you can call NOAA’s 24-hour Marine Wildlife hotline at [phone] to report it. Information from these reports, such as location and time, helps scientists gather more data on the population status, behavior and health of the animals to help manage and protect this endangered species

• If you have a dog, keep it on a leash! To protect both your pet and the endangered monk seals, always keep your dog on a leash at the beach. Even friendly dogs may harm the seals or be injured themselves.

 

NPS Photo

Humpback Whales

In winter months, between November and April, you may be able to sight humpback whales (koholā) swimming in deeper waters. Every year, thousands of whales travel from their feeding grounds in Alaska to spend the winter in Hawai‘i’s warmer waters while they mate, give birth and raise their young. These giant mammals weigh around 40-45 tons but, surprisingly, eat almost nothing during their time in these tropical waters. Adults survive off of energy stored in their thick layer of blubber, while calves receive up to 130 gallons of nutrient-rich milk each day from their mothers. Humpback whales can travel alone or in small groups, and it is estimated that at the peak of the season (around February) there are up to 12,000 individuals in Hawaiian waters!

Unfortunately, humpback whales were heavily hunted in the 19th century primarily for oil. This intense hunting pressure brought them to the brink of extinction. To help protect this species, the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary was designated in 1992, providing a safe space for whales to reproduce and raise their young. All boats in Hawaiian islands are obligated to stay at least 100 yards away from whales to avoid disturbing their natural behaviors. Fortunately, the whales often get curious and approach the slower boats, allowing visitors to observe these majestic mammals as they display their flukes, spout and breach out of the water.

 

A pod of dolphins swimming in the clear blue waters of the park.

NPS Photo

Dolphins

Pods of spinner dolphins are often spotted enjoying the waters of Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park. These mammals are exceptionally active, spending up to one third of their waking hours leaping completely out of the water in a spinning motion. Spinners are most commonly seen in the early hours of the morning as they travel to their resting spots after long nights of hunting. When they rest, Spinner Dolphins will continue to swim very slowly in the water, often with a single eye closed as it is believed that they can only sleep one side of their brain at a time. It is important to avoid disturbing their resting time, and to remain 50 yards away.

Other species of dolphins that may visit the park are bottlenose dolphins and spotted dolphins. As with spinner dolphins, boats are obligated to remain 50 yards away from these animals to ensure their safety in the water.