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What kind of seals are in Kauai?
Also known as ‘ilio holo i ka uaua, the Hawaiian Monk Seal is the official Hawaii State Mammal and one of only two endemic mammals found in the State the other being the Hawaiian Hoary bat. They are playful and curious with big round eyes and floppy whiskers.
What kind of seal is in Hawaii?
Hawaiian monk seals
Hawaiian monk seals live in the remote Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. These small islands and atolls are either uninhabited or little-used by humans. They are also surrounded with teeming coral reefs, which serve as great foraging grounds for skilled seals to swim and dive for fish, spiny lobsters, octopuses, and eels.
How many monk seals are in Kauai?
1,400 seals
Population Status The population is estimated to be around 1,400 seals—about 1,100 seals in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands and 300 seals in the main Hawaiian Islands. A prolonged decline of the Hawaiian monk seal population in the NWHI occurred after the late 1950s, lasting until very recently.
How rare are monk seals?
With an estimated population of 1,200, the Hawaiian monk seal is one of the most endangered marine mammals in the world, and the rarest seal in US waters.
Where can I find monk seals in Kauai?
Poipu Beach
Located on Kauai’s sunny south shore, Poipu Beach is one of the most popular beaches on the island. Poipu Beach Park gives you access to three different beaches: Poipu Beach, Waiohai Beach, and Brennecke’s Beach. The three beaches offer chances to see endangered monk seals and Hawaiian green sea turtles.
When can you see seals in Kauai?
Although May is the peak birthing season for Hawaiian Monk seals, your chances of spotting one may be slim. Unlike the whale watching season, there is no monk seal watching season in Kauai.
Can you see monk seals in Hawaii?
The most likely place to spot monk seals in the Hawaiian islands is on Kauai- because it is very close to their primary feeding grounds. In Kauai, Poipu beach is a popular spot for monk seal sighting as they’re often seen sunbathing here.
Are monk seals only found in Hawaii?
Hawaiian monk seals are endemic to Hawaii and are the only marine mammal found solely in U.S. waters. The majority of these animals live in the northwestern Hawaiian Islands and about 200 are found on the main islands.
Where are the Hawaiian monk seals in Kauai?
Poipu beach
In Kauai, Poipu beach is a popular spot for monk seal sighting as they’re often seen sunbathing here. Another spot to find them would be along the remote beaches of the Napali coast, where they enjoy their private time.
Where can I see monk seals in Kauai?
When can you see turtles in Kauai?
So if you’re thinking about a trip to Kauai and want to know when and where to find and view sea turtles, a trip to Koloa Landing® and Poipu Beach between May and September will offer a great opportunity!