Creature Feature Hawaiian Monk Seal

‘ĪLIO HOLO I KA UAUA

“dog that runs in rough seas”

Hawaiian monk seals are endemic to the Hawaiian Islands, meaning they are found nowhere else in the world. In Hawaiian, their name is ‘īlio holo i ka uaua, which means “dog that runs in rough water.” These seals are one of the most endangered marine mammals in the world – only about 1,400 remain, most of which live in the protected waters of Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. Researchers from NOAA and our partners are working hard to bring this species back from the brink. Thirty percent of the Hawaiian monk seals alive today are here because of those lifesaving efforts.

A monk seal looks at the camera while underwater — Photo: Koa Matsuoka

A monk seal just below the surface of the water — Photo: Karen Bryan/HIMB

Fun Facts

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Neomonachus schauinslandi

DIET: Fish, cephalopods, and invertebrates

AVERAGE SIZE: 6-7.5 feet

AVERAGE WEIGHT: 400-600 pounds

LIFE SPAN: 30 years

GESTATION PERIOD: ~10-11 months

AVERAGE LITTER SIZE: 1 pup

MAXIMUM DIVE DEPTH: 2,000 feet

LOCATION: Main Hawaiian Islands and Northwestern Hawaiian Islands

A map highlighting the Hawaiian islands as the area of the monk seal habitat

Hawaiian monk seals face a number of threats from humans, including toxoplasmosis from cats, intentional killing, and fisheries interactions. If you see one, give it plenty of space and email pifsc.monksealsightings@noaa.gov.