Respect Hawaiʻi’s Wildlife

Recent events involving a monk seal are an important reminder that Hawaiʻi’s wildlife deserves space and respect.

Hawaiian monk seals are native to Hawaiʻi and are one of the most endangered marine mammals in the world. Along with animals like honu (sea turtles) and nēnē, they are protected native species that face threats from human disturbance, pollution, habitat loss, and unsafe interactions.

In Hawaiʻi, many people grow up learning to respect wildlife by observing from a distance and not interfering with animals in their natural environment. A monk seal at the beach is not a photo prop or something to harass. It’s a protected native animal simply trying to rest and survive.

Respect can look like:

• giving wildlife plenty of space

• keeping dogs leashed near beaches

• never touching or feeding animals

• following posted signs and guidelines

Part of aloha is showing care not just for people, but for the land and living things that call Hawaiʻi home too.