Where Do Hawaiian Monk Seals Live? And Other ‘Īlio Holo I Ka Uaua Trivia
- Behavior
- Species conservation
- Natural history
How well do you know the ‘īlio holo i ka uaua, or Hawaiian monk seal?
Hawaiian monk seals are one of the rarest and most endangered seals in the world and conservation efforts are crucial to their survival. Take a deep dive into this trivia to test your ‘īlio holo i ka uaua knowledge and find ways you can protect this endangered species.
Click “Show More+” to reveal the answer and more Hawaiian monk seal facts.
Where do Hawaiian monk seals live?
Hawaiian monk seals are endemic to Hawai‘i, meaning they are native to the Hawaiian Islands and are not found anywhere else. They spend about two-thirds of their time at sea and come ashore to rest, give birth and nurse their pups.
This species is unique as the world’s only tropical seal. Most Hawaiian monk seals live among the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands of the Papahānaumokuākea National Marine Sanctuary, a marine protected area that is larger than all the United States’ national parks combined. A smaller number of seals also reside among the main Hawaiian Islands, like Hawai‘i Island and Maui.
On Hawai‘i Island, The Marine Mammal Center operates the only hospital dedicated to Hawaiian monk seals, Ke Kai Ola. Our team of experts relies on the Center’s 50 years of experience in marine mammal medicine and health to treat monk seals so they can be released back to the wild.
How many Hawaiian monk seals are left in the wild?
The Hawaiian monk seal population only has about 1,600 individuals, making it the most endangered seal or sea lion species in the United States.
Hunted to the brink of extinction in the late 19th century, the Hawaiian monk seal population declined for many years. Fortunately, the species has started to show an increase in numbers as conservations efforts have increased. In fact, about 30 percent of today’s Hawaiian monk seal population is alive directly due to conservation efforts led by NOAA and partners like the Center.
Discover more about this life-saving work made possible thanks to caring people like you.
How did the Hawaiian monk seal get its name?
This species’ Hawaiian name is ‘īlio holo i ka uaua, which means "dog that runs in rough water." The common name for the Hawaiian monk seal is believed to have originated from the folds of skin around the animal’s neck resembling a monk’s robe.
At our hospital facilities in California and Hawai‘i, our marine mammal patients also receive their own individual names. For Hawaiian monk seals, the naming process can vary depending on which island the seal was rescued on. The tradition of naming is culturally significant in Hawai‘i, and we honor the land and people by reflecting the traditions of each island. Typically, patient names are chosen by a kupuna, a highly respected elder within the Hawaiian community.
How long do Hawaiian monk seal pups stay with their mother?
A newborn Hawaiian monk seal typically nurses with its mother for about one month. During the nursing period, the mother stays with her pup without leaving to forage for food. Once the pup is weaned, it is left on its own to learn to swim and find food.
Unfortunately, some pups are separated from their mothers and weaned prematurely, leaving them in such poor condition that they are unlikely to survive on their own. Other threats they face include malnutrition, disease, habitat loss and entanglement in ocean trash. It’s all thanks to compassionate people like you that endangered Hawaiian monk seals can be rescued and brought to our hospital for a second chance at life.
Help the next monk seal pup in need when you adopt a past patient like Ahonui today.
Header image © NOAA, PIFSC, HMSRP
Learn More About Our Work Protecting Hawaiian Monk Seals
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Hawaiian Monk Seal