Meet These Mammals: Hawaiian Monk Seal

This month we’re continuing our feature on the magnificent marine mammals that roam the seas around Hawaii with one of our favorites—the Hawaiian Monk Seal! As the only seal native to Hawaii, the Hawaiian monk seal is a beloved and endangered species that must be cared for and protected.

Hawaiian monk seals are unique exceptions to other monk seals that thrive in cold climates, preferring instead to indulge in the warm, tropical beaches of our islands. They boast a life expectancy of 25 to 30 years, with females giving birth to pups at the early ages of four to five years old. These mostly solitary animals can hold their breath for as long as 20 minutes, though they typically dive for food for an average of five to six minutes.

A fun fact about Hawaiian monk seals is that they can dive as deep as 1,500 feet underwater! They’re always diving far down to the ocean floor in search of food like fish, octopus, squid and sometimes crustaceans.

To learn more about the Hawaiian monk seal, climb aboard the Dolphin Star! Our certified Naturalists are excited to share their knowledge with you.

For more information on Dolphin Star or to book your cruise today, call (808) 983-STAR (7827) or visit Dolphin-Star.com.

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