Hawaii monk seals are the islands’ only native seal species, and sea lions do not live in the wild around Hawaiʻi. The endangered Hawaiian monk seal is the sole seal naturally found in local waters, according to wildlife officials.
Hawaii monk seals
These endangered marine mammals are native to Hawaiʻi and can occasionally be seen resting on sandy beaches or foraging nearshore. Officials remind the public to keep a safe distance and report any animals in distress to authorities.
Officials remind the public to keep a safe distance and report any animals in distress to authorities.
Sea lions not in Hawaiʻi
Sea lions, which are common along portions of the West Coast, are not found living in the wild around the Hawaiian Islands. Any reports of sea lions in Hawaiʻi are typically misidentifications of monk seals.
