Kaimana Beach fully reopens after monk seal pup relocated

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Kaimana Beach was fully reopened Thursday after a Hawaiian monk seal pup was relocated.

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The city’s Department of Parks and Recreation said Kaiwi (RK96) left the beach after weaning her pup Anela, who was born in May.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries, Hawaii Marine Animal Response and the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources have safely relocated the pup to an undisclosed location on Oahu, away from people.

Officials said Kaimana Beach is one of the busiest beaches on Oahu, and regular interaction with large crowds can be risky and even life-threatening for a newly weaned, impressionable seal.

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Authorities said the seal must learn to interact with other seals and marine life rather than become used to people.

If a monk seal is seen on the beach, the public is asked to give them at least 50 feet (15 meters) of space, or 150 feet if a seal pup is present with their mother.

Seal and other marine sightings and injuries can be reported to NOAA Marine Wildlife Hotline at (888) 256-9840.

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Additional resources to help monk seals can be found here: