Best Time to See Monk Seals in Hawaii
January, March and December is the best time to see monk seals in Hawaii. Based on 3,166 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when monk seals are most active across the year in Hawaii.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
3,166 verified observations of monk seals in Hawaii, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When monk seals are recorded in Hawaii
Peak month
January
353 records (11.1% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Januarypeak | 353 | 11.1% |
| February | 298 | 9.4% |
| Marchpeak | 340 | 10.7% |
| April | 285 | 9% |
| May | 284 | 9% |
| June | 296 | 9.3% |
| July | 208 | 6.6% |
| August | 205 | 6.5% |
| September | 160 | 5.1% |
| October | 185 | 5.8% |
| November | 232 | 7.3% |
| Decemberpeak | 320 | 10.1% |
Monk Seals you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Hawaiian Monk Seal | 3,166 |
Sightings of monk seals in Hawaii peak in January, when 353 of the year's 3,166 verified observations are logged — about 11.1% of the annual total. Activity stays high through January, March and December.
The quietest stretch is September, October and August, when monk seals are hardest to find — September sees just 160 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The monk seals you are most likely to encounter in Hawaii are Hawaiian Monk Seal — the most-recorded species in the state. Each keeps its own seasonal rhythm, but the month-by-month pattern above reflects every reported sighting together.
Where to go
Best places to see monk seals in Hawaii
- Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail — National Historic Trail
- Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park — National Park
- Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park — National Historical Park
- Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park — National Historical Park
- Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site — National Historic Site
- Haleakalā National Park — National Park
Tours and experiences nearby
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Book a monk seal tour in Hawaii
Guided wildlife tours, boat trips and nature experiences, with free cancellation on most.
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Stay near Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best monk seal viewing in Hawaii.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see monk seals in Hawaii?+
January is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through January, March and December, based on 3,166 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are monk seals hardest to see in Hawaii?+
September is the quietest month for monk seals in Hawaii, with only 160 verified records.
Are monk seals active year-round in Hawaii?+
Monk seals are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Hawaii, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in January.
More wildlife in Hawaii