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.
Hawaiian Monk Seal · Djibo Zanzot CC BY-SA
Hawaiian Monk Seal · Matthew Zarzeka CC BY
Hawaiian Monk Seal · cello caruso-turiello CC BY
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 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Hawaii
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when monk seals are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for monk seals sit around 57 to 71 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Janbest time | 69°F | 57°F | 8.6" |
| Feb | 68°F | 56°F | 15.6" |
| Marbest time | 70°F | 57°F | 11.5" |
| Apr | 71°F | 58°F | 15.1" |
| May | 72°F | 59°F | 17.2" |
| Jun | 74°F | 61°F | 18.8" |
| Jul | 76°F | 62°F | 18.1" |
| Aug | 76°F | 62°F | 16" |
| Sep | 76°F | 62°F | 19.4" |
| Oct | 75°F | 62°F | 11.3" |
| Nov | 73°F | 60°F | 10" |
| Decbest time | 71°F | 58°F | 13.7" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for Hawaii. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
More on monk seals in Hawaii:
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
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.