Beloved monk seal returns to Waikīkī Aquarium
Hō‘ailona the Hawaiian monk seal returns to the Waikīkī Aquarium. (Photo credit: Waikīkī Aquarium)
After several years away, Hōʻailona, the Hawaiian monk seal, returned to the Waikīkī Aquarium at a special homecoming party on September 27.
Hōʻailona, whose name means “a sign from the sea,” has been a favorite among aquarium guests for more than a decade. Affectionately known as Hōʻa, this monk seal serves as a charismatic ambassador, inspiring awareness and action for one of Hawaiʻi’s most endangered native species.
In 2021, Hōʻa was temporarily transferred to a research program at the University of California Santa Cruz, where he was part of a behavioral study of monk seals. Hōʻa’s participation contributed toward conservation efforts and expanded scientific knowledge of the endangered species. During his time away, the Waikīkī Aquarium renovated and repaired the Hawaiian Monk Seal exhibit.
Hōʻa’s homecoming featured keiki-friendly activities, including educational feeds, animal enrichment, arts and crafts, a touch pool, chalk art, a mermaid photo opportunity, and face painting. A Hawaiian blessing will took place on the Monk Seal Deck. Community partners also joined with educational booths, including the Hawaiʻi Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawaiʻi Sea Grant, Audubon Society, and Hawaiʻi Marine Animal Response.
