Mālama i ka ʻĀina: Caring for Wildlife
How to respectfully share the beach with endangered Hawaiian species
Written by a Local Expert
Kalani MillerSharing the sands of Poipu with endangered wildlife is an incredible privilege, and with that privilege comes kuleana. This uniquely Hawaiian concept means both right and responsibility. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that our presence does not harm these precious creatures. This section is the most important part of this entire piece, because how we behave determines the future of wildlife at Poipu.
Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles (Honu)
Seeing a honu is a highlight of any trip to Hawaii. These gentle giants are a protected species, and interacting with them is governed by specific guidelines designed for their well-being.
The 10-Foot Rule: This is not a suggestion; it's a critical buffer zone. When you see a turtle in the water, maintain this distance at all times. Approaching too closely can cause them immense stress, interrupt their feeding or breathing cycles, and in a worst-case scenario, cause a panicked turtle to flee, potentially leading to exhaustion or drowning.
You will very likely see honu resting on sand, especially in late afternoon. This behavior is called basking, and it's essential for their health. They come ashore to rest, digest their food, regulate their body temperature, and avoid predators like tiger sharks that patrol deeper waters. When a turtle is basking, it is vulnerable. Every time a person gets too close and startles it back into the ocean, that turtle has to expend precious energy it was trying to conserve. Please, admire them from a distance and let them rest in peace.
✓ Do
- • Maintain 10 feet distance
- • Stay quiet and move slowly
- • Take photos from distance
- • Let them approach you
- • Report injured turtles
✗ Don't
- • Touch or ride turtles
- • Chase or surround them
- • Block their path to ocean
- • Use flash photography
- • Feed them
The Critically Endangered Hawaiian Monk Seal (ʻIlio-holo-i-ka-uaua)
The Hawaiian monk seal, whose name in Hawaiian means "dog that runs in rough water," is one of the most endangered seal species on the planet. With only about 1,600 individuals left in the world, every single seal is vital to the survival of the species. Poipu Beach is one of the few places where you can reliably see them, making our respectful behavior absolutely paramount.
Critical Distance Guidelines
Solo seal: Minimum 50 feet distance
Mother with pup: Minimum 150 feet distance
A mother seal is fiercely protective and will not hesitate to become aggressive if she perceives a threat to her pup. Getting too close is dangerous for you and can cause the mother to abandon her pup out of stress.
The "Rule of Thumb" Distance Check
To judge the distance, use the "Rule of Thumb": extend your arm fully, give a thumbs-up, and close one eye. If your thumb completely covers the seal, you are at a safe distance. If not, back up.
Understanding Normal Monk Seal Behavior
When you see a seal resting on beach, a behavior known as "hauling out," it's important to understand what you're seeing. The seal may be lying completely still, have mucus around its eyes, or look splotchy. This is all normal behavior, often related to resting or molting (shedding their fur), and not a sign of distress. They need to rest undisturbed.
The Hidden Threat: Toxoplasmosis
A significant and often invisible threat to monk seals is the disease toxoplasmosis. This deadly parasite is spread through the feces of cats. When rain washes cat feces from land into the ocean, the parasite can contaminate the water and prey that seals eat. It is now a leading cause of death for monk seals in the main Hawaiian Islands. This is a powerful reminder that our actions on land have a direct impact on the health of our oceans.
📏 Safety Distances
- Sea Turtles Minimum 10 feet
- Monk Seal (solo) Minimum 50 feet
- Seal with Pup Minimum 150 feet
📞 Emergency Contacts
NOAA Hotline
1-888-256-9840
Report injured wildlife
DLNRtip App
Report illegal activity
respectwildlife@noaa.gov
The Volunteers in Red Shirts
One of the unique things about Poipu is the presence of dedicated volunteers who watch over the wildlife. You will often see areas around resting turtles or seals roped off, with a volunteer in a red shirt standing by. These are passionate locals from groups like the Hawaiian Monk Seal Conservation Hui and Mālama i na Honu.
These volunteers are your best friends on the beach. They are not there to be confrontational; they are there to educate the public and protect the animals. They often know the individual seals and turtles by name and can share incredible stories about their lives and histories. Please, listen to their guidance, thank them for their service, and feel free to ask them questions. They are a fantastic resource for learning more about these amazing creatures.
What to Do in a Wildlife Emergency
If you see an animal that appears to be injured (with an open wound), entangled in a net or fishing line, or is being actively harassed by other people, it's crucial to act correctly.
1. Do Not Intervene
Approaching an injured or distressed animal can be dangerous for both you and the animal. Maintain a safe distance.
2. Call Experts
Contact the 24-hour NOAA Marine Wildlife Hotline immediately: 1-888-256-9840
3. Document
If witnessing illegal activity, take photos and report to DLNRtip app or respectwildlife@noaa.gov
Conservation Efforts and How You Can Help
Poipu's beauty and biodiversity don't maintain themselves. They're the result of ongoing conservation efforts by numerous organizations, government agencies, and community volunteers. Understanding these efforts and how you can contribute makes your visit more meaningful and helps ensure future generations can enjoy this special place.
Coral Reef Protection
The coral reefs that make snorkeling at Poipu so spectacular are under threat from climate change, pollution, and physical damage. Rising ocean temperatures cause coral bleaching, while runoff from land introduces sediments and chemicals that can harm coral health. You can help by using only reef-safe sunscreen, avoiding touching or standing on coral, and being mindful of your fins while snorkeling.
Marine Protected Areas
Portions of the waters around Poipu are designated as Marine Life Conservation Districts, which provide protection for fish and other marine life. These areas prohibit fishing and collecting, allowing ecosystems to recover and thrive. Respect all posted boundaries and regulations, and report any violations you observe to authorities.
Supporting Local Conservation Organizations
Several grassroots organizations work tirelessly to protect Poipu's natural resources. The Surfrider Foundation Kauai Chapter focuses on ocean and beach conservation through beach cleanups, water quality monitoring, and advocacy for protective policies. Mālama Kauai works on watershed protection and sustainable agriculture practices that help reduce harmful runoff into coastal waters. Consider making a donation or purchasing items from their fundraising efforts during your visit.
Even if you're not participating in an organized event, you can make a difference by picking up any litter you encounter during your visit. Marine debris, particularly plastic items, poses serious threats to sea turtles, monk seals, and seabirds.