You Can Adopt Kaimana the Monk Seal

Symbolic adoption raises money to help other marine mammals.

By Jasmine Yi

Photo: Jason O'Rourke

Next time your Mainland friends ask if you have a monk seal as a pet, you could technically say yes.

Back in late June, a Hawaiian monk seal pup was born into fame on Kaimana Beach in Waikīkī. As the first monk seal in decades born on O‘ahu’s busiest shore, the pup received the name Kaimana and the overwhelming attention and affection of locals and tourists alike.

If you’ve ever wanted to take Kaimana home with you, this is your chance without violating federal laws! (Sorta.) Kaimana will be available for a symbolic adoption at the upcoming Hawai‘i Marine Animal Response benefit.

While you won’t actually be allowed to take your pup home, the adoption package includes a large framed photo of your pup, a certificate of adoption and the opportunity to visit your pup with a monk seal volunteer team. Think of it as light parenting: no sleepless nights or tuition expenses!

Photo: Diane Gabriel

Three other monk seal pups born earlier this year will also be up for adoption, including Lanikai-born Wailea (pictured above).

“E Ho‘onui i ke Aloha no ke Kai Ola,” meaning to increase our aloha for the living sea, will be hosted by Dolphin Quest O‘ahu and The Kāhala Hotel & Resort from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 20, and is open to ticket buyers.

The highlight of the night will be the silent auction, with the symbolic adoptions of four Hawaiian monk seal pups as well as local art, fashion, photos and crafts. The event will feature live Hawaiian music from five-time Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award winner Waipuna and heavy pūpū, beverages and a no-host bar from The Kāhala.

The benefit is designed to recognize the efforts the non-profit marine species conservation and response organization, and its network of staff and volunteers. Proceeds from the event will fund supplies and equipment.

Friday, Oct. 20, 5 – 8 p.m., The Kāhala Hotel & Resort, 5000 Kāhala Ave., $125 tickets (gourmet heavy pūpū, signature non-alcoholic drinks and a gift), $1,000 sponsorships (five tickets and promotion of your business/organization leading up to the event and in the event program), bit.ly/alohaformonkseals