Hawaiian Monk Seals are extremely rare. They are one of the most endangered of all seals. It is estimated that there are less than 1500 in existance. Known to Hawaiians as "ilio holo i ka uaua (dog that runs through rough waters), these rare seals can grow up to 8 feet long and weigh as much as 600 pounds. Living on Lana'i for over 15 years, I have seen 2 of these amazing creatures. Once, I didn't have my camera with me... but the next time I did... this "meeting", on the north shore of Lana'i, is where this image originated. Like the Hawaiian Owl, this is a creature that I tried to photograph, for a long time, before I finally got a shot. I was in one of my favorite resaurants, Pele's Other Garden, on Lana'i... and the owner, Mark Zigmond, mentioned that a Monk Seal had been spotted on a certain beach on the north shore of Lana'i. I went down to see if I could see it, but when I got there, a fisherman told me that, "The seal had been there about 15 minutes ago... but had "just gone home". The next day, I got up before sunrise and headed down to the same spot to see if I could find the mysterious seal. Just before arriving at the beach, I pulled over and said a little prayer. I asked God to help me, finally, get the shot I had pursured for so long... and I promised I would try my best to bring glory to His name with any shot that I might get. I got to the beach, parked my motorcycle, walked around a bend... and there was the seal. He was basking in the early morning light... and not a soul around. I took my time, got a few choice shots, then left him to his peaceful morning slumber by the ocean. When I finished, I said another prayer of thanks for allowing me to experience such a rare and beautiful moment. An amazing morning (November 10, 2003)... I will never forget it. All posters are printed on archival, semi-gloss paper. The "joewestphoto.com" watermark is for webstore security and will not appear on purchased posters. Posters are shipped, via USPS, rolled in sturdy mailing tubes (frames not included). Please allow 1-2 weeks delivery time. Custom posters are available for all images... call or write for details. hamosepo$49.95Poster Size: 24"x36" Share                      Hawaii Time! All photographs appearing on this site are the property of Joe West Photography. They are protected by U.S. copyright laws and are not to be downloaded or reproduced in any way without the written permission of Joe West Photography.