There’s a disturbing incident caught on camera in Maui going viral. I have to warn you: watching this will most likely make your blood boil. Outrage is growing across Maui, Hawaii, and soon the world. But I’m writing this because it’s also an important reminder for travelers about respecting wildlife while visiting the islands.
A man was filmed throwing a large rock at an endangered Hawaiian monk seal resting in the water near Lahaina, which is on Maui’s west side. One woman can be heard yelling, “What are you doing?” Witnesses say the man showed little remorse after being confronted.
The woman who recorded the video told Hawaii’s KHON2 that the man allegedly responded by saying he did not care and claimed he was wealthy enough to deal with any consequences.
Even more concerning, witnesses said the seal appeared distressed afterward and was breathing heavily when they cautiously checked on it from a safer distance. They called police immediately, but it’s not clear if he was found. There are photos of him circulating online, and authorities confirmed they have identified the suspect and may pursue federal enforcement action. I’m not sure why there’s any question about not arresting him.
Officials from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are now investigating the incident alongside Maui police.
The incident has triggered conversations about how visitors should behave around Hawaii’s wildlife and natural spaces.
Here’s just a few of the comments on Threads, which reflect the majority of feelings across social media:
@chetsbabe: They should ban him from Maui.
@yiujun: He needs to be banned from the entire state.
@sin_standard: “I don’t care, I’m rich” should come with an automatic million-dollar fine.
Hawaiian Monk Seals Are Protected By Law
Many travelers may not realize that Hawaiian monk seal are one of the most endangered marine mammals in the world. There are only an estimated 1,600 remaining in the wild.
In Hawaii, monk seals are protected under both federal and state laws. Harassing, injuring, feeding, touching, or disturbing them can lead to significant fines and possible criminal penalties.
Wildlife experts and local residents say the situation highlights a growing problem in Hawaii: some tourists ignore basic rules around wildlife encounters in pursuit of photos, videos, or simply because they do not understand the laws.
Important Travel Tip For Hawaii Visitors
If you visit Hawaii, or any destination for that matter, one of the most important things you can do is give wildlife plenty of space.
That includes monk seals, sea turtles, dolphins, whales, and seabirds. Even if an animal appears calm or unbothered, approaching too closely can create stress or force the animal to leave important resting areas.
NOAA generally recommends staying at least 50 feet away from monk seals and sea turtles, though farther is always better.
Here are a few simple tips travelers should follow:
- Never touch, feed, chase, or attempt to interact with wildlife
- Keep a respectful distance, even for photos
- Do not block an animal’s path to the ocean
- Keep children and pets away from resting animals
- Report harassment or injured wildlife to local authorities or NOAA
Visitors should also remember that many beaches in Hawaii are not just tourist attractions. They are culturally and environmentally significant places for local communities and native species.
One Maui resident interviewed after the incident summed it up best: “People should be respecting our culture if you’re coming here. That includes the animals on the land and in the ocean.”
For many travelers, seeing a monk seal resting on the beach is a rare and unforgettable experience. The best way to help protect that experience for future visitors is to admire wildlife from a distance and let the animals rest peacefully.
