The famous monk seal pup of Kaimana Beach, Koalani, is enjoying his new life on a quieter beach. 

In 2017, Koalani’s mother, Rocky, first gave birth at Kaimana Beach — she has had 12 other pups on Kauai. This year, Rocky gave birth to Koalani in July. However, the beach is often full of people and the protective mother monk seal bit a swimmer who got too close. On Aug. 3, after the attack, DLNR established a 50-yard cordon around Rocky and Koalani; DOCARE officers watched over the monk seals as concerns grew about their fans crowding the pair. 

After Koalani was weaned, NOAA officials moved the pup on Aug. 18 to an unnamed, secluded beach on Oahu. 

NOAA officials reported Wednesday that Koalani is thriving in his new abode. 

“It is so wonderful to see Koalani resting and exploring peacefully without disturbance,” said Diana Kramer, Regional Stranding Coordinator, NOAA Fisheries Pacific Islands region, in a blog post. “This quiet environment allows Koalani to focus on exploring the natural features of his environment rather than interacting with humans.”

The Hawaii Marine Animal Response, who partners with NOAA, has checked on Koalani daily since the move was made, and the pup is also wearing a temporary satellite tag to monitor him. 

Koalani has explored the surrounding waters, going out as far as 2-3 nautical miles and diving over 300 feet deep. 

Michelle Broder Van Dyke covers the Hawaiian Islands for Spectrum News Hawaii.