KAILUA, Hawaii — The Department of Land and Natural Resources announced Mokulua Nui, the larger islet of the two Mokulua islands (commonly known as “the Mokes”), would reopen Monday. 

What You Need To Know

  • DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife closed Mokulua Nui to the public on July 13 after a Hawaiian monk seal, Wailea, who was born in 2018 on the islet, returned to her birthplace to deliver her first pup

  • Wailea has now weaned the monk seal pup, named Ka‘iwa by students at the Kaohao Public Charter School in Kailua, who is venturing out to sea for food on its own

  • DLNR asked visitors to keep a distance from Ka‘iwa or other monk seals if they return to the islet

DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife closed Mokulua Nui to the public on July 13 after a Hawaiian monk seal, Wailea, who was born in 2018 on the islet, returned to her birthplace to deliver her first pup. 

The twin Mokulua islets, which are located off of Kailua, are state wildlife sanctuaries and Mokulua Nui is a popular destination for kayakers, which prompted concerns about human and seal interactions. 

In June, the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife suspended all Mokulua Islet Commercial Landing Permits and prohibited people from landing at the beach at Mokulua Nui. However, DOFAW could only discourage people from landing on other parts of Mokulua Nui. 

The following month, the Board of Land and Natural Resources approved the temporary closure of the Mokulua Nui and delegated authority to the chair to temporarily close or restrict the use of wildlife sanctuaries in the future. 

Monk seal mothers nurse their pups for five to seven weeks. Wailea has now weaned the monk seal pup, named Ka‘iwa by students at the Kaohao Public Charter School in Kailua, who is venturing out to sea for food on its own, according to a news release. 

DLNR asked visitors to keep a distance from Kaʻiwa or other monk seals if they return to the islet. 

“DOFAW wants to thank NOAA and the Hawaii Marine Animal Response for its partnership in ensuring Kaʻiwa was successfully weaned on Mokulua Nui. DLNR is committed to the responsible stewardship of Mokulua Nui while facilitating public enjoyment of accessible areas,” said DOFAW Information and Education Specialist Joshua Atwood in a statement. 

Since Mokulua Nui is a wildlife sanctuary, people are only allowed to access areas below the high water mark or as posted on official signs. 

Michelle Broder Van Dyke covers the Hawaiian Islands for Spectrum News Hawaii. Email her at michelle.brodervandyke@charter.com.

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