The first Hawaiian monk seal pup of the season was born on Oahu’s North Shore, according to an announcement from the Hawaii Marine Animal Response. 

Kaimana (also known as RJ58) gave birth to the new pup, who was named Kailani by students at the Kahuku Elementary School.   

In Hawaiian, “kai” means sea, which represents the pup’s home, while “lani” means sky, symbolizing the beauty and wonder he brings to our islands.

“Together, his name reflects the deep connection between Hawaiʻi’s land, sea, and sky — and how special this little pup truly is,” HMAR wrote in its announcement of the pup’s birth. 

Kailani’s mom Kaimana was born in Waikiki at Kaimana Beach in 2017. 

In Hawaii, pupping season runs from March through August, when most monk seals are born. The Department of Land and Natural Resources asked the public to give monk seal mothers and their newborns space, as they are increasingly being born on the main Hawaiian Islands. 

Hawaiian monk seals are native to Hawaii and endangered animals. State and federal laws protect the marine mammals. To minimize disturbances to the animals, officials do not release the specific locations of monk seal births, unless there’s a need to bring attention to a location where human-monk seal encounters are likely to happen.