Accoring to all the signs and the brochures and whatnot, monk seals are among the most endangered animals on Earth. I don't doubt that due to their limited range and all, but we've been unbelievably fortunate in that we've seen them EVERY SINGLE TRIP HERE. We've swam with them, they've beached themselves next to us, they apparently can't get enough of us. These two hauled up on Ke'e beach while we were there today. Normally, officials appear out of nowhere to rope them off and warn everyone away (it's illegal to get within 50 feet of them or to harass them in any way).
These two were clearly not bothered by me in the least, but I do understand and respect the rule, here.. Once I approached, several others came up to snap pics as well - and let's face it, I was all up in these guys' grills, much closer than the law allows. Shortly, a local came up and started to make a little fence out of driftwood to keep everyone away , which was good since, sadly, it was only a matter of time until some idiot started poking them with a stick or some kid tried to pet one while his or her parents watched.
