The other animal, besides the Laysan Albatross, that I often photograph at Kaena Point (Oahu, Hawaii), is the Hawaiian Monk Seal (Monachus schauinslandi). Monk Seal is one of the rarest marine mammals in the world. It is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands and listed as critically endangered in the IUCN Red List. Hawaiians call the seal ilio holo i ka uaua, which means, „dog that runs in rough water”.

I created this image of a Hawaiian Monk Seal yesterday at Kaena Point, which is one of their favorite resting places on Oahu. This monk seal was sleeping half dipped in the water, when a small wave suddenly had woken it up. The seal looks so surprised as lifted up its head and I found this moment very compelling to photograph.

Gear: Canon EOS 7D, Canon 300mm F/4 lens, Canon 1.4x extender, Manfrotto tripod