Helping to Save Hawaii’s Gentle Ocean Treasures: Mauna Loa Helicopters’ Mission to Help the Hawaiian Monk Seal
At Mauna Loa Helicopters, we’re known for soaring over Hawaii’s breathtaking landscape, but lately a few of our flights have carried a very special kind of passenger. In partnership with The Marine Mammal Center in Kona, our team has proudly completed multiple air transports of sick and injured Hawaiian Monk Seals, helping these endangered animals get the care they need and deserve.
Each transport is more than just a flight; it’s a lifeline. Hawaiian Monk Seals, one of the world’s most endangered marine mammals, face growing challenges from entanglement, habitat loss, and human impacts. With fewer than 1,600 seals left in the wild, every single one matters.
When a seal is found injured or ill on one of the Hawaiian Islands, time is critical. That’s where we come in. Our airplane fleet enables the safe and quick transportation of these seals to facilities where the dedicated team at The Marine Mammal Center can provide treatment and rehabilitation. Once recovered, the seals are released healthy, strong, and ready to thrive back in their ocean home.
Why We Care, and Why You Should Too
Seeing these gentle creatures up close reminds us how deeply connected we are to Hawaii’s natural world. Their soulful eyes and playful spirits tell a story of resilience and hope. Each successful rescue is a reminder that compassion and collaboration can truly make a difference.
But these missions take resources, from specialized transport equipment to fuel and flight time. You can help us continue this lifesaving work!
If you’d like to support the MLH SEAL TEAM, you can make a charitable donation directly to Mauna Loa Helicopters on our website. Every contribution goes towards funding air transports that make rehabilitation possible.
Fun Facts about the Hawaiian Monk Seal
- Hawaiian Monk Seals are native only in Hawaii, making them one of the few tropical seal species in the world.
- Monk Seals can dive over 1,800 feet deep and hold their breath for up to 20 minutes.
- Each seal has unique spot patterns, just like fingerprints, used by scientists to identify them.
- Conservation efforts have helped their population slowly increase, proof that care and commitment make a REAL IMPACT.
Join Us in Protecting Hawaii’s Ocean Life
At Mauna Loa Helicopters, we believe that preserving Hawaii’s beauty means protecting every part of it from the land, to the sky, and of course, our oceans. We’re honored to play a role in The Marine Mammal Center’s incredible work to give the Hawaiian Monk Seals a second chance.
Learn more about the center’s efforts at www.marinemammalcenter.org
Together, we can help these amazing creatures continue to grace our shores for generations to come.