MARINE WILDLIFE AWARENESS & VIEWING GUIDELINES
The Kaiwi Channel is home to some of Hawaii’s most remarkable marine wildlife. During the Molokai2Oahu Paddleboard World Championships, athletes, escort vessels, media, and volunteers may encounter whales, dolphins, sea turtles, and Hawaiian monk seals.
The United States Coast Guard and NOAA ask everyone participating in the event to help protect these animals by following responsible wildlife viewing practices.
RESPECT MARINE WILDLIFE
- Observe animals from a safe distance.
- Never chase, follow, surround, touch, or feed marine wildlife.
- If an animal changes its behavior because of your vessel or athlete, you are too close.
- Slow to idle or no-wake speed when wildlife is nearby.
- Avoid sudden changes in speed or direction.
- Never separate mothers from their young.
MINIMUM VIEWING DISTANCES
- Sea Turtles (Honu)
Stay at least 10 feet (3 meters) away on land and in the water. - Hawaiian Monk Seals
Stay at least 50 feet (15 meters) away.
Stay 150 feet (45 meters) away from mothers with pups.
Never disturb resting seals.
Use the “rule of thumb” to determine a safe distance (if no signs or barriers are present)
○ Make a “thumbs up” gesture and extend your arm straight in front of you.
○ Turn your thumb parallel to the ground in your line of sight of the seal.
○ If your thumb covers the entire seal, you are likely far enough away - Spinner Dolphins
Federal regulations prohibit approaching, swimming with, or remaining within 50 yards (45 meters) of spinner dolphins in Hawaii.
Allow dolphins to travel naturally without altering their course. - Humpback Whales (Seasonal)
Federal law requires all vessels and water users to remain at least 100 yards (91 meters) away.
Never position your boat between a mother whale and her calf.
FOR ESCORT BOATS
Escort boats play a vital role in protecting both athletes and marine life.
- If wildlife is encountered:
- Reduce speed immediately.
- Give animals plenty of room to pass.
- Never pursue wildlife for photographs or video.
Allow athletes to safely continue while maintaining required viewing distances whenever possible.
If You See an Injured or Distressed Animal
Report sick, injured, stranded, or entangled marine mammals or sea turtles to the NOAA Marine Wildlife Hotline: (888) 256-9840
Protecting the Kaiwi Channel Together
The Molokai2Oahu Paddleboard World Championships is committed to preserving the incredible marine ecosystem that makes this crossing one of the world’s most iconic ocean races. Thank you for helping us protect Hawaii’s marine wildlife for future generations.
