Challenge and inspire others to have a wildlife viewing experience that's #AmazingFromAfar.

 

Challenge and inspire others to have an experience that's still #AmazingFromAfar.

 

Your choices today will forever change Hawai‘i. Make good ones that are Kind to Oceankind.

Hawai‘i islands silhouette

Sea turtles, spinner dolphins, Hawaiian monk seals, and humpback whales are part of what makes Hawaiʻi special. These animals all have a unique and vital role in the ecosystem.

Whether you’re a visitor, community member, or simply love Hawai‘i, we all have a responsibility to ensure these precious species are here for us, future generations, and continue to remain a special part of Hawaiʻi.

The simplest first step you can take is to always admire wildlife from afar.

You also consider yourself a respectful person. So show your respect and care for the wildlife and people who call this place home. It’s our kuleana (responsibility) to mālama `āina (care for the land and sea).

 
Amazing-from-Afar-heart-logo-made-of-monk-seal-dolphin-turtle-whale-Hawai‘i_Islands.png

More and more people are showing they are respectful and care by never getting too close to wildlife, especially these endangered and threatened species.

 

Know the Minimum Distances

These species are amazing from afar. Viewing distances have been set by the U.S. federal government. Knowing and following these minimum distances from wildlife not only saves you from legal fines and a guilty conscience, it also protects wildlife, maintains the ecological balance, and shows your respect for the Hawaiian people.

 
Distance Infographic showing sea turtles, spinner dolphins, monk seals, and whales

Never Get Closer Than:

● 10 feet (3 m) from sea turtles

● 50 feet (15 m) from monk seals

● 50 yards / 150 feet (46 m) from spinner dolphins

● 100 yards / 300 feet (91 m) from humpback whales 

If you are approached by a spinner dolphin, take immediate action to move away 50 yards. Why might a spinner dolphin approach?

 

Distances apply to all ways in which you or something you control could get close to wildlife no matter where they roam.

That includes swimming or paddling (kayak, stand-up paddle board, canoe), operating a motorized vessel, or flying a drone, helicopter, or plane. When sea turtles or monk seals are on land or in shallow tide pools, the distances still apply.

 

Your choices today will forever change Hawai‘i. Make good ones that are Kind to Oceankind.

Join the pod of others like you who are Kind to Oceankind.

Those who pledge to be Kind to Oceankind will receive special access to a list of places and types of places to look out for where you might have the opportunity to see some wildlife. Access to this list is a special privilege for upholding yourself to these commitments.

Don’t forget: Inspire others by sharing your photos and videos on Instagram with our hashtags, #KindToOceankind and/or #AmazingFromAfar.

Don’t share location specifics with your photos or videos. Instead, tag @AmazingFromAfar in your caption and ask others to learn more first and pledge to be Kind to Oceankind to earn the same privilege you did.