Pau Hana

Pau Hana

Thursday, May 28, 2026

5 to 8 p.m.

Celebrate Monk Seal Month at a special Pau Hana and OceanTalk event on Thursday, May 28, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Waikīkī Aquarium. The evening begins with a special enrichment feeding for Hō‘ailona, followed by an OceanTalk presentation, “Hawaiian Monk Seals: Insights into Their Underwater Acoustic Ecology,” featuring marine scientist Dr. Kirby Parnell.

In her talk, Dr. Parnell will explore the acoustic lives of one of the world’s most endangered marine mammals. Using tools such as acoustic recorders and multi-sensor tags, her research shows how monk seals use sound to interact, navigate, and survive in their ocean environment.

Afterward, Pau Hana festivities will include a Q&A panel and an update on Kaiwi (RK96), the Hawaiian monk seal who recently welcomed a new pup at Kaimana Beach. Guests can also stop by the Gift Shop to browse monk seal-themed items, including the Hō‘ailona (KP2) book, and enjoy beverages provided by Maui Brewing Company.

Kirby Parnell, Ph.D., is a marine scientist and citizen of the Cherokee Nation. She earned her doctorate from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa in 2025, where her research focused on Hawaiian monk seal communication and behavior. She is also the co-founder of SMMILE, a nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to marine science education and opportunities for underrepresented youth.

PRESENTED BY

The Waikīkī Aquarium

www.waikikiaquarium.org

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