Monk seal morning | Koolina family photographer

A Hawaiian monk seal photo bombed our session. It was bound to happen one of these days. Over the years i’ve seen them at Paradise Cove a handful of times, but always at the end of a session. When that happens you give them space (you definitely don’t punch them in the face). Since they’re highly endangered, a seal volunteer will stop by to set up a perimeter fence so they can lounge in peace. But of course you have to see the seal first.

You can’t see the ocean from the Paradise Cove parking lot. Seeing the beach is always this moment of anticipation. What will it look like today? Is the water calm? Are there tide pools? Are there people on the beach already? We walked along the canopied path and were delighted when it opened up to a peaceful, sun dappled, empty beach. It was so lovely that we immediately began to play and explore. After a few minutes of shooting, a seal “rock” surprised us with a bubbly snort. It was so still, we hadn’t even noticed it lying among the gray rocks. We moved aside to play with bubbles and hermit crabs while (monk) seal team 6 flooded in to post signs and fences.

It was kind of a perfect day for this particular family. I’ve had the pleasure to photograph them twice before at Laie Beach Park and Waimanalo Beach Park and we’re on a mission to have a photo sessions all over the island. They always stay in the Koolina area so they’re very familiar with Paradise Cove, but the seal made it extra special. You can see our seal rock in the first few images :)

Want to explore the beauty of Oahu with your family? Let’s plan a day doing something you love! Find out more about my fun family photography sessions here.