King Tides Roll In: Monk Seal Slows Traffic on Honoapiʻilani Hwy
A monk seal came up partially on the road on the Honoapiʻilani Highway in Olowalu this afternoon, slowing traffic on the busy thoroughfare that connects West Maui to the Central Valley. Police and volunteers responded to the report in an effort to protect the animal from oncoming traffic.
The tides were especially high today, washing up on the road and came amid a special weather statement issued by the National Weather Service, advising the public of coastal flooding due to the next king tide event rolling in to the islands.
“King tides” were forecast to occur over a couple days with the first affecting the islands around the Memorial Day weekend on May 26. This latest king tide event is forecast for the days leading up to and June 23, and the third event of the season will occur around July 21, 2017.

Monk seal on Honoapiʻilani Highway. (6.21.17) PC: Asa Ellison

Monk seal on Honoapiʻilani Highway. (6.21.17) PC: Asa Ellison

Monk seal on Honoapiʻilani Highway. (6.21.17) PC: Asa Ellison

High tide along Honoapiʻilani Highway. (6.21.17) PC: Asa Ellison

High tide along Honoapiʻilani Highway. (6.21.17) PC: Asa Ellison

High tide along Honoapiʻilani Highway. (6.21.17) PC: Asa Ellison

High tide along Honoapiʻilani Highway. (6.21.17) PC: Asa Ellison

High tide along Honoapiʻilani Highway. (6.21.17) PC: Asa Ellison

High tide along Honoapiʻilani Highway. (6.21.17) PC: Asa Ellison

High tide along Honoapiʻilani Highway. (6.21.17) PC: Asa Ellison

High tide along Honoapiʻilani Highway. (6.21.17) PC: Asa Ellison

High tide along Honoapiʻilani Highway. (6.21.17) PC: Asa Ellison

High tide along Honoapiʻilani Highway. (6.21.17) PC: Asa Ellison

High tide along Honoapiʻilani Highway. (6.21.17) PC: Asa Ellison

High tide along Honoapiʻilani Highway. (6.21.17) PC: Asa Ellison