There was real excitement at Makaha Surfing Beach the day the Hawaiian monk seal came ashore. They seem to position themselves just where the water meets the dry sand. They remain motionless for hours at a time, and then all of a sudden they humpity-hump back into the ocean and swim on. Soon the Marine Conservation patrol arrived to place their barricades to make sure no one came within 100 feet of our esteemed guest. During the winter months, whales are a common sight offshore.
Dolphins cavort in the bay during all seasons.
Sea turtles also enjoy Makaha's waters, and they can often be seen from the lanai or the beach as they poke their noses out for a breath of air. Underwater, it's a veritable aquarium with scores of different species of tropical fish, shy moray eels, elusive lobster and the like swimming along the edge of the reef. Commercial dive boats anchor near the arches, and divers enjoy the area, which is teeming with life. Thrifty divers and snorkelers can enjoy the same spot by making a shore dive, entering the water near the lifeguard's stand. The reef is a short swim from the shore.