A tourist threw a rock at a Hawaiian monk seal. Now he’s facing federal charges.

MAUI – Many Hawaii visitors may never see a Hawaiian monk seal up close. There are only about 1,600 left in the world.

So when one shows up on a beach or in shallow water, it’s a moment people remember for years.

Last week in Lahaina, a different kind of moment was caught on camera. A visitor from Washington picked up a rock the size of a softball and threw it at one.

The video went viral. This week, federal agents arrested him.

If you’re planning a Hawaii trip, nothing about your booking changes because of this case.

No new closures, no new permits, no travel disruptions.

But the story is worth your attention anyway, because the rules behind that arrest apply to every single person who steps onto a Hawaiian beach.

What happened in Lahaina?

According to a DLNR press release issued May 6, the incident happened in shallow water off Lahaina on the afternoon of May 5.

Bystanders recorded a man throwing a large rock at an endangered Hawaiian monk seal known as Lani.

The seal was reportedly motionless for a long stretch afterward.

The video spread fast. NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement opened a federal investigation, and Hawaii DOCARE officers tracked down the visitor before he left the islands.

On May 13, federal agents arrested Igor Mykhaylovych Lytvynchuk, 38, of Covington, Washington, near Seattle.

He was charged with violating the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act.

His first court appearance was scheduled today, for May 14, in Seattle federal court, according to Hawaii News Now.

Federal prosecutors allege Lytvynchuk told bystanders he was “rich enough to pay the fines” before walking away.

That’s an allegation in the criminal complaint, not a proven statement, but it’s part of why this case is getting so much attention.

What this means for your Hawaii trip

Honestly? Nothing about your trip changes.

There are no new beach closures, no new permits, no shoreline access changes for Lahaina or anywhere else.

If you have a Maui trip booked, go.

But here’s the bigger point.

DLNR flagged a separate set of incidents the same week, including people breaching the seal resting area at Kaimana Beach on Oahu, where a monk seal mom and pup are currently being protected.

This isn’t one bad actor.

It’s a pattern of tourists getting too close, and the agencies are paying attention.

If you’re heading to West Maui, our guide to visiting Lahaina in 2026 covers what’s open, what’s still healing, and how to visit with care.

Hawaiian monk seal viewing rules every visitor should know

This is the part worth saving. The rules aren’t complicated, and most visitors follow them naturally once they know.

How close is too close?

NOAA’s federal viewing guidelines are straightforward:

If a seal changes its behavior because of you, you’re already too close. Back up.

What counts as harassment?

Under federal law, harassment isn’t only throwing things or touching.

It includes anything that disturbs or could disturb a seal’s natural behavior.

That covers approaching for a selfie, flash photography at close range, blocking the seal’s path back to the ocean, letting a dog run near one, or crowding around to watch.

You don’t have to mean harm. You just have to cause disturbance.

What are the penalties?

Under the Endangered Species Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act, harassing a Hawaiian monk seal can bring up to one year in federal prison and fines up to $70,000.

Civil penalties can stack on top of that.

For broader wildlife awareness on your trip, our piece on dangerous animals in Hawaii covers what to know about the ocean and shoreline before you go.

What should you do if you see a monk seal?

If you’re lucky enough to see one, here’s the simple version:

1. Stop where you are. Don’t keep walking toward it.
2. Back up to at least 50 feet (150 if there’s a pup).
3. Quietly let others nearby know so they don’t accidentally get too close.
4. Take photos from a distance. A zoom lens or just cropping in works fine.
5. Report harassment to NOAA’s marine wildlife hotline: 888-256-9840. On Oahu, you can also call Hawaii Marine Animal Response at 888-256-9840.

In Hawaiian culture, certain places, animals, and practices are considered kapu — set apart, protected, treated with care.

If you want to understand that idea more deeply before your trip, our explainer on what kapu means is a good place to start.

The monk seal isn’t formally kapu, but the spirit of the idea fits.

These animals belong to a place that has welcomed others in. Treating them with respect is part of being a good guest.

Most visitors do this right. If you’re reading this, you’re already one of them.

And if you’re still figuring out when to come, our guide to visiting Hawaii in May has the rest of what you need.

The seal in Lahaina is reportedly recovering. The case in Seattle is just getting started.

FAQs

1. What happened with the Hawaiian monk seal in Lahaina?

On May 5, 2026, a visitor was caught on video throwing a large rock at an endangered Hawaiian monk seal named Lani in shallow water off Lahaina, Maui. The video went viral, and on May 13, federal agents arrested 38-year-old Igor Mykhaylovych Lytvynchuk near Seattle. He’s been charged under the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act.

2. How close can you get to a Hawaiian monk seal?

Federal guidelines say stay at least 50 feet away from a monk seal on land or in the water. If the seal is a mom with a pup, the distance jumps to 150 feet. If your presence changes the seal’s behavior at all, you’re already too close — back up.

3. What are the penalties for harassing a Hawaiian monk seal?

Harassing a Hawaiian monk seal is a federal crime. Penalties can reach up to one year in prison and fines up to $70,000 under the Endangered Species Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act. Civil penalties can stack on top of that.

4. What should you do if you see a Hawaiian monk seal on the beach?

Stop where you are, back up to at least 50 feet, and quietly let others nearby know so they don’t accidentally get too close. Take photos from a distance — a zoom or phone crop works fine. If you see anyone harassing a seal, report it to NOAA’s marine wildlife hotline at 888-256-9840.

5. Does this incident affect my Hawaii trip?

No. There are no closures, permit changes, or travel disruptions tied to this case. Lahaina and the rest of Maui are open. The story matters because it’s a reminder that monk seal protection rules are federal law and enforcement is real — but nothing about your booking or planning needs to change.