About 66 million years ago, Earth experienced a mass extinction that wiped out nearly 75% of the world’s known species. Many of these prehistoric animals found a way to survive, evolve, and live among us today. Learn about these modern animals with ancient pasts.

Hawaii’s pelagic world is as beautiful as it is dangerous, but for the false killer whale, it’s a place called home. The false killer whale is considered to be the most socially advanced whale species in Hawaii and is a resident of the islands.

Whale, whale, whale… so you think you’re an aficionado of the mightest Hawaiian marine mammal? Let’s put your knowledge to the test to see if you can separate fact from fluke about the Megaptera novaeangli!

The Hawaiian monk seal is endemic to the 1,500-mile Hawaiian Archipelago and is one of the most endangered animals in the world with an estimated population of 1,400 seals.

Beneath the ocean’s surface, the colorful Christmas tree worm sways with the gentle pulse of the ocean’s current. Although the Christmas tree worm does not adorn stringed lights or ornaments, it possesses an organic beauty that adds festive colors to the coral reef’s community of inhabitants.

War is about to break out on the reef. Squadrons of fish circle overhead like fighter planes poised to strike. One by one, the attackers commence their dive on a vulnerable nest of eggs. Reacting with lightning speed, a Hawaiian sergeant fish intercepts the predators and engages in a “dogfight” to defend its nest, repelling barrages of attacks until forcing a retreat. While some causalities are sustained, the nest remains intact.

In the early morning of September 6th, 2017, a female grey reef shark gave birth to three healthy shark pups in Maui Ocean Center’s Open Ocean exhibit. The pups were recently cleared from their quarantine period and are now on exhibit in the Nursery Bay.

With sunny weather, sandy beaches, and protected waters, it’s no surprise that our island lifestyle often revolves around the sea. Sunscreen use is significant when you consider millions of visitors and residents enjoy the beach throughout the year. While sunscreen is effective at protecting us from harmful UV rays, the unfortunate reality is it poses a substantial threat to our coral reef ecosystems.

While green sea turtles have captured the hearts of millions in Hawaii, the hawksbill tells a more somber tale. It was not long ago that both species were on the brink of collapse before receiving federal and state-level protection as an endangered species in 1978.