She was an eye-catcher, sunning herself Thursday on Kaimana Beach in Waikiki.

The female Hawaiian monk seal that came ashore at 12:20 p.m. near the lifeguard stand is no stranger to David Schofield, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration marine mammal response specialist.

She's known by her flipper tag number: "H59."

Schofield shared some interesting information about H59.

She's 6 years old, was born on Kaua'i and gave birth last year at Larsen's Beach on the Garden Island's north shore. Schofield said since 2003, "H59" has spent most of her time in waters between Kalaeloa and Hanauma Bay, though her favorite resting site appears to be Rabbit Island.

"It's abnormal for her to be in Waikiki but the lifeguards had a theory that because the waters are protected, she might have come because of the food source in the area," Schofield said.

Schofield posted signs alerting the public that Hawaiian monk seals are endangered and advised onlookers not to disturb H59.

Reach Rod Ohira at rohira@honoluluadvertiser.com.