Marine Life & Ocean Protection

Understanding Oahu's Marine Life

Knowing your underwater neighbors makes every snorkeling experience richer. Here are the residents you're most likely to encounter in Oahu's waters:

Honu (Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle)

The beloved ancient souls of our reefs. These protected creatures often graze on seaweed in shallow areas or rest on North Shore beaches. Always maintain at least 15 feet distance and never block their path to air or deeper water.

Humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa (Reef Triggerfish)

Hawaii's colorful state fish, easily recognized by its pig-like snout and vibrant patterns. They can be territorial when nesting, so give them space if one seems aggressive.

Schools of Tropical Fish

Yellow tangs travel in brilliant schools that sometimes help clean turtle shells. Butterflyfish varieties include the longnose butterflyfish with its extended snout and raccoon butterflyfish with distinctive facial markings.

Parrotfish (Uhu)

These large, colorful fish play crucial roles in reef health. You'll often hear them crunching as they scrape algae off coral with their beak-like mouths.

Masters of Disguise

Trumpetfish change color to blend in while hunting, and octopuses (he'e) are ultimate camouflage artists. A moving piece of reef might actually be an octopus changing texture and color.

Offshore Encounters

Deeper waters accessible by boat tours offer encounters with spinner dolphins, manta rays, and other larger marine life rarely seen from shore.