THE UNDERWATER WORLD OF HAWAII

Many argue that the beauty of Hawaii is unsurpassed by any other location on Earth. And what continues to draw millions of visitors a year is often below sea level. Humpback whales, bottlenose dolphins, stingrays, sea lions, manta rays, colorful reef fish and giant sea turtles – these are just a few of the amazing and diverse sea creatures that frequent the Pacific coastlines of the eight major Hawaiian Islands. Snorkeling, scuba diving and snuba, a combination of the two, are popular activities that allow us above-ground inhabitants to peer into the ornate and complex environment that these life forms call home.

Whale Watching

The humpback whale is an extremely fascinating mammal. Their surface maneuvers, such as breaching and tail-slapping, invoke awe and wonder in spectators. Whale watching season, from December through May, draws thousands of hopefuls to the Hawaiian coastlines where whales tend to frequent, including Makapuu Lighthouse on Oahu and Lahaina on Maui. As much as 60 percent of the North Pacific humpback whale population migrates to Hawaiian waters to spend winter in the warm waters and commence with mating and birthing rituals. Whale calves can weigh 3,000 pounds (1,360 kg) or more!

Sea Turtles

The graceful sea turtle swims to the surface in intervals to take short breaths, then heads back down to explore. If you’re lucky enough to catch sight of these large and enlightening creatures, you may feel a sense of wisdom in their presence, maybe because the green sea turtle can live as many as 80 years and weigh in excess of 300 lbs (136 kg)! Four species of sea turtle are found in Hawaiian waters: the green sea turtle, the hawksbill, the leatherback and the olive ridley. The honu, or green sea turtle, is perhaps the most common; however, the honu population is much less than what it used to be due to mass hunting prior to the Federal Endangered Species Act of 1973, illegal poaching, coastal development, pollution, marine debris and incidental catch in fishing nets. Punishment for hunting or harassing sea turtles can include fines of up to $100,000! Currently, a recovery team is underway to encourage sea turtle population growth around Hawaii.

Dolphins

These fascinating mammals are intriguing, graceful and fun to watch. They rely on several forms of communication, including whistling and body language and use echolocation (sonar) to find food. As many as 15 species of dolphin, including bottlenose and spinner dolphins, can be found in Hawaiian waters. If you come across dolphins while swimming in the ocean, the keyword to remember is respect:

• Do not attempt to touch wild dolphins – it is illegal! There are several programs in the islands that work with domesticated dolphins that may allow you to make contact.
• Do not make aggressive, sudden or jerky movements.
• Swim parallel with the dolphins.
• Remember you are in their home. Allow the dolphins to make any “first moves” toward interaction.

Monk Seals

There are three species of monk seals on Earth – the Caribbean, the Mediterranean and the Hawaiian monk seal, also known as monachus schauinslandi. It is considered endemic to the Hawaiian Islands, meaning that this monk seal species exists nowhere else in the world.

The Hawaiian monk seal is protected by the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Currently, Hawaii’s monk seal population is estimated to be around 1,500. Because it is an endangered species, it is illegal to harass, capture or kill monk seals in Hawaii.

The Hawaiian monk seal breeds mainly in the uninhabited Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, which are located to the northeast of the island of Kauai, the northernmost of the seven populated Main Hawaiian Islands. Sometimes, monk seals can be seen resting on beaches of the Main Hawaiian Islands, particularly on Kauai and Oahu. However, monk seals don’t stay there very long as they prefer to live in solitude.

Adult monk seals are about seven feet (2.13 m) in length and weigh about 400 to 500 pounds (181 to 226 kg). Females are often times larger than males. They feed on octopuses, eels, lobsters and reef fish. Hawaiian monk seals can dive up to 600 feet (182 m) deep and can stay underwater for up to 20 minutes.

The Humuhumunukunukuapuaa

The humu…what? To pronounce the state fish of Hawaii, break it up into six parts: humu humu nuku nuku apua a. Hawaiian for “triggerfish with a pig-like snout,” the “humu” is a brightly-colored, indigenous fish that populates the waters around all islands.

Malama I Ke Kai

Malama i ke kai means to “care for or protect the ocean,” an integral Hawaiian value that dates back over centuries. The Hawaiian chant of creation, the kumulipo, explains that all life began in the sea – that humanity is tied to all living things, especially marine life. The Hawaiian archipelago is not described as islands in a sea, but rather, a sea of islands, thereby acknowledging the ocean as being equally important with the aina, or land. The ancient Hawaiians shared an intimate knowledge of the sea and showed ultimate respect to its inhabitants. The unique ecosystem of Hawaii has existed in isolation for years and relies on continuous conservation for survival. Visitors to Hawaii can “malama i ke kai” in several ways:

• Learn about Hawaii’s delicate ecosystem before visiting.
• Respect all warning signs near the ocean.
• Help keep Hawaiian beaches clear of litter and debris.
• Pick up anything you brought with you, and if you spot rubbish, take a minute to help it into a trash can.
• Report any knowledge of poaching or dumping.
• Do not desecrate important cultural sites, rock formations, or coral reef.
• Don’t feed or harm marine life.
• Leave coral, sand and rocks in their place.

Diving and Snorkeling

The topographical layout of the Hawaiian coasts presents an underwater world that draws divers from around the world. The volcanic activity that formed the Hawaiian Islands continues to expand the island layout with the help of the active volcano Kilauea on the Big Island, constantly adding to the long lava tubes, ornate arches and coral gardens on the sea floor. Accessing these underwater cities also allows divers to see rare and unique indigenous aquatic species found only in Hawaii.

The Coral Reef

The ubiquitous coral reef ecosystem that surrounds the Hawaiian coastlines is a complex structure that supports countless life forms and nourishes Hawaii’s interdependent marine community. From filtering water and providing nourishment to protecting the shores from sediment and storms, the coral reef is the lifeblood of the symbiotic underwater community. Divers will find literally thousands of life forms present in the coral reef, including hard and soft corals, colorful fish of all sizes, octopus, eels, algae, sea anemones, sponges, crustaceans, worms, turtles and many others. Although the massive coral reef is in constant expansion, it also faces difficult challenges, such as pollution, damage from chemicals and other wastes, damage from human destruction, disease and bleaching. Coral reef branches are incredibly delicate and can be destroyed with even minor contact.

While we have the privilege of viewing the amazing marine communities, we must recognize that we are guests and practice respect. The general rule is look but don’t touch!

Protect Hawaii’s Ocean Ecosystem

• Do not step on the coral with feet or fins.
• Do not grab onto coral for balance or out of curiosity.
• Even the slightest touch can kill a coral colony.
• Do not attempt to touch or hold any kind of marine life.
• Support reef friendly businesses.
• Use fewer chemicals in your home – even chemical use thousands of miles away from the islands can end up in the Pacific Ocean.
• Wear floatation devices while snorkeling to help keep you off the reef.
• When diving, use a mooring buoy or sand anchor to keep you away from reef formations.
• Support organizations that protect coral reefs.
• Don’t use chemically enhanced pesticides and fertilizers.
• Educate yourself on the importance of the reef and share your knowledge.
• Buy only sustainably harvested reef fish.
• Recycle
• Conserve water
• Report dumping or illegal fishing.

Watch Out!

Some sea creatures can be dangerous. Watch out for the following critters:

Jellyfish – These clear, tentacled creatures illicit an irritating sting. The box jellyfish is commonly found near shore, but they are predictable creatures. Signs will usually be posted in areas with heavy jellyfish invasion.



Portuguese Man-of-War – similar to the jellyfish but larger, these creatures can cause a painful sting. Their translucent, floating bodies may be tinted with pink, blue, or violet.




Sharks – Swimming during cloudy conditions or in low light is discouraged – this is when sharks typically feed. Swim in groups, don’t wear bright colors, and stay away from areas where fish are jumping.




Moray Eel – These eels have thick, smooth skin and sharp teeth and can attack humans. They like to hang out in rocky crevices and tidepool ledges.





Sea Urchin – These spiny, roundish creatures, called wana in Hawaiian, can be found lounging on reef surfaces and can deliver a sharp spine into skin, causing pain and possibly a blue or purple mark.



Hawaii’s underwater world is truly unique and beautiful, and with help from all who visit these Pacific communities, our ocean ecosystem will continue to thrive and grow for generations to come. Wherever you are exploring along the Hawaiian shores, remember the cardinal rule of ocean respect: look but don’t touch.