What Animals Can You See While Snorkeling in Kauai?
Given its extreme isolation, Hawaii has a high number of endemic ocean species, meaning species that are found only in Hawaii and nowhere else. With its warm, tropical waters and extensive coral reef ecosystems, snorkeling can be done from some of the best beaches on Kauai to see a diverse array of ocean life. Commonly seen animals range from the iconic honu (green sea turtle) to Hawaii’s state fish, the humuhumunukunukuapua‘a. Read on to learn more about which animals you can see while snorkeling in Kauai!
Common Kauai Reef Fish
Yellow Tang lau‘ipala
Yellow tangs are one of the easiest fish to spot on the reef and stand out with their vibrant yellow color. Like green sea turtles, yellow tangs are herbivores and spend their time picking algae off rocks and the reef. Though found in other parts of the Pacific, they are exceptionally numerous in Hawaii and often form schooling groups. Yellow tangs tend to be found in shallow reef areas – particularly in dense stands of finger coral. They are active during day and hide at night.
Wedgetail Triggerfish humuhumunukunukuapua`a
When snorkeling on Kauai, keep an eye out for the wedgetail triggerfish. Not only does this fish stand out for its bold geometric patterns, but it is also the official state fish of Hawai’i. The fish’s Hawaiian name translates to “triggerfish with a snout like a pig” and refers to the “snorting” noise that it makes when it is agitated or pulled out of the water. Though smaller in size than their larger cousins, wedgetail triggerfish are known to aggressively defend their territory, especially when guarding their eggs.
Parrotfish uhu
Parrotfish are a staple on coral reef ecosystems across the world. They use their strong parrotlike beaks to scrape algae off rocks and coral. This helps maintain a healthy balance of algae on the reef. In the process, however, parrotfish ingest bits of coral that they cannot digest. These bits are broken down and then pass out of the fish as a fine, powderlike sand. In fact, you can thank parrotfish for contributing to Kauai’s white sandy beaches. Male parrotfish are recognizable by their bright colors, whereas females are often more dull.
Hawaiian Cleaner Wrasse
Though small, the Hawaiian cleaner wrasse stands out on the reef with its bold, bright coloring. As its name implies, this fish cleans parasites and pests from other individuals on the reef. Hawaiian cleaner wrasse establish territories, or “cleaning stations”, where other fish and even sea turtles will stop by for a cleaning. The fish is also special as it is endemic to Hawaii and found nowhere else except living on the reefs around Kauai and the other Hawaiian islands.
Saddle Wrasse hinalea lauwili
The saddle wrasse is endemic to Hawaii and is one of 43 wrasse species that can be found in Hawaiian waters. Named for its bright red “saddle” just behind its pectoral fins, the saddle wrasse spends its days hunting invertebrates (like worms, urchins, and crustaceans). At night, saddle wrasses will bury themselves in the sand or hide in protected reef crevices. Similar to the Hawaiian cleaner wrasse, Small or juvenile saddle wrasses will sometimes establish cleaning stations on the reef.
Butterflyfish
Butterflyfish are defined by their small bodies and yellow and black coloring. Twenty-five butterfly fish species make their home on Hawaii reefs. While similar, different butterflyfish species can be identified by their distinct patterns. Raccoon butterflyfish, for example, have a distinct black “mask” across their eyes and form larger schooling groups. Others, like the ornate butterflyfish, mate for life and can be seen swimming in pairs.
Moorish Idols kihikihi
Often mistaken for angel fish, Moorish Idols form a distinct family fish separate from other reef fish. They are often solitary and their primary source of food are sponges. The bright yellow, white, and black patterning of the Moorish Idol may be a way to warn potential predators that they would get a mouthful of glass instead of a tasty meal.
Other Animals to Look For
Red Pencil Urchin ha‘uku‘uku‘ula‘ul
With its thick, red spines, the red pencil urchin is easy to spot on Kauai reefs. Like other herbivores on the reef, the red pencil urchin plays an important role in keeping algae levels in check. Using their small mouths with five razor sharp teeth, they spend their time scraping algae off corals. The blunt spines often wash up on the beach and were used as both adornments as well as to write. Unlike their black banded urchin cousins (known locally as wana), the red pencil urchin’s spines are not poisonous and cannot puncture the skin. You should not, however, handle live urchins. The oils from our hands can break down the protective tissue that encases each spine. On Kauai, these urchins are exceptionally numerous on certain reefs, such as reefs around Koloa Landing.
Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles honu
Locally known by its Hawaiian name “honu”, green sea turtles are one of the most iconic animals you can see on Kauai reefs. Though once hunted to near extinction, years of protections have revived Hawaii’s sea turtle population. Today green sea turtles are commonly encountered by snorkelers. Green sea turtles can often be found in shallow areas of the reef eating algae off the rocks or resting under ledges. As reptiles, turtles can hold their breaths for up to three hours. They must, however, come to the surface to breathe. Keep in mind that while green sea turtles are docile, they are a federally protected species. Never hover above a resting sea turtle and be sure to give them space in the water. It is against the law to touch or harass a green sea turtle, with offenders facing potential fines of up to $10,000.
Day Octopus he‘e
The Day Octopus is one of the most common octopus species in Hawaii. As its common name implies, this octopus is active on the reef during the day. It rests in a sheltered area (or “den”) at night. Octopus are some of the most intelligent species on the reef. They are able to easily blend in with their surroundings, even changing the texture of their skin to better camouflage. Since it is active during the day, snorkelers on Kauai have a good chance of seeing this octopus.
A Summary of the Animals You Can See While Snorkeling in Kauai
| Animal | Where you might see it | Fun Fact |
| Yellow Tang (lau‘ipala) | Feeding on algae in both rocky and reef areas | Yellow tangs may live up to 20-30 years |
| Wedgetail triggerfish (humuhumunukunukuapua‘a) | Very common, can be spotted at most reef systems | State fish of Hawaii, but is not endemic and can be found throughout Pacific Ocean reefs |
| Parrotfish (uhu) | Scraping algae off of shallow rock and reef areas | An important contributor to beach sand in Hawaii, with some parrotfish species pooping up to 150 pounds of sand each year. |
| Hawaiian Cleaner Wrasse* (hinalea) | Established territories on the reef where they set up “cleaning stations” | Found only in Hawaii and known for cleaning mucus and parasites off larger fish and reef animals. |
| Saddle Wrasse* (hinalea lauwili) | In all areas of the reef, hunting invertebrates during the day | The saddle wrasse is protogynous, meaning they start life as females and transition to males as they mature. |
| Butterfly Fish | Throughout the reef, particularly areas with high coral cover | Some coral-eating species of butterfly fish will form mated pairs for life |
| Moorish Idol (kihikihi) | Widely distributed throughout the reef area feeding on sponges and algae | An extremely unique fish, the moorish idol is the only member of the Family Zanclidae from the Greek “zanclon” that refers to the sickle-shape of its dorsal fin. |
| Red Pencil Urchin (ha‘uku‘uku‘ula‘ula) | Shallow and deep reef areas feeding on algae | Their blunt spines could be used as a substitute for chalk on slate blackboards, hence their alternative name slate pencil urchin |
| Green sea turtle (honu) | Cruising shallow areas and often scraping algae off rocks or coral; resting on the sandy bottom or under coral outcroppings. | Green sea turtles can hold their breath for up to 3 hours |
| Day Octopus (he‘e) | Hiding under ledges and reef crevices while it searches for food during the day | He’e (hey eh) is the Hawaiian word for octopus and means “slippery” |
*Endemic species found only in Hawaii
With numerous snorkeling spots and a diverse array of color fish species, Kauai is a unique and special place for snorkeling. Many reef species are truly abundant throughout Kauai reef systems. Turtles, butterfly fish, yellow tangs, and even sea urchins are commonly spotted amongst the coral. Prepare for success by renting quality snorkeling gear including mask cleaner for the best visibility. It’s important to remember that coral reefs are extremely fragile ecosystems. Keep yourself and the reef safe by keeping your fins up, snorkeling with a buddy, and taking only pictures. Click here for more snorkeling safety tips.
