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“Kaloko-Honokōhau had calm seas and shallow landings which made it ideal for the Hawaiian canoes, which were important for transportation, recreation, and fishing. Fish and other marine life were plentiful along the shoreline and offshore waters, with ōpelu, ‘aku, and ‘ahi in the offshore deeps and migrating akule in the shallows providing more than ample catches for the population” - The Spirit of Kaloko-Honokōhau, 1974. 
NPS Photo Perhaps one of the most attractive organisms to see on coral reefs are its fish. Fish in Kaloko-Honokōhau exhibit an incredible diversity of shapes, colors, and behaviors, and the warm, clear waters of the park allow visitors to enjoy their presence on the reef. Hawai‘i is one of the most wonderful places to witness reef fish, not only because of their abundance, but because about ¼ of all fish species found in Hawai‘i are endemic, meaning they don’t exist anywhere else. 
NPS Photo The endemic multiband butterflyfish (Chaetodon miliaris) is one of the most abundant butterflyfish species in Hawai‘i, and is commonly seen in the park. They feed on small coral polyps, but only take a few bites from each coral colony at a time, making sure that they will not significantly harm their own food source. The Hawaiian name for this species is kīkākapu, meaning "strongly prohibited." 
NPS Photo The Hawaiian cleaner wrasse (Labroides phthirophagus) have notoriously bright yellow, blue, and magenta colors. Almost always found in pairs, these fish are likely to stay in the same place and can be visited repeatedly. They spend their days in cleaning stations eating mucus from larger “customer” fish that appreciate getting cleaned. As they feed, they are also removing small parasites from the customer fish, making a unique contribution to the overall health of the reef. 
NPS Photo The Hawaiian dascyllus (Dascyllus albisella) is also an endemic species, famous for being territorial, sometimes defending their nesting territory for years. They fiercely chase away any fish that get too close to them, even if the other one is twice as big! They mostly feed on floating algae so that they don’t have to swim far from their established territory. The Hawaiian name, ‘ālo‘ilo‘i, means “bright and sparkling” 
NPS Photo Importance of FishReef fish play a critical role in maintaining the health and balance of coral reef ecosystems. These vibrant communities of fish contribute to reef resilience by feeding on algae (limu) and controlling its growth which can otherwise overwhelm and smother corals. Algae grow significantly faster than corals and without fish, algae would most likely outcompete corals for light, nutrients, and space, and it would dominate the sea floor. Luckily, there is a large variety of fish that live in the park’s reefs that are herbivores, constantly controlling algal growth which help corals grow and thrive. Different species of fish will preferably eat different kinds of algae, which is why it is crucial to maintain a high diversity of fish. For instance, most surgeonfish will feed on the fast-growing turf algae that compete with corals for space on the reef, while parrotfish, with their strong fused teeth, feed on harder, calcifying algae that compete with corals for nutrients and sunlight. Butterflyfish use their small bodies and long snouts to eat small invertebrates and coral polyps, and to probe into crevices that are inaccessible to most other fish. Preserving the diversity of fish is essential to maintaining the balance of coral reef ecosystems. Early Hawaiians accurately observed the importance of these fish on coral reefs. Certain species of butterflyfish were called kīkākapu, meaning “strongly prohibited,” indicating that these fish should never be taken from the reef, and several chants describe them as “sacred.” Today, scientists recognize some of these species as “indicator species” as they are extremely helpful in assessing the long-term health of coral reefs. The absence of these fish in coral reefs often indicates significant declines in the overall health of the ecosystem. Fishing RegulationsThere are several fishing regulations in the state of Hawai‘i to help support sustainable fishing practices and protect fish diversity on reefs. These regulations change depending on the season, and continued studies that monitor species populations. Visit our Superintendent's Compendium to learn more about fishing rules and regulations in Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park. 
NPS Photo SharksThe park’s coral reefs are also home to several sharks (mano). The most common species seen in the park are tiger sharks. As apex predators, tiger sharks play a crucial role in maintaining the health and balance of marine ecosystems. They help regulate the populations of other marine species, ensuring that certain species do not become too dominant. Despite their often-misunderstood reputation, tiger sharks are valuable contributors to the marine environment. Their presence in the park’s waters is a positive indicator of the health of our reefs. Sharks are also important in Hawaiian culture. Certain individual sharks were believed to be ‘aumākua, or family guardians, that offered protection and guidance to their descendants. These spiritual protectors were often associated with specific families and considered sacred. Unfortunately, sharks often confuse trash with food, leading to serious health issues and even death. Marine debris, such as plastic bags and fishing gear, can be particularly problematic as it can cause internal injuries when ingested. By maintaining a clean marine environment, we can help vulnerable populations like this one thrive in our reefs. We encourage visitors to eliminate single-use plastics such as water bottles, utensils, plastic bags, and straws. Bring a reusable water bottle for your next visit to the park! |
Last updated: April 15, 2025