Taking a boat tour and snorkeling through Hawaii’s coral reefs is a stunning and exciting experience. With some of the world’s most pristine waters, colorful coral, and an abundance of sea creatures, there are few better ways to experience Hawaii. There are endless incredible fish to see on your snorkeling adventure, and the team from Dolphin Excursions Hawaii have shared some facts about three you may see on your excursion.

3 Fish You Can See While Snorkeling in Hawaii’s Reefs

1. Humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa — Trigger Fish

Commonly called the Hawaiian Trigger fish, the Humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa is the state fish of Hawaii and a widely used symbol of the islands.  These fish are often seen on their own as they aren’t fans of crowds and are a bit aggressive. This species of trigger fish has a unique adaptation to reef life with a second spine they can make rigid. When hiding in a small reef crevice, they activate their second spine to make it more difficult for predators to pull them out.

2. Kikakapu — Ornate Butterfly

The Ornate Butterfly fish is a coral-loving species that is truly stunning to see in person. They can be easily identified by their six diagonal orange and green stripes and contrasting yellow and black face. The Kikakapu has an affinity for eating polyps from Pocillopora meandrina coral which grows in the shallow reefs often in excellent conditions for snorkeling.

3. Hinalea Lauwili — Saddle Wrasse

This colorful fish boasts a red “saddle” just behind its pectoral fins and is the most common reef fish around Hawaii. But their abundance doesn’t take away from how fascinating they are. The Hinalea Lauwili can change sexes and adorns different colors and patterns throughout their lives. These fish are curious and will often look for feeding opportunities when they hear a disturbance in the water, so don’t be surprised to see a few following you while snorkeling.  

If you are looking for a unique activity on the west coast of Oahu, HI, join the team from Dolphin Excursions Hawaii for a snorkeling or dolphin watching tour. Their team of guides has advanced knowledge of marine life and the waters around the area to provide an incredible experience for vacationers and locals alike. Call them at (808) 239-5579 or visit them online to set up your excursion.