The Big Island offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness a diverse and vibrant array of marine life. With its crystal-clear waters, rich coral reefs, and unique geographical position in the Pacific Ocean, Hawaii is a haven for marine biodiversity. From the majestic humpback whales that migrate to its warm waters, to the graceful sea turtles that glide along the coast, and the kaleidoscope of colorful fish that inhabit its coral gardens, Hawaii’s marine ecosystems are a captivating spectacle. Click below to dive in deeper and learn about some of the marine life you may encounter on a Body Glove cruise!
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Hawaiian Name: Koholā
Length: 40 – 45ft
Weight: 40 – 45 tons
Conservation Status: Protected
Description:
Every winter, over 10,000 Humpback Whales migrate to the islands of Hawai’i for their breeding season. They come to the warm waters of Hawai’i to breed and give birth. During the summer months, the Humpbacks will spend their time feeding in the cold, nutrient-rich waters off the coast of the Pacific Rim in places such as Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, and British Columbia. There, the whales feed on at least 1 ton of food each day in the form of small schooling fish and krill. When the whales migrate to their breeding grounds, they stop eating and will lose up to 1/3 of their body weight each migration. If you would like to experience these migrating whales in Hawai’i where they come to breed and give birth, join us on one of our !
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Scientific Name: Globicephala Macrorhynchus
Length: 10 – 20ft
Weight: 2,200 – 6,600lbs
Conservation Status: Data Deficient (not enough data to determine threat category)
Description:
The population of Short Finned Pilot Whales off the coast of Kona have been growing and are seen on our tours more and more! They often occur in groups of 25 to 50, as they are very social. They will even put themselves at risk if it means sticking together through thick and thin. Pilot Whales have been nicknamed the “cheetahs of the deep sea” for their deep, high-speed, spring dives to chase and capture large squid.
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Hawaiian Name: Nai’a
Length: 4 to 7ft
Weight: 130 – 170lbs
Conservation Status: Protected
Description:
Spinner Dolphins are the most commonly encountered marine mammal on our tours and can be found in Hawaii year-round. These dolphins earned their name from their unique habit of leaping out of the water and spinning. They can leap up to 10ft out of the water and spin as much as 7 times in the air in one leap! This earns them the reputation of being one of the most acrobatic dolphins in the world. During the day, pods of Spinners can often be found resting in shallow, sandy-bottomed bays. At night, the dolphins move offshore into deeper waters to hunt for squid and other fish in deeper waters.
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Hawaiian Name: Nai’a
Length: up to 12ft
Weight: 300 – 1,400lbs
Conservation Status: Protected
Description:
Bottlenose Dolphins tend to travel in groups of 6 and are homebodies… meaning they don’t move between islands or populations. So if you see a Bottlenose in Kona, this is it’s home! We have roughly 150 – 200 documented for the Big Island population. If you happen to snap a photo showing it’s dorsal fin, you can submit this to
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Hawaiian Name: Hāhālua
Length: up to 16ft
Weight: 100lbs per foot of length
Conservation Status: Vulnerable
Description:
Manta rays are known as the gentle giants of the ocean and here on the Kona Coast, you have the opportunity to see them up close and personal. With the largest brain size to body mass of any fish in the sea, these majestic creatures are extremely intelligent. They are actually able to self recognize! Their bellies boast unique spot patterns, similar to how we have unique fingerprints. This is how we identify them – there have been over 300 manta rays identified along the Kona Coast (see all their names and spot patterns here: https://www.bodyglovehawaii.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5913/2023/12/Manta.png?auto=compress%2Cformat& style=”font-weight: 400;”>). Manta rays can be found all over the world, but our population of Manta Alfredi only stay here along our coastline. Pelagic Mantas, however, have the ability to cross oceans.
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Hawaiian Name: Honu
Length: 3 – 4ft
Weight: 200-500lbs
Conservation Status: Threatened
Description:
Our Honu, Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles, are the largest hard shell sea turtle in the world. They are commonly found either hauled out on a beach sunbathing, or grazing on algae throughout coral reefs. Keep your eyes peeled when you are snorkeling! But make sure you stay at least 10ft away from them, per federal regulations. When it is nesting season, they will return to where they hatched to lay their own eggs. What’s unique about turtle nesting is the sex of the turtle is actually influenced by the surrounding temperature. Warmer weather means more females, which means a neutral environment is very important so there are enough male turtles being born for mating and improving the population. Thought to live between 60 and 80 years, the Honu is a symbol of longevity, safety, and mana (spiritual energy) in Hawaiian culture and their presence brings good luck and peace.
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Hawaiian Name: Honu’ea
Length: up to 3ft
Weight: between 100 – 200lbs
Conservation Status: Endangered
Description:
A less commonly seen turtle than the Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle, the Hawksbill Turtle is easily identifiable. Why are they called Hawksbill Turtles? Because their mouth looks like a hawksbill! This is very helpful in picking food out of tight crevices in the coral reefs. They also feed on sponges, anemones, squid, and shrimp. Hawksbill Turtles are also known for their uniquely patterned and distinct shell.
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Hawaiian Name: ‘īlio holo i ka uaua
Length: up to 7.5ft
Weight: 400 – 600lbs
Conservation Status: Endangered
Description:
Our Hawaiian Monk Seals are one of the most endangered marine mammal in the world…with only around 1600 remaining. Fortunately, we have seen that number increasing over the last few years! These seals live a fairly solitary lifestyle, spending time both in the water or hauling out on the beach to rest. They are black in color when they are born, but as they grow up they shed and become more gray on their backs and lighter colored on their stomachs. They get their name from the fold of skin around their neck – resembling that of a monk’s robe hood.
Hawaiian monk seals are endemic to the Hawaiian Islands, meaning they are found nowhere else in the world. In Hawaiian, their name is ‘īlio holo i ka uaua, which means “dog that runs in rough water.”
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Hawaiian Name: ‘āko’ā
Common Species: less than 80 species total
- Mounding Coral
- Rice Coral
- Cauliflower Coral
- Finger Coral
Conservation Status: Threatened or Endangered (depending on species and location)
Description:
Hawai’i is known for its hard, stony corals. These creatures play a vital role in the Hawaiian marine ecosystem, as well as for protection along coastlines. Corals are made up of hundreds of thousands of polyps, which are living creatures that remove dissolved minerals from the water to create a calcium carbonate that creates the stony skeleton. In 2016, Hawai’i experienced a mass bleaching that wiped out 90% of cauliflower coral, along with many other coral heads. Mass bleachings like this can have a domino effect, so it is important to take care of our corals and not cause additional damage – for instance by using mineral based sunscreen, not touching or stepping on coral, or polluting the water. After all, these creatures only cover 0.0025% of the earth, yet account for 50% of our oxygen! Let that sink in…
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Hawaiian Name: I’a
Common Species: over 400
- Humuhumunukunukuapua’a
- Butterfly Fish
- Angel Fish
- Hawaiian Dascyllus
- Yellow Tang
- Parrotfish
- Wrasse
Conservation Status: overall population decreasing
Description:
The fascinating reef fish species contribute to the rich tapestry of Hawaii’s underwater ecosystems, making it a paradise for snorkelers and divers eager to explore the beauty of the Pacific Ocean. Reef fish play a crucial role in the Hawaiian ecosystem, contributing to the health and balance of the marine environment in several ways – including biodiversity, algae control, coral health, sand production, tourism and recreation, cultural significance, research and education, and more. Conservation efforts, sustainable fishing practices, and marine protected areas are critical for safeguarding the diverse and interconnected web of life in the Hawaiian waters.
Exploring Hawaii’s marine life is an awe-inspiring journey that underscores the importance of conservation and reminds us of the incredible beauty that resides within our oceans. By embracing responsible tourism practices and supporting marine protected areas, we can play a crucial role in preserving the remarkable marine biodiversity that Hawaii proudly showcases. Only through collective efforts can we ensure that future generations will continue to be enchanted by the wonders of Hawaii’s marine life.