Marine Life Guide

Approximately 680 species of fish are known to exist in the Hawaiian Island chain. We have moray eels in many unusual colors. Sea turtles are a common sight, as are octopuses, crabs, sea urchins and at last count, eight kinds of lobster. White Tip reef sharks are also often seen, but harmless if left undisturbed. Green sea turtles, large pelagic's, manta rays and even Humpback Whales are also sealife which makes Hawaii their home.

Monk Seals

There are less than 1500 Hawaiian monk seals left, and due to the human encroachment and limited habitation, their numbers are decreasing.

That fact makes diving with these beautiful creatures that much more special. Here on Kauai we have more opportunities to enjoy the monk seals playful company, due to Kauai being closer to what's left of their habitat.

They still can be seen lounging on Kauai's beaches, soaking up the rays! If you ever come across one on the beach, they often look dead because they are so still. However, they are certainly not and they need the rest - don't approach seals on the beach, for if disturbed, they will enter the water still weak and will be vulnerable to shark attacks.

We do see one Monk Seal on a routine basis - her name is Mindy. She was born on the North Shore and has continued to live here since. How do we know its her? We'll, she has a tell-tale scar over her right flipper - probably an attack from a shark.

Although large and bulky on land, monk seals become the epitome of grace in the water. Their sleek design and natural curiosity make us a spellbound audience.

The last time we saw a monk seal was at Camp One - there it was right under the archway! Everyone sank to their knees and just watched in wonder as it played a mere 10' above the divers!

Encounters with monk seals are rare and rewarding experiences. We hope that by thinking of the monk seals demise you will endeavor to keep our ocean pollution free and respect all marine life.

Honu or Green Sea Turtles

These magnificent creatures are protected by Federal law with a $10,000 fine if you touch, tease or harass the turtles. The turtles are becoming a success story in the Islands, and are making a comeback with more and more being seen.

Graceful, slow, curious and often playful, turtles are seen on almost every dive in Kauai. Their size varies in range from Hubcap size babies to 300lb giants!

They are usually seen resting on the bottom or surfacing for air, but sometimes you may even see their tail end sticking out of a cave while they sleep!

Mano or Shark

Turtles main predator (next to man) are mainly Tiger sharks - silent testimonials to that fact are large scrapes in their shells and the sometimes missing flipper. White Tip reef sharks are occasionally spotted at several of our dive sites. Of all the shark family members, white tip reef sharks are considered to be a non-agressive species.

Hawaiian Reef Fish

Of the 680 species of fishes known from the Hawaiian Islands; about 420 of those species are designated as reef and inshore fishes. A surprising 24% are endemic to Hawaii (i.e. found nowhere else in the world)!

Shown below are many of the most common reef fishes that you are likely to encounter when scuba diving with Dive Kauai Scuba Center, including our state fish, the humuhumu nukunuku apua'a.
 
 
 
 
 

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