Snorkeling in Hawaii isn’t just an ocean adventure, it’s a magical memory made by the whole family. Under the clear, calm sea, kids and adults can find a bright underwater world full of colorful fish, friendly sea turtles, and interesting marine creatures.
Whether you are visiting the shallow reefs in Maui or walking through the tide pools on Oahu, the sea life of Hawaii gives you safe and very exciting encounters for your little curious explorers. In this guide that is family-friendly guide, we will show you 15 amazing sea creatures that you can see when snorkeling, every one is a wonder to be seen and sure to make your ocean day brilliant.
Turtle Reef Discovery Tour at Makena Bay
Snorkel Maui’s famous Turtle Reef at Makena Bay, encounter sea turtles, tropical fish, and stunning coral in a fun guided tour.
🕒 Duration: 3 hours | From: $109
✔ Free cancellation: up to 24 hours
1. Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle (Honu)
When you snorkel in the ocean, you can meet the Hawaiian green sea turtle, or honu. They are large, but they are very nice. They swim in the water that is not too deep and in small lakes with no waves, which is why they are found in Maui, Oahu, and the Big Island the most.
You can identify the turtles with their round and green shells and their good-timed behavior; turtles are the best part of a snorkeler’s trip, and this is true for all ages. And don’t forget, the turtles are protected by law, so it is a must to watch them from a distance, which is both respectful and safe for them.
Seeing a honu in the sea is fun, and at the same time, it makes you think about Hawaii’s beautiful but vulnerable ocean ecosystem.
2. Humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa (Reef Triggerfish)
The humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa is not just the official state fish of Hawaii; it’s a whole lot of fun to spot and even more fun to say its name. This one-of-a-kind reef triggerfish sports a variety of bright colors that include blue, yellow, black, and white, and these colors are arranged in an eye-catching series of geometric patterns.
The little humuhumu is seen rushing about the coral reefs of the Hawaiian Islands, showing off its unique swimming style and aggressive behavior. While you’re snorkeling in the shallow waters of the coast, more often than not you will find these fish as they rest on rocks or coral heads, and defending their territory quite vigorously.
Not only their incredible looks and the deep meaning of their culture, but also their presence make them one of the most iconic and easily recognizable marine species in Hawaii’s underwater ecosystem.
3. Spinner Dolphins
The spinner dolphins are mind-blowingly acrobatic, vigorously social, and seriously playful, and so they are one of the most hypnotizing mammals of the sea in Hawaii. Because of their high-speed rotations and flips being above the water’s surface, they are commonly seen near the shore traveling in pods, especially for a time quite early in the morning.
While you are snorkeling, it is quite unlikely that you see them close to the underwater, but their clicking, whistling, and high energy can be sometimes detected in the deep, open-water areas. During daytime, spinner dolphins are usually found resting at shallow bays like Kealakekua Bay on the Big Island or La Perouse Bay in Maui. It is very important to watch these smart beings from a distance, as they are under the protection of the marine mammal regulations.
Seeing a pod of spinner dolphins in the wild is not only a snorkeling highlight in Hawaii but also an extraordinary and beautiful insight into the intelligence and splendor of marine life.
4. Hawaiian Pufferfish
The Hawaiian pufferfish is a fascinating species and is quirky and full of personality. They can often be seen cruising slowly near coral reefs and rocky outcrops. These creatures are known for their ability to inflate into a spiky ball when threatened, and pufferfish use this unique defense mechanism to deter predators, making them one of the most intriguing creatures to observe while snorkeling in Hawaii.
Their slow-moving fish are available in different colors and patterns, and most of the time they blend in with their surroundings until they catch your eye with their large, expressive faces. They are generally shy but can be spotted in shallow reef areas around Maui, Oahu, and the Big Island. Their cute looks and weird behavior make the Hawaiian pufferfish an attraction for underwater photographers and snorkelers who want to see something different below the water.
5. Octopus (He‘e)
Mysterious, intelligent, and masters of disguise, the Hawaiian day octopus, known locally as he‘e, is one of the most captivating marine creatures you might encounter while snorkeling in Hawaii.
These fascinating animals are known for their incredible camouflage abilities—changing color, texture, and even shape to blend seamlessly with coral, rocks, or sand. Most active during the day (unlike many octopus species), the he‘e can occasionally be seen gliding gracefully across the reef or tucked into crevices.
Spotting one in the wild is rare but unforgettable, offering a glimpse into the more elusive side of Hawaii’s underwater ecosystem. If you’re lucky enough to observe a he‘e, stay still and watch closely—its intelligent behavior and fluid movement make it one of the ocean’s true wonders.
6. Reef Sharks
Reef sharks, the graceful and often misunderstood, are Hawaii’s healthy marine ecosystem’s essential part. While snorkeling, the most common species encountered are the whitetip reef shark and blacktip reef shark, and both of them are generally shy and non-aggressive towards humans.
These predators’ agility can sometimes allow them to be seen next to drop-offs, coral ledges, or deeper reef zones, especially at remote snorkeling locations like Molokini Crater (Maui) and Hanauma Bay (Oahu). Despite their dreadful reputation, reef sharks are already taking on a very important role to keep the balance of the reef by controlling fish populations.
To be on the spot with a shark while snorkeling is a thrilling and safe experience, just be sure to stay calm, give them plenty of space, and savor the rare occasion to view one of the ocean’s most iconic creatures in its natural surroundings.
7. Yellow Tang
The yellow tang is a fish of the reef that is bright, cheerful, and easy to recognize. It is one of the common and most eye-catching fish that you will see while snorkeling in Hawaii. The beautiful fish of lemon yellow color stands out from the deep blues and coral textures of the reef. The yellow tangs are usually seen in small groups.
They are elegantly swimming over the shallow reef flats looking for algae to feed on. These herbivorous fish are very necessary for the reef ecosystem to be healthy as they help in the controlling of algae growth. They are found off the Hawaiian Islands in general, and near Hanauma Bay (Oahu) and Kapalua Bay (Maui) in particular are the places where you can usually find them.
They are the most favorite group among beginner snorkelers and underwater photographers. Their splendid look and tranquil behavior make them the real stars of Hawaii’s underwater scene.
8. Hawksbill Turtle
The hawksbill turtle, although rare, beautiful, and critically endangered, is a true jewel in Hawaii’s marine ecosystem. Unlike the green sea turtle (honu), which is more commonly seen, the hawksbills are smaller in size and have a fascinatingly designed shell with overlapping scales of various amber shades.
These turtles, with their pointed, beak-like mouth, primarily consume sponges found in the coral reefs and on the rocky shore. They are seen less frequently, but there are some reports of their presence in secluded bays and protected reef zones, particularly the Big Island and parts of Maui’s southern coast.
Encountering a hawksbill while snorkeling is a rare and unforgettable event, one that wonderfully illustrates the variety and fragility of Hawaiiʻs ocean life. As with every other marine wildlife, you must keep a safe distance and admire them so that the next generations will also have the opportunity to see these turtles.
9. Moorish Idol
The Moorish idol is one of Hawaii’s most photogenic reef fish and a favorite among snorkelers and underwater photographers, due to its elegance and unmistakable features. This fish with its elongated dorsal fin, striking black, white, and yellow stripes, and disc-shaped body, moves through the reef as if it were air, showing its calm and graceful presence.
However, because of its similar appearance to the butterflyfish, people often mistake it, but the Moorish Idol is more solitary, and it is common to see it alone or in pairs near coral heads and rocky ledges. Keeping itself busy with food that consists of sponges and other reef invertebrates, the Moorish idol is playing a subtle but important role in the reef’s delicate food chain.
Besides, it is commonly found throughout Hawaii’s shallow coastal reefs, especially around clear snorkeling spots like Molokini Crater and Honaunau Bay, where the Moorish idol, with its unique and stunning features, brings a touch of elegance to every underwater adventure.
10. Parrotfish
Parrotfish are the most colorful, curious, and amazing fish that nature has given us when snorkeling in Hawaii. Their beak-like mouth, similar in shape to a parrot’s beak, and bright colors, these beautiful fishes use their powerful jaws to scrape algae from coral and at the same time help the reefs to be clean and healthy.
Parrot fish can be found in a multitude of varying brilliant colors, turquoise, pink, green, and purple, and they are often seen both individually and in small schools in a part of the reef, going from shallow to the depths. While they are feeding, you could also catch the faint crunching peculiar to their teeth as they work the coral surface.
Ubiquitous in all of Hawaii’s reef systems, notably in the likes of Shark’s Cove (Oahu) and Honolua Bay (Maui), parrotfish are indeed a pleasure to stare at but are also the main factors for the recovery of the reefs. Due to their ceaseless movement and vivid color, they become a great seeking for both aesthetic and ecological study for snorkelers.
11. Boxfish (Lauwiliwilinukunukuʻoiʻoi)
The boxfish, locally known by its long Hawaiian name lauwiliwilinukunukuʻoiʻoi, is one of the most uniquely shaped reef fish in Hawaii’s underwater ecosystem. Small, boxy, and surprisingly charming, with a rigid, box-like body and tiny fins, these fish hover slowly over coral reefs and rocky seabeds, almost appearing to float more than swim.
Males are often bright blue and yellow, while females tend to be more muted in tone. In addition, these fish of small size are capable of releasing a toxin when stressed, which deters predators, a fascinating adaptation you won’t see in many other species.
The boxfish is common in shallow reef zones across the islands, especially in calm bays like Kapalua (Maui) and Hanauma Bay (Oahu). It is a delightful find for snorkelers who appreciate the ocean’s odd and wonderful diversity.
12. Nudibranchs (Sea Slugs)
Delicate, vibrant, and often overlooked, nudibranchs—commonly known as sea slugs—are some of the ocean’s most colorful and captivating invertebrates. Despite their small size, usually no more than a few inches long, nudibranchs display an incredible range of patterns and colors, from electric blues and neon oranges to striking stripes and polka dots.
These soft-bodied marine creatures can be found crawling slowly along rocks, coral, and sandy bottoms, especially in shallow reef areas with minimal current. Hawaii is home to dozens of unique nudibranch species, many of which are endemic to the islands.
While spotting one requires a keen eye and a bit of patience, discovering a nudibranch while snorkeling feels like uncovering a hidden treasure, perfect for macro photographers and marine life enthusiasts seeking a closer look at the ocean’s tiny wonders.
13. Butterflyfish
Elegant, social, and easy to spot, butterflyfish are among the most enchanting reef dwellers you’ll encounter while snorkeling in Hawaii. Characterized by their flattened, disk-like bodies and vivid patterns—often featuring bands, spots, or eye-like markings—these small fish are both beautiful and functional in the reef ecosystem.
Butterflyfish typically swim in pairs or small groups, darting gracefully among coral heads as they feed on plankton, algae, and tiny invertebrates. There are over 20 species of butterflyfish found in Hawaiian waters, including the popular raccoon butterflyfish and the longnose butterflyfish.
You’ll often see them in clear, shallow reefs near popular snorkeling spots like Hanauma Bay (Oahu) and Napili Bay (Maui). Their colorful appearance and curious nature make them a favorite subject for underwater photography and a delightful addition to any snorkeling adventure.
14. Hawaiian Spiny Lobster
The Hawaiian spiny lobster is a very interesting animal. It is nocturnal and it lives in the reef at night, so it is difficult to see it. It is different from the clawed lobsters that are from cold waters. The long, spiny antennae and the vivid red and brown color of its body can be seen. It is scary to see it during the day because it hides in the cracks and coral caves.
However, at dusk or on a night diving tour, the animals may give a short performance. They are found in the reef all over Hawaii and especially in the deep or more protected places. The Hawaiian spiny lobster is a living example of the wonderful and hidden diversity of the ocean.
Although they are delicious, they are also protected during the season, so seeing them in the wild gives a feeling of the marine resources of Hawaii and the responsible ocean stewardship.
15. Cone Snail
One of Hawaii’s most fascinating marine invertebrates is the cone snail. These slow-moving sea snails are known for their stunningly patterned, cone-shaped shells, ranging in color from earthy browns to intricate cream-and-white designs.
They are often found in tide pools, sandy bottoms, or among coral rubble. At first glance, one might think that the cone snails are harmless. But in reality, they have a harpoon-like tooth to deliver venom to their prey to immobilize them. Although such incidents are very rare, the advice that one should never pick up a cone snail or handle any shell of which one is not familiar while snorkeling or beachcombing is still valid.
Watching the cone snails from afar is a safe way to enjoy their role in the marine biodiversity of Hawaii and reminds us that the ocean’s most remarkable creatures are often the most unexpected.
