The waters around Hawaiʻi hold some of the most beloved marine life on earth. Hawaiian ocean wildlife — from the honu gliding over the reef to humpback whales breaching offshore — is woven into island culture, science, and daily life. This guide introduces the animals you’re most likely to encounter, what makes them special, and how to share the water with them respectfully.
The Honu: Hawaiʻi’s Sea Turtle
The honu, or Hawaiian green sea turtle, is the islands’ most cherished marine animal — a symbol of good luck, endurance, and guidance. Once endangered, honu have recovered enough that you’ll often see them basking on beaches or feeding along the reef. They are protected by law, so the rule is simple: admire from a respectful distance and never touch.
Whales and Dolphins
Each winter, thousands of North Pacific humpback whales migrate to Hawaiʻi’s warm, shallow waters to mate and give birth — peak season runs roughly December through April, and their breaches are one of the great sights of the islands. Year-round, naiʻa (Hawaiian spinner dolphins) rest in nearshore bays by day after feeding at night; because daytime is their sleep, giving them space is essential to their wellbeing.
Monk Seals, Reef Fish, and More
The critically endangered Hawaiian monk seal — ʻīlioholoikauaua, “dog running in rough water” — is one of the rarest seals on the planet, and a beach nap is a good day for one. Beyond the headline species, Hawaiʻi’s reefs teem with life: honu’s neighbors include colorful parrotfish, the state fish humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa, manta rays on the Kona coast, and countless others. Explore designs celebrating them in our Ocean & Wildlife collection.
Viewing Wildlife Respectfully
Hawaiian wildlife thrives when we keep our distance. Give honu and monk seals at least 10 feet (and whales far more), never feed or chase marine animals, and choose reef-safe sunscreen to protect the coral that supports the whole system. Watching with aloha — quietly, patiently, from a respectful distance — is how these encounters stay magical for generations to come.
Bring the islands home: Explore our Ocean & Wildlife Collection — original designs from our Native Hawaiian–owned studio in Kailua-Kona, Hawaiʻi. Here are a few of the newest additions:
Manta Ray Night Snorkel, Kona — the famous Kona manta dive, as art.
Green Sea Turtles (Honu) — the beloved honu gliding the reef.
Hawaii Night Owl (Pueo) Tee — for the island night owls.
Reef Safe Tee — protect the reef for the next generation.