Learn & Explore/Species/Fish
Hawai‘i Fish
A quick guide to protected marine species and their regulations.
Discover Hawai‘i’s Fish Species
Hawai‘i’s waters are home to an incredible diversity of fish, from colorful reef dwellers to powerful pelagic species. Whether you’re a fisher, researcher, or simply curious about marine life, this page is your gateway to understanding the fish that make our islands unique.
Marine: Bait Fish
Small schooling species commonly used as bait for larger fish. These fish play an important role in the food chain and local fisheries.
Examples: ʻŌpelu (mackerel scad), Nehu (anchovy), I‘a ʻau (halfbeak)
Marine: Estuary Fish
Species that thrive in brackish waters where rivers meet the sea. These fish are adapted to changing salinity and are vital to estuarine ecosystems.
Examples: Amaʻama (striped mullet), ʻOʻopu (gobies)
Marine: Nearshore Fish
Fish found in shallow coastal waters, including reefs and rocky shorelines. These species are central to subsistence and recreational fishing in Hawai‘i.
Examples: Uhu (parrotfish), Moi (threadfin), Kumu (goatfish)
Marine: Pelagic Fish
Large, fast-swimming species that roam the open ocean. These fish are prized in commercial and sport fisheries and are key to Hawai‘i’s fishing heritage.
Examples: Ahi (yellowfin tuna), Aku (skipjack tuna), Ono (wahoo)
