Maui Wowie Marine Life Trivia: Volume 2

Maui Wowie Marine Life Trivia: Volume 2

Maui’s reefs are full of weird, wild, and totally wonderful marine life, and the more you know, the more epic your next snorkel session or beach day can be. From fashion-forward fish to dolphins doing aerial acrobatics, these creatures will make you say “Wowie!” through your snorkel.

Here are 9 unforgettable reef residents and the snorkel spots, rental gear, and Maui tours that’ll help you meet them in style.

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1. Ornate Butterflyfish (Kīkākapu)

💡 Wowie Fact: These yellow-and-black beauties are basically the reef’s power couples. They often mate for life and swim in synchronized pairs that would put Olympic duos to shame.

You’ll recognize them by their thin oval shape and bold racing stripe across the eye—like tiny underwater bandits. Their Hawaiian name indicates that they are “strongly forbidden” to commonly eat, as they are vital reef cleaners and indicators of a healthy ecosystem. 

👀 Where you might spot them: They love healthy, vibrant reefs. Look for them at Ahihi Kinaui, Honolua Bay, Maluaka, or Molokini.

✅ Rent this: Premium snorkel set – Better visibility and less water in your mouth = more time to spot your fishy soulmate.

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2. Spinner Dolphins (Nai‘a)

💡 Wowie Fact: Spinner dolphins are the acrobats of the sea, known for spinning up to 7 times mid-air! Scientists aren’t sure why they leap, but hypothesize that it could be to communicate, get rid of parasites, or just for fun.

The populations you might encounter here around Maui are year-round residents. They travel in pods and rest in coastal waters during the day, so early morning boat tours are your best chance for a respectful sighting. Just remember—they’re federally protected, so look but don’t touch (or chase).

👀 Where you might spot them: Early morning boat tours near La Perouse Bay or Lana’i.

✅ Rent this: GoPro – Film in HD from the surface without worrying about keeping your phone dry on dolphin-friendly tours. You’ll thank us when you catch a 720° spin.

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3. Snowflake Moray Eel (Puhi-kapa)

💡 Wowie Fact: These eels have two sets of jaws. The second set, called pharyngeal jaws, shoots forward from their throat like something out of Alien to grip prey. Totally unsettling—and totally real. This mind-blowing trait appears to help them lunge at prey (like crabs) outside of the water and pull it effortlessly down the hatch. Read more about that here or watch it in action below. 

But don’t worry—they’re not interested in you (unless you harass them). Snowflake morays often peek out from holes in the reef like curious little noodle snakes. But maybe don’t go sticking your fingers in reef crevices. Just saying. 

👀 Where you might spot them: Patiently look for them in rock and reef areas with lots of crevices, like around Makena Landing,  Maluaka, and Molokini.

✅ Rent this: Float Belt and GoPro – Float motionless over a rocky, reef area with lots of crevices and you might just catch one yawning or slithering by.

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4. Bluefin Trevally (Omilu)

💡 Wowie Fact: What’s better than an eel? An eel with a hunting buddy! The omilu (bluefin trevally) and puhi (moray eel) are unlikely—but highly effective—hunting partners on the reef. These two predators are known to team up in a coordinated ambush: while the puhi slithers through crevices to flush out hiding prey, the omilu waits just outside to snatch anything that bolts into open water. This dynamic duo proves that teamwork makes the reef work! Watch some of this fascinating interspecies cooperation below.

👀 Where you might spot them: The deeper channels around Kamaole I, II, and III, Honolua Bay, and Molokini.

✅ Rent this: Life jacket or float belt – Keeps you hovering calmly while you watch these impressive-looking hunters in action.

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5. Red Slate Pencil Urchin (Ha‘uku‘uku‘ula‘ula)

💡 Wowie Fact: These bright urchins with bright red stubby spines aren’t just cute—Hawaiians once used the dried spines as writing tools, like chalk. The spines were also used for decoration. Today, they’re valued as excellent reef cleaners and indicators of overall health in a coral ecosystem.

You’ll spot them wedged into cracks on rocky reefs, where they gently graze on algae. Be careful not to step on one. Unlike other urchins, they’re harmless to you, but they won’t survive your foot.

👀 Where you might spot them: Any shallow reef area. Try Ahihi-Kinau, Honolua Bay, Olowalu Mile Marker 14, Ulua.

✅ Rent this: Wetsuit top – Perfect for keeping warm during extended reef exploration.

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6. White Tip Reef Shark (Mano Lalakea)

💡 Wowie Fact: Despite their toothy reputation, white tip reef sharks are actually quite docile and rarely aggressive toward humans. Unlike most sharks, they can rest motionless on the seafloor, thanks to their unique ability to pump water over their gills. You’ll often find them napping in underwater caves during the day and hunting at night.