A Guide to Hawaiian Reef Fish for Beginner Divers

This scuba diver is fixing the reel

Your First Look at the Colorful Creatures Beneath the Surface in Hilo

If you’re new to scuba diving and planning your first dive in Hawaii, you’re in for a real treat — Hawaii’s reefs are full of vibrant, curious, and often friendly fish that are found nowhere else on Earth. In fact, over 25% of Hawaii’s reef fish are endemic, meaning they live only in Hawaiian waters.

At Hilo Scuba Diving, we love introducing beginner divers to the amazing fish that call our reefs home. Whether you’re diving for the first time or just getting your fins wet after certification, here’s a beginner-friendly guide to some of the most common (and most colorful) fish you'll meet in Hilo’s underwater world.

🐟 1. Humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa (Reef Triggerfish)

Hoo-moo-hoo-moo-noo-koo-noo-koo-ah-poo-ah-ah

Hawaii’s state fish is as fun to say as it is to spot! The humuhumu (for short) is bold, colorful, and has a pig-like snout — hence its name, which translates to "triggerfish with a snout like a pig."

• 🟦 Colors: Blue, yellow, black, and white

• 🪨 Behavior: Often seen near rocks and coral heads

• 📸 Fun Fact: This fish can "lock" itself into a crevice with its dorsal fin!

🐠 2. Yellow Tang

Bright, friendly, and impossible to miss, the yellow tang is one of Hawaii’s most iconic reef fish. They often travel in small schools and are commonly seen near shallow reefs.

• 💛 Color: Solid bright yellow

• 🪴 Habitat: Feeds on algae, which keeps the reef healthy

• 🌿 Easy to Spot: Look for them grazing on rocks or swimming in groups

🦋 3. Raccoon Butterflyfish

Named for the black markings across their eyes, these charming fish look like they’re wearing masks. They often swim in pairs and are one of the most commonly spotted butterflyfish in Hilo.

• 🎨 Colors: Yellow body with black and white "mask" face

• 👯 Behavior: Often seen in pairs or near coral heads

• 🌈 Great for Beginners: They’re not shy and tend to swim slowly

🐠 4. Parrotfish (Uhu)

Parrotfish get their name from their beak-like teeth, which they use to scrape algae off rocks and coral. They’re incredibly colorful — and they poop sand! (Yes, really — they help create Hawaiian beaches.)

• 🌈 Colors: Bright blue, green, and pink (varies by species and sex)

• 🪨 Sounds: You can actually hear them crunching coral while diving

• 🌺 Cultural Note: Uhu are an important part of Hawaiian fishing traditions

🐡 5. Spotted Boxfish (Pea Puffer)

These adorable, cube-shaped fish are easy to identify thanks to their boxy bodies and spotted patterns. Males and females look different, which is fun to observe.

• 🎲 Shape: Boxy and slow-swimming

• 🎯 Size: Small (2–4 inches)

• 🟡 Behavior: They’ll often hover near coral or hide in crevices

🐟 6. Hawaiian Sergeant (Mamo)

These striped fish are common in shallow water and known for their bold personalities. They often dart around in schools and can be quite curious.

• ⚪️ Color: White body with black vertical stripes

• 🐣 Behavior: Often seen in groups near rocks or surge channels

• 🧠 Fun Fact: They sometimes guard eggs during breeding season!

🧽 Where Can You See These Fish in Hilo?

Almost all of these species can be found during guided shore dives in Hilo’s top dive spots:

🐠 Richardson Ocean Park

Calm waters, shallow reef, and lots of beginner-friendly marine life.

🐢 Leleiwi Beach Park

Great for spotting sea turtles, butterflyfish, and even parrotfish chewing coral.

🪸 Four Mile Reef

Slightly deeper, with more coral cover and chances for schools of tangs or triggerfish.

🔗 Related: Best Shore Diving Spots in Hilo for Beginners

📸 Tips for Spotting & Identifying Reef Fish

• 👀 Move slowly: Sudden movements scare fish away

• 📷 Bring a GoPro: Review your footage later and identify what you saw

• 🧠 Ask your dive guide: We love helping you learn Hawaiian fish names

• 📚 Use a reef fish ID card or app: Great for tracking your sightings!

🌺 Dive with Respect: Aloha for the Reef

Remember: Hawaii’s reef ecosystem is delicate. Always:

• Keep your fins up and don’t touch coral

• Observe fish from a distance

• Use reef-safe sunscreen

• Never chase or try to touch wildlife

Respecting the ocean ensures future generations can enjoy its beauty, too.

🤿 Ready to Meet Hawaii’s Reef Fish in Person?

At Hilo Scuba Diving, we specialize in:

• Beginner-friendly shore dives

• Discover Scuba Diving (no experience needed)

• PADI Open Water Certification courses

• Small group or private tours with expert guides

We provide all the gear — you just bring your sense of adventure.

👉 Book Your Dive in Hilo Today📍 Hilo, Hawaii📞 (808) 940-4630

Dive in and meet the reef residents who make Hilo’s underwater world unforgettable.