Top 5 Marine Animals You’ll See While Diving in Hilo, Hawaii

mikedyson1
Jul 14, 2025
3 min read

Updated: Nov 4, 2025

The waters off Hilo, Hawaii are alive with color, movement, and marine life that you just can’t find anywhere else. Whether you’re taking your first-ever dive or you're a seasoned scuba traveler, diving in Hilo offers encounters with some of the most unique and exciting underwater creatures in the Pacific.

Here are the top 5 marine animals you’re most likely to see on a guided shore dive in Hilo — and why each one makes the experience unforgettable.

🐢 1. Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle (Honu)

No list would be complete without these gentle giants. Honu are often seen resting on lava ledges or gliding gracefully over the reef, completely unbothered by nearby divers.

Where to Spot Them:Richardson Ocean Park and Leleiwi Beach Park are turtle hot spots.

Pro Tip:Keep your distance and never touch — turtles are protected by law in Hawaii. But don’t worry — they often come close on their own!

🔗 Related post: Best Shore Diving Spots in Hilo for Beginners

🐙 2. Day Octopus (He'e)

Octopuses are some of the smartest, most fascinating animals you can see underwater — and Hilo’s rocky lava bottom makes the perfect hiding ground. The Hawaiian day octopus can change color and texture in seconds and often puts on a show for divers.

Where to Spot Them:Look in cracks, under ledges, or near coral heads during daytime dives — especially at 4-Mile and Leleiwi.

Why It’s Special:They’re masters of camouflage. Once you see one, you’ll start spotting them everywhere.

🔗 Planning your first dive? Check out: What to Expect on Your First PADI Dive in Hawaii

🐡 3. Humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa (Reef Triggerfish)

Say it with us: hoo-moo-hoo-moo-noo-koo-noo-koo-ah-poo-ah-ah. Hawaii’s state fish is not only fun to say — it’s fun to spot. Bold, colorful, and a little sassy, these reef triggerfish are common in Hilo’s shallower dive zones.

Where to Spot Them:All around Hilo’s shore dive sites, especially in shallow reef areas.

Fun Fact:They can make grunting noises when threatened and wedge themselves into rocks to sleep safely at night.

🐠 4. Raccoon Butterflyfish

These black-and-yellow beauties travel in pairs and are one of the most iconic reef fish in Hawaii. You’ll often see them feeding on coral polyps or picking at algae — and they’re not shy about swimming near divers.

Where to Spot Them:Virtually all Hilo dive sites, including Coconut Island and Richardson’s.

Why It’s Special:They’re incredibly photogenic and always seem to be watching you back.

🔗 New to diving? Read: Top 10 Beginner Tips for Your First Scuba Dive in Hilo

🦑 5. Bioluminescent Plankton (at Night!)

Okay, technically not an “animal” you can point to, but one of the most mind-blowing things you’ll ever experience is the bioluminescence that lights up the water on a night dive. When you turn off your flashlight and wave your hand, the water sparkles with natural light.

Where to See It:On calm night dives at sites like Leleiwi or Coconut Island.

Why It’s Unforgettable:It feels like swimming through stardust. No photo does it justice — you have to see it in person.

🔗 Curious about night diving? Read: Is Night Diving Safe? Tips for First-Timers

📍 Why Dive Hilo?

Hilo’s protected bays, lava rock reefs, and local marine life make it a shore diving paradise. If you’re a beginner or someone looking to avoid crowded boat dives, shore diving in Hilo gives you all the excitement — with none of the hassle.

At Hilo Scuba Diving, we offer: