Scalloped Hammerhead

The SCALLOPED HAMMERHEAD (called mano kihikihi) is one of the most abundant sharks in the Hawaiian Islands and the world.  It differentiates itself from the less commonly seen Smooth Hammerhead by the scalloped front edges of its hammer-like head.  

These sharks enter shallow bays between April and October to mate and give birth.  According to research, approximately 10,000 shark pups are born each season in Kaneohe Bay.  When born, they're about 1/2 yard long and feed on crustaceans and learn how to hunt while they remain in their natal grounds for about a year before venturing out on their own. 

Adult sharks are believed to feed primarily on squid in the open ocean.  Females tend to be 3-4 feet longer than males of this species, and can grow to be 13 feet.  

Tragically, these beautiful sharks are hunted every year more than any other shark species because of their fins.  We must do something to prevent these sharks from becoming endangered!

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Black Trevally

The BLACK TREVALLY (called ulua la'uli) has strengthened scales that reinforce its tail.  Also called the Black Jack, this fish is easy to identify because of these scales that make a dark lined pattern leading to the tail.  They're typically almost black to dark gray, and they have a dark spot on the upper gill cover.  They're found alone or in pairs, but rarely ever in groups and can be seen near drop-offs adjacent to deep water.  They can grow to be 3 feet long.  

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Greater Amberjack

The GREATER AMBERJACK (called kahala) is a silvery gray predator with a dark diagonal stripe through the eye and a yellow stripe from its eye to tail (although not always visible). Juveniles have 5 prominent dark bars and a dark stripe above the eye. 

These are curious fish and will often approach or circle divers or their bubbles for a closer look. They're considered "hot", or ciguatoxic, therefore making them dangerous to eat. 

They can reach lengths of 6 feet and feed mostly on Mackeral Scad and Bigeye Scad, which form bait balls to attempt to not be attacked by these greater amberjacks.  However, when hungry, the amberjacks will just poke their heads into the tightly packed bait ball and eat what they can grab. 

They also swim with mouths open to filter tiny organisms from the water with their gill takers. To date, they're the only fish known to prey on large fish as well as plankton.  

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Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle

The HAWAIIAN GREEN SEA TURTLE, called honu, and the inspiration for Honu Hawaiian Diving, is the most widespread turtle species in Hawaii. Adult turtles feed on algae and sea grass, generally grazing close to shore in mornings and late afternoons.  When they're not feeding, they often are seen sleeping.  While awake, turtles must surface every few minutes to breathe, but while sleeping, they can stay underwater for two hours.  These turtles are creatures of habit and tend to lay in same spots on wrecks and on coral ledges, so much so that they begin to make impressions in the coral and alter its appearance.  

Cleaning stations are a favorite place for turtles to frequent as well, where surgeonfish, tangs and sometimes saddle wrasses eat algae off their shells.  Hawaiian green sea turtles are the only green turtles who will bask openly in sun on shores of beaches. They do this to conserve energy and avoid predation by sharks, particularly tiger sharks. 

These turtles reach maturity around age 25, when males grow a long heavy tail.  After mating offshore, female turtles crawl onto a beach at night to dig a hole in order to deposit their 100-200 eggs.  Although they don't reproduce every year, in years that they do, they can nest up to five times in one season.  Baby turtles hatch after a two-month gestation, crawl to the sea, and remain there for 4-6 years feeding on jellyfish and other surface-dwelling animals. 

Green sea turtles are protected under Hawaii State Law (passed in 1974) and have been listed as threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act since 1978.  It is illegal to harm, harass or touch the turtles in any way.  If a turtle is swimming toward you and you can't get out of the way, you're expected to keep still and not reach out to touch them in any way.  They were named green sea turtles, not just because of the algae on their shells, but because cooks noted their fat was green when they used to be slaughtered to make turtle soup, which was considered a delicacy at the time.  These animals can reach 4ft, weigh up to 400 pounds, and live past 80 years old. 

Come dive with Honu Hawaiian Diving and experience these beautiful creatures.  We offer intro dives for people with no experience to try out this underwater world.  We also offer PADI classes to certify people tailored to fit your schedule whether you’re vacationing here or call Oahu home.  In addition, we offer dives, both shallow & deep, to visit various reefs and wrecks around the island for every experience level! #scuba #diving #scubadiving #honuhawaiiandiving #oahu #hawaii #itsahonuworld #honu