Marine Animals of Hawaii Trivia Quiz

Answer: tuna

Native Hawaiians were master fishermen and took advantage of the bountiful reefs and the rich Pacific open ocean. Ahi is yellowfin tuna, and one of the most prized fishes for sushi and sashimi. Other popular fishes are Aku (skipjack tuna) and Mahimahi (dorado).

Answer: sea turtle

The most common honu is the green sea turtle, an endangered species. Hawksbill turtles are also common, and an occasional loggerhead turtle makes an appearance. Makena Beach on Maui is a great place to see them swimming, and recently they can be seen basking in the sun on Laniakea Beach along O'ahu's north shore.

Although it may be tempting to hitch a ride or hold one for a photo, federal law prohibits touching them, so please enjoy them from a distance.

Answer: sea urchins

Not all sea urchins are deadly. Rock urchins, can be picked up with your bare hands if you're careful. The spines actually move, and provide mobility along with the tube feet. Beware the urchins with long skinny spines; they're venomous and should be avoided at all costs.

Answer: humpback whale

Whalewatching cruises are a must-do during the winter months in Hawaii. In particular, the shallow waters between Maui, Lana'i, and Kaho'olawe provide sanctuary for calves. Humpback whales are also endangered species, so rather than illegally chasing after them, most tour boat operators will stop engines and let the whales come to them.

Answer: octopus

Like the Japanese and Mediterranean cultures, Polynesians also prized the octopus for food. After rubbing with salt to remove the slime, local people will often throw it on the grill until the legs curl and thre's a slight char. Sliced and dipped in soy sauce, it's a chewy and flavorful addition to any beach picnic.

Answer: shark

Not all sharks are good, but those who are 'aumakua do their duty to protect the family they have chosen. One famous shark god lives in Pearl Harbor, and it's said that when the Navy built a drydock over its lair in the early 20th century, the drydock suddenly cracked and had to be rebuilt. Do not scorn nature's spirits, one could infer. That shark's story inspired the original Hawaiian lyrics of what is now "Pearly Shells."

Answer: coral

Over 60% of America's coral reefs lie in the Hawaiian Islands. Many of the reefs are what makes up the string of atolls and low-lying islands that stretch from the main islands to Midway.

Once called the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, they have been renamed Papahanaumokuakea and were designated a World Heritage Site in 2009. This Hawaiian name reflects the atolls' geographic age and role as the ancient and ancestral islands. Interesting to note that a coral polyp is the first living creature that springs forth in the Hawaiian creation myth.

When snorkeling and exploring Hawaii's reefs, do not step on or grab live coral, because that can kill the living polyps and cause reefs to be invaded by algae or other invasive species. Malama ke kai (protect the oceans).

Answer: stingray

Most rays have a stinging barb at the base of its tail, so unfortunate humans who step on a ray in a sandy area may get pricked. Shuffling one's feet as you walk across sandy ocean bottoms can give warning to a sleeping ray.

In Hawaii, manta rays get more attention, but they are different from other rays in two significant ways. 1) No stinging barb 2) they filter feed with their gaping mouths rather than crushing shellfish with knobby teeth.

Answer: dolphin

When whale watching is off season, most of the wildlife cruises go dolphin spotting. Bottlenose dolphins are the friendliest, often approaching boats and playing with swimmers. Again, the key to marine animals is to let them approach rather than chasing them and causing stress.
Interesting fact: There are no species of sea gull in Hawaii.

Answer: a colorful reef fish

Unofficially Hawaii's state fish, the Humuhumunukunukuapua'a is a triggerfish that lives in the coral reefs. Shaped like a rhombus, its name means "to grunt and gnash like a pig." It actually rubs its teeth together and that porcine sound can often be heard when snorkeling.