Explore the Reefs of Kahalu‘u Bay Our Planet Depends on Coral From the earliest of times, Native Hawaiians understood and honored the importance of living coral to the health and survival of virtually all other sea life.

The coral reefs of Hawai‘i are home to an estimated 5,000 , with nearly one-fourth of these species not found anywhere else in the world.

What is coral? Reef Hawaiian Cleaner Hawaiian Whitespotted Toby Hawaiian Spotted Boxfish rectangulus Labroides phthirophagus Canthigaster jactator Ostracion meleagris camurum Coral is really a “community” humuhumunukunukuapua‘a- moa of tiny reef builders, called polyps, connected to each other by thin layers of tissue. These soft-bodied are related to sea and jellyfish.

Coral is alive and fragile.

As coral polyps grow, they secrete a substance that Black Triggerfish (Durgon) Rockmover Wrasse Moorish Idol Orangespine Unicornfish hardens to form the rigid coral structure. The Melichthys niger Novaculichthys taeniourus Zanclus cornutus Naso lituratus large coral heads that you see around the reef Humuhumu‘ele‘ele kihikihi umaumalei are the result of hundreds of years of growth. Coral reefs are extremely delicate and rare, and their very existence is threatened—here in Hawai‘i and worldwide—by human damage, pollution, and climate change.

Coral needs our help.

Yellow Tang Lined Yellowtail Coris Black Long-spined Urchin We can all do our part to keep coral alive and thriving! Zebrasoma flavescens lineolatus Coris gaimard paucispinum X Do not touch, stand on, step on, kick, scrape, or break reefs. lau‘ipala- kikakapu-- hinalea wana halua- aUse eco-friendly sunscreens. aDispose of litter and pollutants properly. aPlant trees to reduce erosion and soil/sediment runoff.

Convict Tang Butterflyfish Bullethead Parrotfish Red Pencil Urchin Acanthurus triostegus Chaetodon lunula Chlorurus spilurus Heterocentrotus mammillatus manini kikakapu-- uhu ha‘uke‘uke ‘ula‘ula How to Ma-lama (care for) Protect Kahalu‘u Bay — Protect Yourself Kahalu‘u Bay Do not stand on or touch the coral.

Touching or standing on coral damages and kills coral polyps. Stand only on sandy or rocky bottom if you must. Be careful Please Respect Our Honu Know Kahalu‘u Bay not to kick with swimming fins.

Kahalu‘u Bay is a very special place for honu (green sea turtles). Do not feed the . These graceful and gentle creatures inhabit the waters of Fish play an important role in keeping the reef clean through Hawai‘i, spending their days gliding through the sea, foraging what they eat. Feeding the fish disrupts their natural behavior, for food, and resting on beaches or beneath coral heads. Many causing some fish to become aggressive and others to get sick. people in Hawai‘i regard honu as their ‘aumakua, guardian spirits representing wisdom and good luck. Do not disturb the turtles.

Honu play an essential role in maintaining The honu that feed and rest at Kahalu‘u Bay are a threatened healthy reef ecosystems by feeding species. Please enjoy our beautiful honu from a safe distance on limu () all day long, of about 10 feet (3 meters). keeping it under control so Apply waterproof sunscreen 15 minutes that corals can grow. before swimming.

State and federal laws Give your skin time to absorb sunscreen before entering the protect honu from harm. water. This helps protect your skin as well as reef life from the We encourage respectful oily residues sunscreen leaves in the water. and responsible viewing. For your safety and theirs, Throw away your trash. please do not feed, touch, Trash left on the beach ends up in the ocean and harms sea life. pursue, or get too close to - - them. Use of zoom or telephoto E malama i na papa. Protect our coral reefs. ESIGN: FlyingDogDesign lenses for photos is recommended. D To report a stranded, sick, injured, or Visit Kahalu‘u Bay Education Center right here in Kahalu‘u dead turtle call 808-881-4200 or 808-327-6226. Beach Park or online at kohalacenter.org/kahaluubay for more information and to learn how you can help. Samantha Birch Samantha Ocean Safety Tips Mahalo to Our Partners! • • If in doubt, don’t go out The Kohala Center • Do NOT touch any marine life Hawai‘i Tourism Authority Hawai‘i Community Foundation

• Couch Courtney Respect others Kona Reefers Dive Club • • Swim only in designated lifeguard areas Kumu Pono Associates LLC Kamehameha Investment Corporation • Read all posted signs before entering the water Outrigger Keauhou Beach Resort • Never leave children unattended National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration University of Hawai‘i Sea Grant College Program • Be aware of rip currents during high surf (see map) County of Hawai‘i Department of Research and Development Bo Pardau PHOTOS: