Hawaii’s state fish is the humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa, also called the reef or rectangular triggerfish. Its scientific name is Rhinecanthus rectangulus. Look for an angular body, bold markings, and a pointed snout. On Maui, watch around reef structure, rocky crevices, and nearby sandy patches when snorkeling conditions are suitable. Sightings aren’t guaranteed.
Main takeaways:
The Hawaiian state fish is the humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa, also called the reef triggerfish. It’s one of Hawaiʻi's most recognizable reef fish, thanks to its bold markings, pointed snout, and unforgettable Hawaiian name. In this guide, you’ll learn what its name means, how to pronounce it, how to identify it underwater, and where to look for it while snorkeling on Maui.
Here’s a quick reference to the humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa, including its names, size, reef habitat, diet, and identification clues.
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Common and Hawaiian names | Reef triggerfish or rectangular triggerfish. Hawaiian name: humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa. Humuhumu is a shortened name also used for other triggerfish. |
| Scientific name | Rhinecanthus rectangulus, the species designated as Hawaiʻi’s official state fish. |
| Size | Can reach about 10 inches, or 25 centimeters, in length, according to Waikīkī Aquarium. |
| Geographic range | Found across the tropical Indo-Pacific, including Hawaiʻi. It is not endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. |
| Reef habitat | Shallow reef flats and outer reefs, including rocky areas affected by surge. Its presence doesn’t indicate that conditions are suitable for snorkeling. |
| Diet | Algae and reef invertebrates, including small crustaceans, worms, snails, brittlestars, and sea urchins. |
| Identification clues | Angular body, pointed snout, a diagonal black band from the eye toward the anal fin, and a black wedge-shaped marking near the tail. A blue bar crosses the upper lip. |
| Similar species | The lagoon triggerfish, Rhinecanthus aculeatus, shares the Hawaiian name humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa but is a different species. Check the scientific name when comparing fish guides or photographs. |
Sources: Waikīkī Aquarium, Fishes of Australia, and Hawaiʻi Act 67 (PDF). Watch fish without touching, feeding, chasing, or disturbing the reef.
The reef triggerfish first became Hawaiʻi’s official state fish in 1985 under a law that expired after five years. That designation ended in 1990. On May 2, 2006, Act 67 permanently restored the title to the humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa, specifically the species Rhinecanthus rectangulus.
Its status as a state fish is a legal designation. Its Hawaiian name has its own story.
The humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa is one of Hawaiʻi’s most recognizable reef fish, and its name tells you a lot about it. According to Waikīkī Aquarium, humuhumu is the Hawaiian term for triggerfish, while nukuāpuaʻa means “snout like a pig.” That fits this fish well: it roots around the reef for food and can even grunt when stressed or handled.
This fish also has a small but real place in Hawaiian history. Waikīkī Aquarium notes that triggerfish known by this name were sometimes used as substitutes for pigs in certain religious ceremonies.
This guide uses humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa, including the Hawaiian kahakō and ʻokina. You’ll also see humuhumunukunukuapuaa typed without those marks in searches and travel information. Humuhumu is a convenient shortened name, but it can refer to triggerfish more generally.
(It’s Easier Than You Think.) Break it into small bits:
humu-humu-nuku-nuku-ā-puaʻa
Practice one part at a time, then join the parts together.
Locals often shorten it to Humuhumu. That’s much easier to say when you’re pointing one out on a snorkeling tour!
Quick ID: Look for an angular body, a pointed, pig-like snout, a dark mask across the face, blue lines near the mouth, and a stop-and-go swimming style near the reef.
The reef triggerfish can reach about 10 inches, or 25 centimeters, in length. However, its bold colors and markings make it stand out.
The Humuhumunukunukuapuaʻa loves the warm, shallow reefs of Hawaii. You'll commonly find it around coral heads, rocky crevices, and sandy lagoon bottoms.
Reef habitat near Kapalua Bay, Napili Bay, Black Rock, Ulua Beach, and Keawakapu can provide opportunities to look for humuhumu. Choose a location that suits your ocean experience and the day’s conditions rather than following a fixed route along rocks or around a point. Keep clear of coral and leave room for the fish to move naturally.
Plan your search for daylight hours when conditions are suitable. Morning often brings lighter winds, but visibility and surf still vary. Watch reef structure and nearby sandy patches without chasing fish. If conditions aren’t appropriate, save snorkeling for another day.
A boat tour provides gear, crew guidance, and a planned outing while you look for Maui’s reef fish.
Our 5-hour morning tour runs from 7 a.m. to about noon, with planned stops at Molokini and Turtle Town or another reef. Our 3-hour afternoon tour runs from 1 p.m. to about 4 p.m. and typically visits Coral Gardens or another nearby reef.
Destinations and wildlife sightings depend on conditions. Anyone entering the water should be able to swim independently, stay calm face-down in deep water, and follow the crew's instructions.
Look-Alikes You May Meet
The reef triggerfish (Rhinecanthus rectangulus) shares the Hawaiian name humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa with the lagoon triggerfish (Rhinecanthus aculeatus). They’re different species, and Hawaiʻi’s official state-fish designation specifically names R. rectangulus. When checking a photograph or fish guide, look at the scientific name rather than relying on “humuhumu” alone.
Hawaii hosts several triggerfish. Two you might spot:
These species are lovely, but the humuhumu stands out with its busy face pattern and crisp, painted lines.
Knowing the humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa’s name, markings, and reef habits gives you more to notice on your next Maui snorkel. Watch from a comfortable distance, leave the reef undisturbed, and enjoy whatever marine life appears. 🐠
👉 For help recognizing other species, explore our Maui Tropical Fish Guide!
Use these resources to confirm the state-fish designation, species identification, reef protection, and Maui sunscreen requirements. Before snorkeling, check current ocean conditions, water-quality advisories, and posted warnings.
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