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Maui Tropical Fish Guide: 18 Reef Fish You Can See While Snorkeling in Maui

  • March 15th, 2024
  • | Marine Life
Yellow tang and dark surgeonfish swimming above a coral reef in clear blue Maui water.
Written by Maui Snorkeling, operating tours to Molokini Crater, Turtle Town, and Coral Gardens from Māʻalaea Harbor since 1985. Tours are led by USCG-licensed captains aboard a USCG-inspected passenger vessel.
Last updated October 2, 2026

Quick Answer

Common Maui tropical fish include yellow tang, convict tang, butterflyfish, parrotfish, wrasses, Moorish idols, moray eels, and triggerfish such as the humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa. The fish you see will depend on the reef habitat, depth, visibility, and current ocean conditions. Observe marine life from a respectful distance, never touch, chase, or feed fish, and check water quality and the marine forecast before snorkeling.

Main takeaways:

  • Common reef fish: Yellow tang, convict tang, butterflyfish, parrotfish, wrasses, Moorish idols, trumpetfish, and triggerfish
  • Hawaiʻi state fish: The reef triggerfish, commonly called humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa
  • Typical habitat: Coral reefs, rocky shorelines, lava formations, and shallow nearshore waters
  • Best viewing conditions: Calm, clear water with manageable wind, waves, and currents
  • Identification tip: Look at body shape, color patterns, markings, fin shape, and swimming behavior
  • Responsible viewing: Keep your distance and never touch, chase, surround, or feed marine life
  • Reef protection: Avoid standing on or touching coral, and secure loose gear so it does not damage the reef
  • Before snorkeling: Check current water quality advisories, ocean conditions, and local safety guidance

This Maui tropical fish guide covers 18 common reef fish and other fish you can see while snorkeling in Maui, with quick ID tips and the best places to look first: Molokini Crater, Coral Gardens, Honolua Bay, Black Rock, and Turtle Town. From yellow tangs and butterflyfish to parrotfish and Hawaiʻi’s state fish, the humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa, this guide helps you identify what you’re seeing underwater and enjoy Maui’s reefs responsibly.

Quick Reference: Maui Tropical Fish At A Glance

Spotted a fish you don’t recognize? Use these clues to compare 18 Maui reef fish and fish groups by their shape, markings, habitat, and behavior.

Fish or Fish Group Quick Identification Clue Typical Reef Habitat Behavior to Watch For
Yellow Tang Lauʻīpala Bright yellow, oval body with a pointed snout Rocky and coral reefs with algae growth Grazing algae, sometimes alongside other tangs
Moorish Idol Kihikihi Black, white, and yellow bands with a long dorsal streamer Coral reefs, rocky ledges, and reef slopes Moving along reef faces and inspecting crevices
Reef Triggerfish Humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa Angular body with a bold black wedge-shaped marking Shallow rocky reefs and nearby sandy patches Picking food from the bottom and darting into shelter
Butterflyfish Thin bodies with stripes, spots, or eye masks; patterns vary by species Coral heads, reef slopes, and water above the reef Feeding near coral or on plankton, depending on the species
Parrotfish Uhu Beak-like teeth and sturdy bodies; colors vary by species and life stage Reef surfaces with algae growth Scraping reef surfaces while feeding
Bluefin Trevally ʻŌmilu Adults have vivid blue fins and blue spots along the body Reef edges and water above the reef Cruising past or making quick hunting bursts
Lagoon Triggerfish Colorful face markings and bold geometric patterns Shallow sand-and-rubble areas and reef flats Searching along the bottom and slipping into shelter
Potter’s Angelfish Orange back, fine body markings, and deep blue toward the rear Coral and rocky reefs with nearby cover Brief appearances between coral heads and rocks
Hawaiian Cleaner Wrasse Adults have a yellow front, purple rear, and black side stripe Cleaning stations on the reef Larger fish pausing while the wrasse removes parasites
Hawaiian Sergeant Mamo Deep, silvery body with five dark vertical bars Shallow reefs and rocky areas Groups gathering above the reef
Convict Tang Manini Pale body crossed by narrow black vertical bars Shallow reef flats and algae-covered areas Schools moving together while grazing
Boxfish Rigid, box-shaped body; colors and spots vary by species and sex Coral reefs, rocky areas, and nearby sand Slow, precise movements powered by small fins
Moray Eel Puhi Long, snake-like body with a prominent head and jaws Reef crevices, boulder holes, and rocky ledges Heads peeking from shelter; rhythmic mouth movements help with breathing
Trumpetfish Nūnū Long, narrow body with a tubular snout Coral and rocky reefs Hovering vertically or using larger fish as cover
Saddle Wrasse Adults have a blue head, orange saddle, and greenish body Shallow rocky and coral reefs Quick turns and fluttering side fins as it searches for food
Goatfish A pair of whisker-like barbels beneath the chin Sandy patches, rubble, and reef edges Probing the bottom for food or resting in schools
Guineafowl Pufferfish Rounded body with tiny white spots on the dark form; some individuals are yellow Coral-rich reefs and reef slopes Cruising slowly near coral and pausing to feed
Black Triggerfish Dark body with thin white lines along the dorsal and anal fin bases Water above reef faces and slopes Cruising above the reef rather than staying close to the bottom

Note: This guide includes individual species and broader fish groups. Colors and markings can change with age, sex, and lighting, so combine several clues when identifying a fish. Sightings vary by habitat, depth, visibility, and ocean conditions. Enjoy watching without touching, chasing, or feeding marine life.

Common Maui Tropical Fish You Can See While Snorkeling

Yellow Tang (Zebrasoma flavescens)

Yellow tang swimming above a Maui coral reef
Yellow tang (Zebrasoma flavescens) above a Maui coral reef.
Herbivore • Schooling

Bright, algae-grazing surgeonfish common on shallow, sunlit reefs and coral gardens; often in loose groups near gentle surge.

How to ID
  • Solid lemon-yellow, oval body with a small pointed snout.
  • Often grazes in loose groups along shallow reef flats and slopes.
Where to look in Maui Respect & safety
  • Look, don’t touch or feed; keep fins off coral.

Learn more → Yellow Tang

Moorish Idol (Zanclus cornutus)

Moorish idol swimming over a Maui coral reef
Moorish idol, or kihikihi (Zanclus cornutus), on a Maui reef.
Iconic • Reef edges

Slender, banded reef fish with a trailing dorsal ribbon; patrols reef edges and drop-offs, usually solo or in pairs.

How to ID
  • Bold black, white, and yellow bands with a long trailing dorsal streamer.
  • Slender snout for pecking in crevices.
Where to look in Maui Respect & safety
  • Move slowly; never chase for photos.

Learn more → Moorish Idol Fish in Maui

Reef Triggerfish (Rhinecanthus rectangulus)

Humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa reef triggerfish on a Maui coral reef
Humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa, Hawaiʻi’s state fish, on a Maui reef.
Hawaiʻi State Fish • Territorial

Hawaiʻi’s state fish, known as humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa, is a bold little reef resident with a distinctive wedge-shaped marking. It searches for food around rocky reefs and nearby sandy patches.

How to ID
  • Beige body with bold black wedges, white bars, and electric blue/yellow accents.
  • “Stop-and-go” swim; can lock into crevices with a dorsal “trigger.”
Where to look in Maui Respect & safety
  • Give it room, especially if it’s guarding a nest.

Learn more → Humuhumu (State Fish) Guide

Butterflyfish (multiple species)

Ornate butterflyfish swimming above a Maui coral reef
An ornate butterflyfish, one of several butterflyfish species found around Maui.
Colorful • Reef flats

Butterflyfish bring some of Maui’s prettiest patterns to the reef. Their diets vary: some pick at coral or small invertebrates, while others feed on plankton above the reef.

How to ID
  • Thin, disk-shaped bodies with high dorsal fin; bright patterns.
  • Compare face markings, stripes, spots, and snout length rather than relying on color alone.
Where to look in Maui Respect & safety
  • Hands off coral; keep a gentle kick to avoid stirring sand.

Learn more → Ornate Butterflyfish

Parrotfish (Scaridae; various)

Parrotfish swimming above a Maui coral reef
A parrotfish, or uhu, grazing along a Maui coral reef.
Algae grazer • “Beak”

These reef grazers use fused, beak-like teeth to scrape food from hard surfaces. You may hear a crunch or notice a little trail of sand while they feed.

How to ID
  • Colors vary by species and life stage, from muted browns to bright greens and blues.
  • Sturdy body and fused, beak-like teeth used to scrape reef surfaces.
Where to look in Maui Respect & safety
  • Observe quietly; never chase feeding fish.

Learn more → Parrotfish in Maui (Uhu)

Bluefin Trevally (Caranx melampygus)

Bluefin trevally cruising above a Maui coral reef
Bluefin trevally (Caranx melampygus) cruising over a Maui reef.
Predator • Outer reef

A fast jack with electric-blue fins; often shadows schools along the outer reef and strikes quickly near drop-offs.

How to ID
  • Adults have metallic bodies with blue-spotted flanks and vivid electric-blue fins.
  • Fast, cruising hunter along drop-offs and reef edges.
Where to look in Maui Respect & safety
  • Give hunters room; don’t pursue schooling fish they’re chasing.

Learn more → Best Places to Snorkel in Maui

Lagoon Triggerfish (Rhinecanthus aculeatus)

Lagoon triggerfish showing its dark mask and geometric markings
Lagoon triggerfish (Rhinecanthus aculeatus). Photo: Arpingstone, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.
“Picasso” • Shallow reef

Sometimes called a Picasso triggerfish, this species has colorful, geometric face markings. It also shares the name humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa, but it isn’t Hawaiʻi’s state fish, the reef triggerfish (Rhinecanthus rectangulus).

How to ID
  • Striking face “mask,” dark mid-bar, and geometric pastel accents.
  • Low, tight finning over sand and rubble; darts into holes when spooked.
Where to look in Maui
  • Shallow sand-and-rubble patches beside reefs.
  • Reef flats with small crevices and nearby shelter.
Respect & safety
  • Triggers guard nests; maintain space and avoid sudden moves.

Learn more → Compare with Black Triggerfish

Potter’s Angelfish (Centropyge potteri)

Potter's angelfish swimming above coral
Potter’s angelfish (Centropyge potteri). Photo: jeyre, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Reef slopes • Colorful

Potter’s angelfish packs plenty of color into a small reef fish. Look for an orange upper body, fine darker markings, and deep blue toward the rear. Spotting one is a lovely bonus while exploring Maui’s reefs.

How to ID
  • Small, rounded angelfish with orange coloring across the back and fine markings over the body and face.
  • Dark blue coloring toward the rear, with bright blue edging along the fins.
Where to look in Maui Respect & safety
  • Keep hands to yourself; never touch or stand on coral.

Learn more → Coral Gardens snorkeling guide

Hawaiian Cleaner Wrasse (Labroides phthirophagus)

Two Hawaiian cleaner wrasses swimming over a coral reef
Hawaiian cleaner wrasses (Labroides phthirophagus). Photo: Dr. Dwayne Meadows, NOAA/NMFS/OPR, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.
Endemic • Cleaning stations

This Hawaiian reef resident provides a fascinating cleaning service, removing parasites and other material from larger fish. At a cleaning station, you may see visiting fish pause while the little wrasse gets to work.

How to ID
  • Adults have a yellow front, a purple-to-magenta rear, and a bold black stripe along the side.
  • Juveniles look different, with a mostly black body and a bright blue stripe along the back.
Where to look in Maui Respect & safety
  • Don’t block cleaning stations or reach toward fish; observe quietly.

Learn more → Turtle Town & cleaning stations

Hawaiian Sergeant (Abudefduf abdominalis)

Hawaiian sergeant fish swimming underwater near Maui
Hawaiian sergeant (Abudefduf abdominalis) in Maui waters.
Shore reefs • Schooling

This stocky, striped damselfish often gathers above shallow reefs and rocky areas. Its silvery body and five dark bars are handy clues when a school passes by.

How to ID
  • Silver body with five bold vertical bars; deep damselfish shape.
  • Often seen gathering in groups above the reef.
Where to look in Maui Respect & safety
  • Skip the snacks. Never feed fish; it disrupts reef balance.

Learn more → Reef fish you might see

Convict Tang (“Manini”) (Acanthurus triostegus)

School of convict tangs or manini swimming over a Maui reef
A school of convict tangs, or manini (Acanthurus triostegus), over a Maui reef.
Herbivore • Big schools

Striped schoolers that “mow” algae carpets across the reef; big groups glide in unison in calm bays.

How to ID
  • Pale silver with bold black vertical stripes; oval “surgeonfish” body.
  • Glides in large schools, lawn-mowing algae across the reef.
Where to look in Maui Respect & safety
  • Give schools space; avoid splitting a feeding group.

Learn more → Convict Tang (Manini)

Boxfish (Ostraciidae; various)

Spotted boxfish swimming above a Maui coral reef
Spotted boxfish (Ostracion meleagris) above a Maui coral reef.
Armored • Slow swimmers

These angular reef fish look like little swimming boxes. In some species, including the spotted boxfish pictured here, males and females have strikingly different colors and patterns.

How to ID
  • Rigid, box-like body of hexagonal plates.
  • Colors and spots vary by species and sex, so compare body shape as well as markings.
Where to look in Maui Respect & safety
  • Admire from a distance; never corner or handle wildlife.

Learn more → More Maui marine life, or compare with the spot-fin porcupinefish.

Moray Eel (Muraenidae; various)

Whitemouth moray eel sheltering in coral near Maui
A whitemouth moray eel sheltering within a Maui reef.
Crevices • Reef predators

A moray’s head peeking from a reef crevice can be a memorable find. Many species shelter during the day and hunt at night. That steady opening and closing of the mouth helps the eel breathe.

How to ID
  • Long, snake-like body with a prominent head and jaws.
  • Colors and patterns vary by species, from spots and mottling to bold bands.
Where to look in Maui
  • Among lava ledges and coral heads across Maui, including crater walls and boulder fields.
Respect & safety
  • Never reach into holes or under ledges; give eels generous space.

Learn more → Moray Eels in Maui

Trumpetfish (Aulostomus chinensis)

Long, slender trumpetfish swimming above a coral reef
Trumpetfish, or nūnū (Aulostomus chinensis), above a coral reef.
Long snout • Stealthy hunter

That floating “stick” might be a trumpetfish. These slender hunters hover near reef structure and sometimes use larger fish as cover while searching for small prey.

How to ID
  • Long, narrow body with a tube-shaped snout.
  • May be yellow, reddish brown, or brown with pale bands; sometimes hovers vertically.
Where to look in Maui Viewing tip
  • Pause and watch from a distance; its slow movements are part of the fun.

Learn more → Trumpetfish in Maui

Saddle Wrasse (Thalassoma duperrey)

Adult saddle wrasse showing a blue head, orange saddle, and greenish body
Saddle wrasse (Thalassoma duperrey). Photo: nmoorhatch, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Orange saddle • Active forager

A colorful fish making quick turns above the reef may be a saddle wrasse. It’s one of Hawaiʻi’s common reef fish, and the adult’s orange saddle is a useful clue.

How to ID
  • Adults have a blue head, orange-to-red saddle, and greenish body.
  • Juveniles look different, with a dark lengthwise stripe and pale belly.
Where to look in Maui
  • Shallow rocky reefs and coral patches.
  • Watch above the reef as it searches for small invertebrates.
Viewing tip
  • Notice the fluttering side fins and quick changes of direction.

Explore more → Maui marine life guides

Goatfish (Mullidae; multiple species)

School of goatfish swimming above a sandy coral reef
Goatfish gather around sandy patches and reef habitat.
Whisker-like barbels • Sand searchers

Goatfish use two little “whiskers” beneath the chin to find food hidden in sand or reef crevices. Depending on the species and time of day, you may see them feeding or resting together in schools.

How to ID
  • A pair of sensory barbels beneath the chin, sometimes tucked out of sight.
  • Elongated body and forked tail; colors and markings vary by species.
Where to look in Maui
  • Sandy patches, rubble, and the edges of coral reefs.
  • Look for feeding fish near the bottom or groups hovering above it.
Viewing tip
  • Watch the barbels at work without stirring up the sand.

Learn more → Goatfish in Maui

Guineafowl Pufferfish (Arothron meleagris)

Guineafowl pufferfish with white spots swimming above a coral reef
Guineafowl pufferfish (Arothron meleagris) swimming above a coral reef.
Rounded body • Spotted or yellow

With its rounded shape and unhurried movements, the guineafowl pufferfish is a fun find on Maui’s reefs. Watch for it cruising close to coral and pausing to feed.

How to ID
  • Rounded body and blunt snout; the dark form has tiny white spots across the body and fins.
  • Some individuals are bright yellow, so color alone isn’t enough for identification.
Where to look in Maui
  • Coral-rich reef areas and reef slopes.
  • Look just above coral heads and along reef edges, often for a fish on its own.
Respect & safety
  • Never handle or frighten a pufferfish to make it inflate.

Learn more → Pufferfish in Maui

Black Triggerfish (Melichthys niger)

Black triggerfish swimming above a coral reef
Black triggerfish (Melichthys niger) swimming above the reef.
Dark body • White fin lines

Also called a black durgon, this triggerfish often cruises in the water above the reef. Its dark body and fine white fin lines give it a very different look from the patterned reef and lagoon triggerfish.

How to ID
  • Dark, deep body with thin white lines at the bases of the dorsal and anal fins.
  • Often swims above the reef rather than staying close to the bottom.
Where to look in Maui Viewing tip
  • Look for the white fin lines as the fish turns in the light.

Learn more → Black Triggerfish in Maui

Best Maui Snorkeling Spots To See Tropical Fish

Different reefs offer different fish-watching experiences, from schools moving above coral to smaller fish tucked near rocky ledges. These locations are good starting points for planning, with the day’s ocean conditions guiding your final choice.

Snorkeling suits experienced ocean swimmers who can swim independently and feel comfortable in open water. Choose a location and entry that match your ability, whether you’re exploring from shore or joining a boat tour.

Molokini Crater

  • Entry: Boat access only. Our Molokini snorkeling tours depart from Maʻalaea Harbor.
  • Why it’s great: Protected reef, very clear water; common sightings: yellow tang, butterflyfish, Moorish idol, bluefin trevally
  • Know before you go: No shore access; follow crew guidance in a marine reserve
  • Learn more/Book: Molokini Crater Snorkeling Tour

Black Rock (Kāʻanapali)

  • Entry: Shore access from Kāʻanapali Beach. A sandy approach doesn’t remove the currents and surge around Black Rock.
  • Why it’s great: Schools of sergeant fish; turtles cruise the edge
  • Know before you go: Assess conditions; go with a buddy

Honolua Bay

  • Entry: Follow the designated access path to a rocky shoreline with uneven footing. Skip snorkeling when surf or poor visibility makes the entry unsuitable.
  • Why it’s great: Protected marine reserve with abundant fish and coral
  • Know before you go: Respect private property, use legal parking, and follow marine reserve rules. Don’t fish, feed wildlife, or remove anything from the reef.

Turtle Town (Mākena/Maluaka) 

  • Entry: Boat tours visit reefs in the Turtle Town area, and Maluaka Beach offers shore access when conditions are suitable. Your entry point depends on the reef you’re visiting.
  • Why it’s great: Frequent honu (green sea turtles), plus tangs & butterflyfish
  • Know before you go: Stay ≥10 ft/3 m from turtles—on land and in water
  • Learn more/Book: Molokini Crater Snorkeling Tour
Ornate butterflyfish swimming above a coral reef in clear blue Maui water.

How To Snorkel Around Maui Fish Responsibly 

A little space and a relaxed pace make fish watching more enjoyable for everyone:

  • Let fish come and go: Don’t chase, touch, feed, or corner marine life for a photo.
  • Keep clear of coral: Watch your fins and secure loose gear so nothing brushes against the reef.
  • Stay with your buddy: Keep each other in sight and head back before either of you feels tired.
  • Check the day’s conditions: Review forecasts, water-quality advisories, and posted warnings. Follow lifeguard or crew instructions.
  • Pack thoughtful sun protection: Bring a rash guard and mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, or both as the only active ingredients. Maui County prohibits non-mineral sunscreen unless it’s prescribed.
School of tropical fish swimming above a coral reef in clear blue Maui water.

Ready to Explore Maui’s Underwater World?

Experience Maui’s ocean environment aboard the Lani Kai II. We’ll provide snorkel gear, food, and friendly crew support, so you can focus on the adventure!

View Tours & Availability

Tours depart from Maʻalaea Harbor. Routes, snorkel sites, and marine life sightings vary with ocean conditions.

FAQs

At Molokini Crater, snorkelers often see yellow tang, butterflyfish, parrotfish, Moorish idols, convict tangs, triggerfish, and other colorful reef fish. It's one of Maui’s best spots for clear water and a variety of reef fish.

There isn’t one easiest spot every day. Ulua Beach has a sandy entry and nearby reef that can appeal to experienced ocean swimmers when the water is calm and clear, but there’s no lifeguard. Choose your location around current conditions and your swimming ability, not just how close the fish are to shore.

Yes, if you’re new to snorkeling but already an experienced ocean swimmer. Calm, clear conditions and an entry you can comfortably manage are essential. Snorkel with a buddy, and remember that staying near shore or using flotation doesn’t replace swimming ability. If you’re not ready for the ocean, Maui Ocean Center offers another way to enjoy Hawaiʻi’s reef fish.

The Hawaiian state fish is the humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa, also called the reef triggerfish. It's one of the most recognizable reef fish in Hawaiʻi and a fun one to look for while snorkeling in Maui.

Stay at least 10 feet, or 3 meters, away from sea turtles in Maui, both in the water and on shore. Never touch, chase, feed, ride, or block a turtle’s path.

Other Maui Fish Guides

There’s more to discover beyond the fish above. Explore these guides for identification tips, distinctive features, and the stories behind Maui’s reef residents.

Sources & Updates

Use these official resources to confirm reef fish identification, wildlife viewing guidance, snorkeling safety, Maui’s sunscreen rules, current water quality advisories, and ocean conditions.

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