Uhu
Parrotfishes
Scrape algae and open space where young coral can settle.
North Kāʻanapali • Maui, Hawaiʻi
A reef protected by its grazers.
Kahekili is a special fisheries management area where herbivorous fishes and sea urchins are protected. Their everyday grazing gives coral a better chance to grow.
2009
Protection began
4 groups
of reef grazers protected
139%
parrotfish biomass increase by 2014/15
Live from Maui Sands
View the Marine Reserve Live!
Watch the reef, ocean conditions, sunsets and seasonal humpback activity through the Maui Sands 4K webcam overlooking the Kahekili Marine Reserve.
Visit MauiSands.comWhy protection matters
Healthy reefs need hungry fish.
Algae and coral compete for limited reef space. Uhu, surgeonfishes, nenue and sea urchins are natural groundskeepers: they graze algae before it can overwhelm coral.
Explore the science and recoveryManini, kala & kole
Surgeonfishes
Graze algae across the reef throughout the day.
Nenue
Rudderfishes / chubs
Consume larger algae that can crowd living coral.
Wana & hāʻukeʻuke
Sea urchins
Reach algae in reef crevices fish cannot easily graze.
Know before you go
Enjoy the reef without loving it to death.
01
Look, don’t touch
Never stand on coral or chase, handle or feed marine life. Keep fins and equipment clear of the reef.
02
Know the fishing rules
Taking protected grazers or any sea urchin is prohibited. Other statewide rules still apply.
03
Choose reef-minded habits
Use sun-protective clothing, secure litter, and avoid behavior that adds stress to the reef.
Find Kahekili
One protected stretch of the West Maui coast.
The area runs offshore from Honokōwai Beach Park in the north to Hanakaʻōʻō Beach in the south. It includes the reef fronting Kahekili Beach Park, also known as Airport Beach.
Open the visitor guide