Visitor guide

Know where you are. Know what’s protected.

Kahekili is not a no-entry zone or a complete no-fishing zone. It is a Herbivore Fisheries Management Area designed to keep essential reef grazers on the reef.

Explore the boundaries

The northern boundary extends 1,292 yards west from Honokōwai Beach Park. The southern boundary extends 335 yards west from Hanakaʻōʻō Beach. A straight north–south line connects those offshore endpoints.

Drag or zoom the map and select its markers. The shaded shape is a visitor aid based on the official description, not a navigation or enforcement map.

View the official DLNR boundary and rules ↗

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Show the official DLNR map

Official DLNR boundary map for Kahekili HFMA

The essential rules

What you may not take

Protected fish

Do not kill, injure, take or possess any uhu (parrotfish), surgeonfish, rudderfish/chub (nenue), or their eggs.

All sea urchins

Do not kill, injure, take or possess any sea urchin or sea urchin egg within the area.

No fish feeding

Do not feed or deliberately introduce attractants near marine life, except when fishing legally for permitted species.

Other laws still apply

Fishing for species not protected specifically by Kahekili may be allowed, but statewide seasons, sizes, bag limits, gear rules and other laws remain in force.

For enforcement or suspected violations: contact Hawaiʻi DLNR’s Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE). In an emergency, call 911.

In the water

Low-impact snorkeling

Enter over sand where possible and never stand or rest on coral.
Keep fins high, move slowly, and give turtles, fish and resting wildlife plenty of space.
Do not feed, chase, touch or surround marine animals.
Use a rash guard, hat and shade to reduce sunscreen use. If using sunscreen, choose a legal mineral product and apply it well before entering.
Check ocean conditions before entry. There is no lifeguard protection at every access point.