School of Convict Tangs

 A huge school of convict tangs scours the reef in Hanauma Bay, Oahu. Large schools of herbivorous fish like these tangs are an indicator of a healthy coral reef ecosystem. Corals thrive in nutrient poor environments around the tropics. But if there is an influx of nutrients then algae can quickly overgrow and smother the reef. These fish schools help keep that algae in check.

Green Sea Turtle in Hanauma Bay

Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle

 The Hawaiian green sea turtle has made a remarkable recovery since being protected by the federal government. Nowadays an encounter like this one in Hanauma Bay, Oahu is an experience that many people get to enjoy.

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Pod of Spinner Dolphins (Stenella longirostris)

A pod of Hawaiian spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris) cruise silently past me near the ocean floor. A few eyes turn up to check out this new creature sharing their habitat.

Turtle and Sunburst, Oahu

 A Hawaiian green sea turtle glides above me in the shallows near the Halona Blowhole. Hundreds of tourists stop above the blowhole everyday to watch from the cliffs, but very few people venture into the water here. It can be a bit risky going diving here but the rewards can be worth it.

Inside an Underwater Cave

Sea Cave is an adventurous dive site on the south shore of Oahu. It is on the outside of the cinder cone which makes up Hanauma Bay. Layered rocks form a steep cliff which plummets 60ft down into the ocean. At the bottom of this underwater cliff lays the opening to a massive sea cave that houses turtles, sharks, and more. The ceiling opens up as you get farther back into the cave sending rays of light down to the huge boulders below.