Resources of the marine waters of Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park

Abstract

Marine resources of Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park in the North Kona District of west Hawaii Island were qualitatively surveyed from the high intertidal to a depth of about 200 ft. The survey extended from Wawahiwaa Point ("Pine Trees") at the north to Noio Point at the south. Intertidal habitat types included exposed basalt bench, exposed low cliff, rock and rubble shore, and sandy beach. Distribution and abundance of intertidal invertebrate macrofauna throughout these habitats are described from walking surveys along the intertidal area of the park. Visual underwater surveys continued subtidally by snorkel and SCUBA diving. Nine major subtidal habitat zones were defined. Of these the most extensive were: an expansive boulder-strewn basalt pavement area (2545 ft. deep), a coral-covered slope (60-100 ft. deep), a basalt cliff (45-90 ft. deep), and an abrupt underwater cliff of 5-25 ft. along much of the shoreline. Descriptions of the fish communities and the invertebrate fauna are presented. Management alternatives for marine resource preservation and visitor use of the park are discussed. These include comments on threatened and endangered species, boat traffic, visitor water recreation and fishing.