The Whale Shark (Rhincodon typus) is the world's largest known fish species. Up to 62 ft, or 18meters, these animals have been reported in all tropical oceans of the world.

Visualize being in a car wash line, or waiting for the dental hygienist. Waiting in line is what the reef fish do underwater at a fish "cleaning station”. They're in line to be cleaned by Hawaiian cleaner wrasse; small, brightly colored fish that measures about 2 to 4 inches.

Long feared and respected, eels evoke visions of serpents waiting to pounce on unsuspecting humans. Yet contrary to these images, eels are not vicious man-eaters, but fascinating reef fish with an odd appearance.

The delicate and brightly colored Butterflyfish stand out as some of the most beautiful reef fish you will encounter while SCUBA diving or snorkeling. More characteristic of coral reefs than any other family of fishes, these brightly colored and intricately patterned fish are an underwater delight!

People often ask snorkel guides, “What can I touch or step on that will hurt me?". It's an intelligent question because of the diversity of shoreline habitats. Many creatures, including Scorpionfish, should be kept at a respectful distance.

Of the ocean predators, sharks immediately come to mind. However, the jack family plays the most significant role in establishing reef communities, and is extremely important to humans as well.

My family had no choice but to take me to the ocean every year for vacation. Being from Germany, my contact with the saltwater was limited, but didn't stop me from developing a love and respect for our oceans.

Sea turtles have lived on our planet for over 150 million years. Of the seven species of sea turtles, the most commonly viewed around Kauai is the Pacific Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas) or honu. Though still a threatened species, the population of green sea turtles has gradually increased.

Virtually unchanged for 15 million years, Hawaiian monk seals are considered nature's living fossils. Their tropical seal cousins, the Caribbean and Mediterranean monk seals, have disappeared in the past century. Hawaiian monk seals number about 1200 with less than 40 within the main islands.

Like the Dalmatians that ride fire engines, the pantropical spotted dolphins that frolic along Hawaiian coastlines are born without spots. The unusual markings develop as the dolphins get older. Evidence suggests that these marine mammals were once four-legged land creatures that evolved into the ocean through millions of years of natural selection.