Northwestern Hawaiian Islands


In this exhibit

Bandit angelfish
Masked angelfish
Hawaiian morwong
Crosshatch triggerfish
Table coral

The largest single area dedicated to conservation in the United States, and one of the largest in the world, the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument is home to over 7,000 marine species. Offering visitors an experience to see some of these fishes and corals in a re-created habitat, the Waikiki Aquarium’s Northwestern Hawaiian Islands exhibit features a living reef ecosystem representative of the world’s most isolated islands.

Among the unique organisms to be featured in the 4,000-gallon public display are table corals, masked angelfish, Thompson’s anthias, Japanese angelfish and Hawaiian morwongs. These species are abundant around the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, but are extremely uncommon or absent around the Main Hawaiian Islands. Interactive touch screens associated with the exhibit provide additional information on the significance of the islands, their ecology and biodiversity, and the importance of preserving this marine ecosystem for future generations.