Stretching for more than 2000 kilometers in the Central Pacific, the Hawaiian coral reef accounts for about 85 percent of all coral reefs in the United States. Because it is under water and not visible, the importance of the reef remains largely hidden - including its importance not only to the ocean environment and its inhabitants, but also to humans.
About one-fourth of the plants, fish, and invertebrates found in the Hawaiian coral reef are endemic to Hawaii, meaning that they can't be found anywhere else on Earth. In the past, reef fish provided Hawaiians with the majority of their protein. And, of course, reef fish continue to be a dietary staple for many people inhabiting and visiting Hawaii.

The humpback whale is an endangered species. Scientists estimate that the pre-whaling population of the North Pacific stock of humpback whales numbered approximately 15,000. In 1993 it was estimated that there were 6,000 whales in the North Pacific Ocean, and that 4,000 of those came to Hawai?i.  The population is estimated to be growing at between 4% and 7% per year. Today, as many as 10,000 humpback whales may visit Hawai`i each year.

Endemic to Hawai`i, Hawaiian monk seals are the most endangered seal species in the U.S., with only an estimated 1,300 seals remaining. Major breeding populations are at six locations in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands; a relatively small, but apparently increasing number of seals live in the main Hawaiian Islands.

Unlike oceanic spinner dolphins, Hawaiian spinners are found close to shore in shallow coves and bays during the day. In these important nearshore habitats, Hawaiian spinner dolphins rest, care for their young, avoid predators and engage in reproductive activities vital to their survival.
The spinner dolphin is named for its unique habit of leaping out of the water and spinning in mid-air. This species tends to travel in large herds of between 10 and 100+ animals.