state fish of hawaii

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 01:12:53 +0000

The State Fish of Hawaii: Honoring the Humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa Hawaii’s natural beauty is as vibrant and unique as its cultural heritage, and nowhere is this more celebrated than with the state’s official fish—the Humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa (Rhinecanthus analophus). Known affectionately by locals as the humu, this striking reef fish is not only Hawaii’s state fish but also a beloved symbol of the islands’ rich marine biodiversity. ### What Is the Humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa? The humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa is a vividly patterned marine triggerfish recognized for its distinctive, almost royal appearance. Measuring up to 18 inches, its coloration combines bright blues, greens, and yellows adorned with bold black markings, resembling a tropical fish straight out of a storybook. The name itself—a playful Hawaiian phrase—translates roughly to “fish with the snout like a puffed-up cheek” and reflects the fish’s unique, somewhat comical facial features.