Hawaii is one of the world’s most popular vacation spots, thanks in no small part to its abundance of coral reefs. Teeming with sea life, Hawaii’s reefs are a top tourist attraction. Check out these fun facts to learn more about the reefs before your next snorkeling trip around the Hawaiian Islands. 

5 Facts About Hawaii’s Largest Tourist Attraction, the Coral Reefs

1. Hawaii’s Reefs Are Enormous

The Hawaiian islands are surrounded by more than 410,000 acres of coral reefs. If you put all of them together, they would be larger than the island of Oahu. 85% of the coral reefs in the U.S. are located in Hawaii.

2. You’ll See Unique Species While Snorkeling

More than 7,000 unique species of marine animal and plant life call Hawaii’s coral reefs home. About 25% of that marine life is unique to Hawaii and can only be seen when you go snorkeling or swimming with turtles around the islands. 

3. The Reef Is Vital to Island Life

Hawaii’s coral reefs are more than just a tourist attraction—the reefs help support life on land and in the sea. The reefs provide food and shelter to fish, which, in turn, feed both visitors and residents of the islands. Hawaii’s coral reefs also help keep the islands safe from erosion and damage from storms by abating waves. At the same time, the reefs help form Hawaii’s legendary waves, which supports the surf industry. 

4. Coral Reefs Make Beaches

If you enjoy Hawaii’s white sand beaches, you can thank the coral reefs. Most of Hawaii’s beach sand comes from fragments of dead coral, shells, and calcified algae. Algae from the coral reefs is the main component of almost all of Hawaii’s beaches. 

5. Reef Conservation Is a Top Priority 

Because they’re essential to Hawaii’s ecosystem, most of the coral reefs are protected. For instance, Oahu’s Hanauma Bay has more fish by weight than any other reef on the island due to conservation measures enacted more than 50 years ago. Most of the Northwest Hawaiian Islands area is protected reef as well. In 2000, an executive order established 84 million acres of ocean as the Northwestern Hawaiian Island Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve, the largest conservation area in the U.S. Many areas have strict rules about reef use. Visitors are asked to use reef-safe sunscreen on their snorkeling trips, for example, and feeding wildlife is prohibited. 

If you’re ready to explore Hawaii’s marine tourist attractions up close, join Sea Maui for a tour. Experience the vibrant colors and sea life of Hawaii’s coral reefs aboard their comfortable catamarans, complete with a fully stocked bar and delicious pupus, or sign up for a snorkeling tour. To learn more about their sailing options, visit their website, or call (808) 732-6284 to reserve your spot on a cruise.