Location
Key Information
| 0.42 km2 | MARINE AREA |
| 0.46 km2 | TOTAL AREA i |
Boundary: NOAA MPA Center; Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Aquatic Resources (Boundary Simplified for Display)
Feedback and Data Requests
Last updated on 01 April 2020.
Purpose
To preserve and protect Kealakekua Bay's marine life and habitat. Known for its staggeringly clear waters and 100-foot visibility, this bay offers pristine examples of Hawaii's coral reefs. The diversity of marine life at this site is spectacular, and includes schools of tropical fish, spinner dolphins, turtles, and migrating humpback whales. The northern coastline is bordered by a sheer cliff (Pali-kapu-o-Keoua). On the pali's face numerous lava tube openings are visible, some of which are ancient Hawaiian burial caves. Encrusting coral, caves, crevices, and ledges can be found in waters up to about 30 feet deep.
Species of Concern: Coral
Regulations Summary
Restrictions
It is unlawful to:
1. Fish for, catch, take, injure, kill, possess, or remove any finfish, crustacean, mollusk including sea shell and opihi, live coral, algae or limu, or other marine animal, or other marine life, or eggs thereof.
2. Take, alter, deface, destroy, possess, or remove any sand, coral, rock, or other geological feature, or specimen.
3. Engage or attempting to engage in fish feeding is prohibited.
Allowed
None.